On April 29th, at sundown, the Chinese soccer world suffered a heavy blow when former national team member Zhang Enhua passed away, just one day after his 48th birthday. According to his relatives, Zhang Enhua died of a heart attack after drinking.
Zhang Enhua was one of China's most outstanding defenders, and in 2002 he played in the World Cup, although he failed to make his debut. Known for his skill with headers, Zhang Enhua's leaping header helped the national team win three crucial points in a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia on October 3, 1997, in a rainy game in Jinzhou, Dalian, in the Asian zone of the World Cup qualifying round of ten. Throughout his career, Zhang Enhua has made 59 appearances for the national team, scoring five goals, an achievement that is extremely rare as a defender.
When the news of Zhang Enhua's passing came, many people in the soccer world expressed their condolences. Former international footballer Dong Fangzhuo lamented, "It was too sudden and deeply saddened." Fan Zhiyi also left a message on social media, "Former teammate, may the journey be good!"
Fan Zhiyi and Zhang Enhua were members of the national team at the same time, playing side by side for many years and competing fiercely on the field. 2000, Fan Zhiyi was playing for Crystal Palace in the English First Division, he recommended Zhang Enhua to manager Smith and said that Crystal Palace was interested in signing him without a trial. However, Zhang Enhua's attitude was a mystery.
On November 27, 2000, League One club Grimsby signed a four-month loan agreement with Zhang Enhua. On December 17 of the same year, Zhang Enhua made his debut for Grimsby in the 23rd round of the Premier League, helping the team to a 2-0 win over Norwich.
However, in order to return to his home country for the Top 10, Zhang Enhua left after only four months at Grimsby. In the Premier League, he made 17 appearances, racking up 1,298 minutes and scoring three goals, of which he was named Man of the Match on two occasions.
Grimsby FC also posted a message of condolence after learning of Zhang Enhua's passing, "Deeply saddened to hear the sad news, may he rest in peace."
