Zhang Enhua: The Life Trajectory of a National Soccer Hall of Famer
On April 29, 2021, a heartbreaking news exploded in the national soccer world - Zhang Enhua, a former international footballer and Chinese football star, passed away at the age of 48 due to illness. He once wore the national football robes, experienced countless splendor, retired and devoted himself to his studies, and witnessed countless national football storms in his life.
In his playing days, Zhang Enhua's soccer career was smooth sailing. With his excellent physical fitness and all-round defensive ability, he quickly gained a firm foothold in the Dalian team, and his ability to head the ball made him an offensive weapon on the field.
Zero World Cup appearances become a "knot".
In 2001, the Chinese soccer team reached its peak in the Top 10, however, the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup became the biggest pain point in Zhang Enhua's soccer career. Despite traveling with the team, he failed to get a single minute of playing time in the three group matches.
Before representing the national team in the World Cup, Zhang Enhua had a three-month stay in the United States and was loaned to England's Grimsby, making 17 appearances and scoring three goals to help the team finish relegation. However, he failed to get more opportunities, which became a thorn in his side.
After retirement, Zhang Enhua transitioned to coaching, studying in European countries and obtaining the AFC Working Coach Certificate.In 2016, he returned to China to serve as the leader and head of the Chinese coaching team of Shenzhen Jiazhaoye, assisting the manager Eriksson. However, his soccer career did not end there.
Zhang Enhua was interested in asking someone to write an autobiography for himself to organize his past experiences and stories, but for various reasons, this autobiography could not be completed. He wrote in his circle of friends, "Thank you for fellow teachers, thank you for team brothers, thank you for good brothers, Shenzhen set sail." This would have been the direction of his new endeavor - to devote himself to Shenzhen youth training, but unfortunately, he failed to see the future of the salon.
On the afternoon of April 29, many people in the soccer circle were saddened by the death of Zhang Enhua. His friends have expressed their condolences, and the World Football League, the Chinese soccer team, the Dalian People's Club, the Shenzhen Football Club, and the Grimsby Club of England have sent messages of condolence.
Zhang Enhua's death made fans feel sorry for his life for the national soccer team. Grateful that the national soccer team once had you, go all the way.
