On this day full of joy, we usher in the 33rd birthday of Zhang Linpeng, the pride of the national team. Officials of the national football team hereby offer warm wishes to make this veteran feel the warmth of home.
Since stepping into the national team in 2009, Zhang Linpeng's figure has made 92 appearances in official matches, leading the team's appearance record as well as topping the national team's all-time appearance list. With three Asian Cups and three World Cup qualifiers under his belt, he has always been the lynchpin of the team's backline.
The official of the National Football League said with emotion, "The years are like a song, a new year and new challenges await Zhang Linpeng. May he have a happy 33rd birthday and continue to stay on the field!"
It is worth mentioning that Shanghai Harbour Football Club has officially announced the addition of Zhang Linpeng to the team, allowing him to return to the familiar Shanghai Bund and play Shanghai soccer again.
Zhang Linpeng started his career with Shanghai East Asia Football Club (formerly Shanghai Harbour Football Club) in 2006, playing in the second and first divisions, before saying goodbye to Shanghai and joining Guangzhou Football Club in 2011. During his 11 seasons at Guangzhou, Zhang made 328 appearances for the team, contributing 18 goals as a defender. Under his leadership, the team won the AFC Champions League, Chinese Super League, CFA Cup and CFA Super Cup.
