On May 11, 2026, the legendary figure of Chinese football, Nian Weisi, celebrated his 93rd birthday. In a tradition of deep respect, his top disciple Xu Genbao, along with football veterans including Wang Junsheng, Xue Li, Zhao Shutian, Hu Zhigang, Jin Zhiyang, Qi Wusheng, Ma Yuan’an, Yang Limin, Zhang Lu, and former national player Yang Xu, gathered to honor their mentor.
Nian Weisi, born on May 11, 1933, in Beijing, was selected for the national team in 1951, becoming one of China’s earliest international footballers. He is the only surviving member of the Chinese team that studied in Hungary. After a career-ending injury in 1960, he served as a coach and administrator, leading the national team five times and even serving as the chairman of the Chinese Football Association. He was often called upon as a “firefighter” during crises.
Now over 90 and using a wheelchair, Nian remains sharp-minded. He recalled with clarity the six gatherings Xu Genbao had organized since his 70th birthday at a small Beijing restaurant in 2003, during the SARS outbreak. For his 80th birthday in 2012, Xu Genbao brought nearly 20 staff from hisbase and hosted a dinner for 200 football figures at the China World Hotel.
A touching moment occurred when Nian handed Xu a bankbook, saying he had saved all the money Xu had sent him every month from his pension. Xu declined, saying, “Without you, I wouldn’t be here. This is what a disciple should do.” The tradition continued for subsequent birthdays, bringing together football legends.
Nian expressed his gratitude for Xu’s dedication: “As a 93-year-old, seeing teammates and friends today makes me truly happy. Thank Genbao and his wife for organizing this.” Xu, now 82 and recovering from health issues, insisted on traveling to Beijing despite his illness, saying, “I promised I would, and I cannot break my word.”
Xu’s disciples from the Chongming Island base, including Wu Lei, Yan Junling, and Zhang Linpeng, also attended. Wu Lei spoke about the legacy of gratitude and discipline passed down from Xu, while Zhang Linpeng highlighted the importance of tradition. Yan Junling revealed that Nian, a loyal supporter of Shanghai Port, jokingly told him, “I hope to see you less in the game highlights, so the team can achieve good results!”
The reunion underscored the value of gratitude and heritage in Chinese football. Xu Genbao emphasized, “Saying ‘thank you’ is easy, but keeping it in your heart and acting on it is the hardest. If you can also gain insight, that’s an even higher level.”