On May 11, Chinese football icon Nian Weisi celebrated his 93rd birthday in Beijing, with his disciple Xu Genbao organizing a gathering of football personalities to honor his legacy. The event aimed to promote respect, unity, and dedication within the football community, according to a report from Oriental Sports Daily.
Attendees included football veterans Wang Junsheng, Xue Li, Zhao Shutian, Hu Zhigang, Jin Zhiyang, Qi Wusheng, Ma Yuan’an, Yang Limin, Zhang Lu, and Yang Xu, as well as Shanghai Port players Wu Lei, Zhang Linpeng, and Yan Junling, who had just finished a match in the Chinese Super League.
Wu Lei, representing the players, delivered a speech expressing admiration for Xu Genbao’s annual tradition of celebrating Nian Weisi’s birthday. “I grew up at Genbao Base, listening to Coach Xu talk about Coach Nian’s teachings. He always told us to be good people, play good football, and learn to be grateful,” Wu said. “I envy my mentor for organizing this gathering for his teacher every year, and I hope this spirit of gratitude can be passed down.”
Zhang Linpeng echoed the theme of gratitude and legacy. “Coach Xu has always taught us to be grateful. He celebrates his teacher’s birthday, and we also visit him every year on the second day of the Chinese New Year to celebrate his birthday. This is a wonderful tradition of passing on gratitude.”
Xu Genbao, reflecting on the importance of the annual event, said, “My health hasn’t been great lately, but I promised Coach Nian I would hold this gathering. Of his former teammates, only Coach Nian remains. Many of his disciples have also passed away. For us, getting together at this age is precious. We cherish every day, and above all, we are grateful.”
Xu also noted that Wang Shenchao was unable to attend due to injury, and Lü Wenjun was leading a match. “They inspire me greatly. Every year on the second day of the New Year, they visit me at the base, no matter the weather or traffic. Sometimes they have afternoon training but still come to see me. It’s easy to say ‘thank you,’ but keeping that gratitude in your heart is the hardest thing to do,” Xu added.
The gathering underscored the deep respect and continuity within Chinese football, embodying a legacy of mentorship and gratitude that spans generations.