Fan Zhiyi

Fan Zhiyi (范志毅), born November 6, 1969, is a retired Chinese footballer and former captain of the Chinese national team. He is widely regarded as one of China's greatest ever players and a key figure in the nation's footballing history.

Fan primarily played as a defender, known for his commanding presence, strong tackling, and leadership qualities. He also possessed considerable versatility, occasionally featuring as a defensive midfielder or even a striker earlier in his career.

His career highlights include captaining China to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, their first and only appearance in the tournament to date. He was also named Asian Footballer of the Year in 2001.

At club level, Fan played professionally for Shanghai Shenhua in China, winning league titles in 1995 and 1996. He also had a spell in the English Football League with Crystal Palace from 1998 to 2001, becoming a popular figure with the club's supporters. He later played for Dundee United and Cardiff City before returning to China to finish his playing career.

Since retiring from football, Fan has been involved in coaching and punditry. He has also become known for his outspoken opinions on Chinese football. He remains a significant figure in Chinese sporting culture.