Was this the final game for the team with 100Gyeong Gi-ga (CEO)? 'China's Son Heung-min' Uri, reflecting on 16 years, hints at farewell

*This content was translated by AI.

Uri (Shanghai Port), known as 'China's Son Heung-min,' posted a message that appears to hint at his retirement from the Chinese national team. In China, many view his message as a farewell to the national team.

Chinese outlet Leisu Sports reported on the 10th (Korean time) that "Is Uri aiming for a beautiful conclusion with 100 caps for the Chinese national team? He hinted at parting ways with the national team via social media."

The post Uri uploaded to his social media sparked retirement rumors. He wrote, "After 16 years as a national team player, I have worn the Chinese national team jersey in 100 matches. Looking back on my journey, I am grateful that the national team gave me this opportunity."

He continued, "I thank all the teammates who fought alongside every coach throughout history and all the fans who always believed in me and supported me without change. This journey had both achievements and trials. All the experiences I have gone through are my most precious assets."

Uri did not directly mention retirement. However, given his reflection on 16 years with the national team and his sequential expressions of gratitude to coaches, teammates, and fans, some interpret this as preparation for the end of his national team career. Being born in 1991 and now considered a veteran also fueled the retirement speculation.

Uri, a striker for the Chinese national team, holds symbolic significance similar to Son Heung-min in Korean football. He made his professional debut at just 14 years old and quickly attracted major attention. Rising through Shanghai Dongya, he gained widespread recognition after the team entered the Chinese Super League and consistently ranked among the top scorers despite fierce competition from foreign strikers.

At one point, Uri reportedly turned down interest from England's Wolverhampton Wanderers, prioritizing his club's league title challenge and a bid for the AFC Champions League. In the 2018 season, he scored 27 goals without any penalties, simultaneously claiming the Chinese Super League Golden Boot and Choi U-su-seon (수상)(MVP).

In 2019, Uri transferred to Spain's Espanyol and challenged the European stage in his late 20s. While playing in Spain's La Liga, he drew high expectations from Chinese football fans but faced difficult times, including intense competition for starting positions and his club's relegation to the second division. Ultimately, after three years in Europe, he returned to China.

Wearing the jersey of his original club, Shanghai Port, Uri demonstrated his enduring power on home soil. In the 2022 season, his return year, he scored 11 goals in 12 matches. He also contributed 18 goals in the 2023 season, helping his team win the league title, and recorded 34 goals in the 2024 season, setting a new record for most goals in a single Chinese Super League season.

Uri has long been the focal point of China's attack. After making his A-match debut against Hong Kong in February 2010, he consistently performed as a key striker. In 2021, he was named to the Asian Best 11 selected by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).

In June's match against Singapore, he came on as a substitute and reached the milestone of his 100th A-match appearance. This result reflects 16 years of wearing the national team jersey representing Chinese football.

Following Uri's meaningful post, attention turned to whether he would retire from the Chinese national team. However, alternative interpretations exist. Some argue that since he did not explicitly state his retirement intentions, this message was simply to commemorate his 100th A-match appearance and express gratitude for his time with the Ji Nan (CEO) team.

Another variable is Uri's failure to achieve his long-term goal of qualifying for the World Cup finals. China has only once appeared in the World Cup finals, at the 2002 Korea-Japan tournament. Uri also has no experience playing in a World Cup finals. China was eliminated in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

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*This content was translated by AI.