Summary of the Core Content
This article focuses on the life of Li Huitang, affectionately known as the "King of Football," and recounts his journey from a grassroots youth in Hong Kong to becoming a legend of Chinese football. It discusses how he used football to unite the national spirit and participate in international competitions such as the Olympics and the World Cup. The article also reflects on the historical legacy and development of Chinese football through Li Huitang's story, emphasizing the connection between sports, national rise, and international perspective.
I. From "Dog Hole Shooting" to "King of Football": The Rise of a Grassroots Teenager
Li Huitang's football career began in his childhood. Next to the gate of Lianqing Tower in his hometown of Wuhua County, Meizhou, there was a small hole that he used for practicing shooting; when no one was available to play with him, he would kick the ball against the wall or even practice sprinting amidst traffic. His father initially thought he was not focusing on his studies, but after seeking guidance from a professional coach, Li Huitang won the "village championship" at the age of 17 and caught the attention of the Hong Kong Chinese football team, Nanhua.
Joining Nanhua, he challenged the dominance of foreigners in Hong Kong's football scene. In the 1923-1924 season, he helped Nanhua win the Hong Kong First Division League, marking the first time a Chinese team had achieved this milestone. Later, he led the Chinese national team to five consecutive victories at the Far East Games and played 24 matches in Australia, scoring 31 goals, demonstrating the athletic prowess of the Chinese people. Upon returning home, tickets for his games were in high demand, with fans even scrambling for seats on hills to watch him play.
After moving to Shanghai, he joined the Lehua team and, driven by the patriotic fervor following the May 30th Movement, overcame Western dominance in Shanghai's football scene, winning all local competitions. After scoring the winning goal in the final, he was carried off the field by the fans, and the title "King of Football" became widely recognized.
II. Football as a National "Strengthening Agent": Using Goals to Combat the "Sick Man of East Asia"
Li Huitang's football was never just a sport; it was a symbol of national spirit. In 1925, he wrote in the newspaper *Shenbao*: "Football can lead other sports and help Chinese people shed the label of 'the Sick Man of East Asia.'"
The most touching moment came at the 1934 Far East Games: Japan had been invading China for three years, and the Chinese team could not afford to let the football gold medal go to them. In the final, a Chinese player was sent off, and the game was tied at 3-3. In the last moments, Li Huitang stepped up and scored from a penalty kick, securing a ninth consecutive victory. He wrote in his diary that he was as nervous as a deer before taking the shot, but he knew that this goal represented the hopes of his compatriots; it was not just an ordinary match—it was a battle for national dignity.
III. International Competitions: Only by Seeing the World Can We Understand the Gap
Li Huitang was one of the first Chinese footballers to participate in international competitions. In 1936, he led the Chinese team to the Berlin Olympics, where they were eliminated in the first round by the UK. However, he saw this as an opportunity to assess their shortcomings. He later reflected: "Our opponents were strong teams like Uruguay and Germany; we lost, but at least we knew where we stood."
He also experienced the World Cup firsthand. In 1958, he watched Pele play in Sweden, and in 1966, as the Vice-President of FIFA, he witnessed England's victory at Wembley Stadium. He realized that the World Cup had surpassed the Olympics in significance and recognized the importance of professional football—since the Olympics only allowed amateur players, while the World Cup was a platform for professionals. He predicted early on that it was inevitable for athletes to earn money through competition.
Comparing with the Japanese team, which surprised everyone by defeating Sweden at the 1936 Olympics and later became part of the Japanese Football Hall of Fame, Li Huitang admired their progress and understood that football requires the accumulation of efforts over several generations, unlike the common saying "starting from scratch."
IV. A Versatile Talent Beyond Football: The Multifaceted Life of the King of Football
Li Huitang was more than just a skilled footballer; he taught physical education, coached young players, engaged in business, wrote poetry, and contributed to journalism (for example, for *Shenbao*). He also traveled abroad to connect with overseas Chinese communities and organized fundraising efforts for the resistance against Japan. There was a saying at the time: "For opera, watch Mei Lanfang; for football, watch Li Huitang." He was a cultural icon, but his greatest ambition was to encourage more people to play football and bring honor to the country.
His vision extended to the commercialization of sports; in the 1930s, he believed that the sports industry could be profitable, and athletes should earn income—a forward-thinking idea for an era dominated by amateurism.
V. What Should Chinese Football Learn Today?: Stop Starting from Scratch
The article concludes with a quote from Professor Zhao Zheng: The generation of Li Huitang participated in the Olympics not to win championships but to understand their place in the world. Today, Chinese football often prefers to "start over" and ignores historical heritage. For instance, Meizhou is the birthplace of Chinese football, and Li Huitang's former residence still exists, yet have we made good use of these historical resources?
Japanese football has succeeded because they have respected their history and built on past achievements over generations. If we continue to start from scratch, China's football culture will remain undeveloped. Li Huitang's story teaches us that football cannot be achieved overnight; it requires a solid foundation in history and gradual growth.
This article connects football with national identity, history, and international perspective, showing that football is more than just a game on the field—it represents a country's spirit and development. Li Huitang came closest to winning the World Cup not because of his exceptional skills but because he stood on the international stage. Perhaps this is what Chinese football should aim for today: to first "go out" and then "catch up."