In 1975, Zhang Ouying was born in a remote village in Hebei.
Looking back, Zhang Ouying's family was poor and even had no income at times, but her fervor for soccer never waned.
At the age of 13, a coach recognized her soccer talent and asked Zhang's parents to send her to Zhangjiakou Junior Sports School for further study.
It was certainly a painful parting for the then pre-teen girl who had to face life alone.
In the lonely days, Zhang Ouying trained diligently and her soccer skills improved by leaps and bounds.
Zhang Ouying's performance attracted the attention of the provincial sports school, and she was able to enter a higher level of education.
Faced with the environment of masters, Zhang Ouying feels the pressure, but she knows that only through unremitting efforts, she can achieve extraordinary results.
Zhang Ouying's training got tougher and tougher, but she worked at her own pace and achieved great success in soccer.
She's not big, but her fast-break skills have won over countless viewers.
Western players cast contemptuous glances at Chinese players at the Women's World Cup, but they soon realized the resilience and strength of the Chinese girls.
Zhang Ouying, one of the best in women's soccer, put the ball into the opponent's goal again and again with her perseverance.
It is a little known fact that Zhang Ouying's development was not smooth and even a bit bumpy when she first joined the national team.
The national team players come from all provinces and are very strong, so Zhang Ouying can only play as a substitute and has few chances to play.
For four years, Zhang Ouying sat on the sidelines and watched his teammates take a swing at the field.
For her, it was an unbearable ordeal.
However, after that period of gloom, Zhang Ouying, like a dark horse, led the field.
Zhang Ouying, who became the national team's debutant, ushered in the golden era of his career.
In 1999, she participated in the World Cup with her predecessors such as Liu Ailing and Sun Wen, and her soccer skills were perfectly demonstrated.
In the World Cup, the Chinese team met the United States, and despite the difference in strength, the Chinese girls drew with their opponents with indomitable spirit.
The Chinese women's soccer team tried their best in the penalty shootout, but eventually lost.
Despite failing to win the championship, the fighting spirit of the Chinese women's soccer team won the respect of the audience and earned Zhang Ouying a reputation.
The game made Zhang Ouying a household soccer star.
Zhang Ouying's road to fame was not a smooth one, and she also faced an invitation from the U.S. Elves, but she resolutely chose to stay at home.
In the U.S., Zhang Ouying overcame many obstacles to take her soccer skills to the next level.
Most importantly, however, it was here that she met her true love and the two walked hand in hand into marriage.
As she grew older, Zhang Ouying realized it was time for her to retire.
After conferring with her husband, she retired from the USL and lived a quiet life.
Despite leaving the green field, Zhang Ouying did not give up her soccer career.
In 2007, she was invited to become the coach of the women's soccer team and led the team to the World Cup.
Despite their lack of strength, the Chinese women's soccer team gave it their best shot, but ultimately failed to advance.
Zhang Ouying once again chose to leave to devote herself to soccer training and developing reserve talents for her country.
During those years, Zhang Ouying gradually faded from the public eye.
In 2020, a sad news came that Zhang Ouying passed away due to illness.
Many can't believe how this woman in her 40s died so young.
In fact, Zhang Ouying was diagnosed with lung cancer a few years ago.
Despite active cooperation with the treatment, the cancer had spread and even the gods could not save it.
Zhang Ouying regretfully passed away, leaving behind endless mourning.
As the leader of Chinese women's soccer team, Zhang Ouying has led the team to create one glory after another and become an eternal legend in the hearts of fans.
Now, with China's women's soccer team on the rise again, Zhang Ouying's name is being brought up again.
Throughout her soccer career, Zhang Ouying has always regarded her soccer career as her life, and she is also a respected female soccer player in the hearts of countless people.
