Feng Xiaoting, the iconic figure of the Chinese League One, remains steadfast on the pitch. As a former national team captain, his name itself brings infinite attraction to the team. In a crucial game, he scored a key equalizer to give his team a thrilling escape. However, observing his physique, it is not difficult to realize that he has gained weight, and the fighting spirit of the young players of yesteryear seems to be difficult to sustain in high-intensity matches.
Looking back, Feng Xiaoting made his mark at the 2005 World Youth Championships at the tender age of 20, when he became synonymous with Asia's top center backs. The experience of playing in the K-League in South Korea has given him even more wings. Evergrande's ten years have made him a brilliant player. As a stalwart of the AFC Champions League, he is undoubtedly the first choice of center backs for the national football team.
The question has been raised: after Fan Zhiyi and Li Weifeng, has Feng Xiaoting become the third man at center back in national soccer? Regardless of the answer, this is undoubtedly the highest praise for his career.
However, the '19 Asian Cup overshadowed Feng Xiaoting's career.
Feng Xiaoting studied at Daegu FC and Jeonbuk from 2009 to 2010, when he was on the upswing of his career and showed potential to be a top-class defender in Asia. But it was at this point that Guangzhou Evergrande brought him back home for a whopping 15 million RMB. At the time, the annual salary was as high as 5 million yuan, a deal he couldn't refuse. Although South Korean coach Choi Kang-hee opposed the deal, the decision of the club and the player ultimately prevailed.
However, as a professional player, Feng Xiaoting doesn't live under much pressure. His annual salary at Evergrande has exceeded 10 million, peaking at RMB 18.5 million, excluding bonuses. For now, he seems to be just enjoying the fun that soccer brings, and perhaps after completing one season, he will choose to retire.
