Sun Jihai

Sun Jihai ( simplified Chinese: 孙继海; traditional Chinese: 孫繼海; pinyin: Sūn Jìhǎi, born September 30, 1977) is a retired Chinese professional footballer who played as a defender. He is best known for his time playing in the English Premier League with Manchester City, becoming the first East Asian player to score in the Premier League.

Sun Jihai began his career in China with Dalian Wanda (later Dalian Shide). His impressive performances led to him joining Crystal Palace in 1998, although work permit issues hindered his stay. He returned to Dalian Shide and enjoyed significant success, winning several league titles.

In 2002, Sun Jihai signed for Manchester City, marking a significant moment for Chinese football. He became a popular figure at the club, known for his versatility, work rate, and defensive capabilities. He made over 130 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions and scored several memorable goals.

After leaving Manchester City in 2008, Sun Jihai played for Sheffield United, Chengdu Blades, and Guizhou Renhe. He also had a brief stint in the Chinese second tier with Chongqing Lifan before retiring in 2016.

Sun Jihai also represented the Chinese national team extensively, earning over 80 caps. He participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the only time China has qualified for the tournament.

Following his retirement, Sun Jihai has remained involved in football, undertaking roles in coaching and football administration. He was inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame in 2015. His contributions have made him a significant figure in the development and promotion of football in China.