Zheng Zhi, born in Shenyang on 20 August 1980, is a professional football manager and former player who served as the captain of the Chinese national team. Over a career spanning two decades, he evolved from a defender into a central midfielder, securing multiple major honors across the Chinese Super League and representing China in international competition.
Early Development and Domestic Success
Zheng began his youth career in 1990 within Liaoning academies, debuting professionally for Liaoning Liaoqing in 1998. Following a year of inactivity due to a legal ownership dispute, he joined Shenzhen Jianlibao in 2001 for a fee of 3.5 million yen. Under manager Zhu Guanghu, he transitioned from defense to a playmaker role, contributing to the club's 2004 league title. In January 2005, he moved to Shandong Luneng Taishan for 9.5 million yen, where he experienced a prolific period of goal scoring.
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In December 2006, Zheng joined the Premier League side Charlton Athletic on loan. He debuted against Manchester United in February 2007 and scored his first league goal against Newcastle United in March. After a brief return to China, he signed a permanent deal with Charlton in August 2007 for 2 million pounds. Following his departure in 2009, he moved to the Scottish club Celtic, where he debuted against Rangers. He remained with the club for one season, scoring against Heart of Midlothian before returning to China.
Guangzhou FC and AFC Champions League
Zheng signed with Guangzhou Evergrande in June 2010. As team captain, he led the club to unprecedented success, including eight Chinese Super League titles. In 2013, he captained the team to victory in the AFC Champions League, the first time a Chinese club achieved the continental title. His performance earned him the Asian Footballer of the Year award in November 2013. He later served as the club's caretaker manager in 2019 and was appointed general manager in 2020.
International Career
Zheng earned his first cap for the Chinese national team in December 2002 against Syria. He scored his maiden international goal in 2004 against Macedonia. Serving as a primary midfielder under Zhu Guanghu, he later became the national team captain under Gao Hongbo. He led the under-23 side at the 2008 Summer Olympics. On 2 June 2018, he achieved his 100th cap in a win against Thailand. The Chinese FA held a retirement ceremony for him on 16 June 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 20 August 1980, Shenyang
- Citizenship: People's Republic of China
- Professional Debut: 1998
- Asian Footballer of the Year: 2013
- International Caps: 100
- Retirement Ceremony: 16 June 2023
Questions readers ask
Which major continental trophy did Zheng win with Guangzhou FC?
He captained the club to win the AFC Champions League in 2013.
How many times did Zheng Zhi win the Chinese Super League title?
He won the title a record eight times with Guangzhou FC.
