Why China wants to become a leader in football

China is a country that has long held a leading position in many sports and now aims to dominate football. Even though China has not made significant progress in world football tournaments in recent decades, the country's ambitions to improve football have long been part of the state strategy. In this article, we will look at why China seeks to become a world leader in football, what measures are being taken to achieve this goal, and what is behind their pursuit of the highest positions in the world football hierarchy.

1. Football as part of the state strategy

1.1 Chinese Government Support and Ambition

One of the key factors in China's desire for leadership in football is support for the state. In 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that the country intends to become a world leader in football. As part of this strategy, the National Football Development Plan was adopted, which includes ambitious goals such as the creation of a world-class professional football league, the training of talented football players and the improvement of the level of football infrastructure in the country.

- Government support includes investment in football infrastructure development, coaching education, club support and creating more accessible facilities for young people. China aims to create a system in which every child can play football from a very young age and be able to get into professional clubs.

1.2 Development of football culture in the country

For China, an important step is not only the development of infrastructure, but also the strengthening of football culture among the population. Much attention is paid to the popularization of football among children and young people. Football training programs are implemented in school institutions, and national championships and tournaments are becoming an important element in sports life.

- The country is actively working to educate a new generation of fans and football players, which creates the basis for growing interest in football and raising the level of professional teams.

2. Investment in football infrastructure

2.1 Construction of modern football stadiums and academies

China is making big investments in building modern infrastructure for football. New football stadiums, training bases and academies are being built in the country to help prepare high-quality football players. As part of this strategy, Chinese cities are becoming centers for football development.

- For example, stadiums for the Chinese Super League are equipped with the latest technology, which allows for the highest level of competition. These facilities are also designed to train players and fans, creating the conditions for the development of football culture at all levels.

2.2 Programs to improve the coaching staff

China is actively working on training coaches and their qualifications. There are a number of programs aimed at increasing the level of the coaching staff, which contributes to creating conditions for the development of not only players, but also coaching potential.

- China attracts foreign specialists and world-class coaches, which helps to implement the best practices of football schools and clubs, as well as introduce new coaching techniques that will help develop football at all levels.

3. Attracting foreign football players and coaches

3.1 Investment in professional clubs

Chinese clubs are actively investing in attracting foreign players and coaches. In recent years, Chinese football clubs have begun to actively purchase world football stars, which helps to increase the level of play and draw attention to Chinese football. For example, clubs such as Shanghai SIPG and Guangzhou Evergrand have become famous in the global football community thanks to major investments in football.

- Attracting star footballers from Europe and South America helps to improve the quality of the game in Chinese clubs, and also contributes to the growing interest in Chinese football on the international stage.

3.2 Participation of Chinese clubs in international tournaments

China seeks to succeed not only on the national but also on the international stage. The participation of Chinese clubs in tournaments such as the AFC Champions League and Asian Cup helps raise the profile of Chinese football and strengthen its position on the world stage.

- China is also working to improve its performance in international club tournaments, which will help promote Chinese players and clubs to the world football scene.

4. Education and training for young people

4.1 Establishment of football academies and schools

China understands that in order to become a world leader in football, it is necessary to ensure that young people are trained at the highest level. Football academies are actively created in the country, where children and adolescents can undergo training, improve their skills and develop as professional players.

- These academies offer modern teaching and training methods that meet world standards. The system also involves the involvement of foreign coaches and specialists in order to teach young people the best world practices.

4.2 Programs for the development of children's football

In addition, China is actively introducing programs for the development of children's football in school and educational institutions. Bringing children and teenagers into football in the earliest stages of their sporting careers creates a strong foundation for future success on the international stage.

- State support of these programs allows not only to increase the number of young football players, but also to ensure their training according to world standards.

5. China's long-term goals in football

5.1 Striving for World Tournaments

One of the main goals of China is not only to improve the level of local teams, but also to participate in world tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the Asian Cup. China aims to take its national team to the world level, as well as to become the leading football nation in Asia.

5.2 Striving for a world-class professional football league

China also plans to create its world-class professional soccer league, which will become competitive on the international stage and attract the best teams and players. This will allow the country not only to develop football, but also to attract spectators from all over the world.

Conclusion

China's aspiration to become a world leader in football is an ambitious and long-term process that includes government support, infrastructure development, attracting foreign specialists and the creation of professional academies. Every year, China is taking more steps towards achieving these goals, and in the coming decades, Chinese football can be expected to reach a new level, continuing to develop not only local teams, but also improve its position on the world stage.