On May 11, 2026, Chinese football legend Nian Weisi celebrated his 93rd birthday at a grand banquet held at the China Grand Hotel. Shi Xueqing, a prominent figure in Chinese football, was invited to attend and later shared his reflections on social media, highlighting a touching tradition that began decades ago.
The event brought together several generations of Chinese football icons, including former FA chairmen Wang Junsheng and Xue Li, legendary coaches Xu Genbao, Qi Wusheng, Jin Zhiyang, Ma Yuan’an, Hu Zhigang, Yang Limin, Zhao Shutian, and Li Xiaoguang, as well as media veterans Zhang Lu and Jin Shan. Current players Wu Lei, Yan Junling, Zhang Linpeng, and Yang Xu were also in attendance, paying tribute to the elder statesman.
Shi Xueqing, who has had a diverse career as a professional player, journalist, club manager, and commentator, was the only guest with such a multifaceted background. He described the atmosphere as deeply emotional, with football dignitaries from different eras coming together to celebrate Nian’s longevity and reminisce about the ups and downs of Chinese football.
One story stood out: since the 1970s, Xu Genbao has consistently organized birthday celebrations for his mentor, Nian Weisi. This enduring act of gratitude and loyalty has become a cherished tale within Chinese football, symbolizing the deep bonds of respect and mentorship that have shaped the sport.