Wei Xiangxin: Regaining Confidence at the National Games

Reported by Wang Wei At the recently finished 15th National Games U18 men's football tournament, the host Guangdong team won the bronze medal. As an important player of Guangdong’s U18 team and currently with Meizhou Hakka, young Wei Xiangxin made his first appearance at the National Games. After the event, he shared with our reporter in Shenzhen that this competition helped him "regain his previous confidence," and looking ahead, he said, "I still want to try going abroad."

For Wei Xiangxin, his first journey at the National Games was full of challenges. He said, "The intensity was quite high; every team had been preparing for one or two years, all aiming for the championship, so everyone fought hard." Guangdong’s campaign at these Games was indeed as he described—each match was unpredictable and demanding, with Wei playing a crucial role in various games.

In the first group match, Guangdong defeated Henan 4-2. Wei Xiangxin came on as a substitute and scored a goal, helping the team start strong. This match marked not only his debut at the National Games but also the beginning of his form recovery. Previously, he had limited playing time at Meizhou Hakka and admitted his form "was not as good as before." The 15th National Games became an important platform for him to regain his form.

At this National Games, Wei wore the number 10 jersey for the first time and scored the goal that sealed the victory in his debut. After the match, he said, "I hope my form keeps improving so I can help the team. I haven’t won a championship this year yet, and I want to win one with the team. Personally, my goal is to score more goals." He also added, "We won’t underestimate any opponent and will play well in every match."

In the quarterfinals, Wei came on again as a substitute and scored the winning goal in the 85th minute, helping Guangdong beat Hubei 2-1 and advance to the semifinals. Behind this goal was the precise tactical use by Guangdong coach Li Haoming. Regarding Wei’s role, Li said, "My main approach with Xiao Wei is to protect him. I don’t want him to do too much when he’s tired; we have to manage his energy wisely. Secondly, tactically, he comes on in the second half with two other forwards, and the three of them execute different tactical plays."

Wei Xiangxin clearly understands his role: "The coach’s plan is for me to come on in the last 30 minutes as a target man, dropping back and running behind defenders more." This alignment between coach’s tactics and his personal traits allowed Wei to step up at crucial moments and score the winner to help the team through tough times. "Winning made me very excited and happy; I haven’t scored like this in a long time. I think I fulfilled my role against Hubei. Before I came on, the coach told me to find scoring chances and give my all, run more. Helping the team reach the semifinals was thrilling—we fight for Guangdong and for the people of Guangdong."

In the semifinals, Guangdong lost 0-1 to Shandong, missing out on the final. Wei felt disappointed about the loss: "I feel very regretful. We are the hosts and had many supporters from home. Not making the final is a letdown for them." He admitted his form wasn’t at its best during the semifinal: "Maybe it was a form issue—I didn’t rest well or adjust properly, so I wasn’t in top shape."

Talking about team chemistry, Wei said, "Some players joined late, so our coordination wasn’t at its peak." He himself returned relatively late: "I arrived three weeks before the matches and even went back to play a Chinese Super League game with Qingdao Hainiu in between." However, he felt this travel didn’t affect him much: "I think it didn’t have much impact."

In the bronze medal match, Guangdong came back to beat Jiangsu 3-2. Wei once again contributed at a critical moment. In the second half, he drove into the penalty area and was fouled, winning a penalty that laid the foundation for Guangdong’s comeback.

From scoring as a substitute in the group stage, to netting the winner in the quarterfinal, and then winning a penalty in the bronze match, Wei Xiangxin’s performance at this National Games was commendable. Although the team didn’t reach the final, the bronze medal still recognized the efforts of him and the squad.

Beyond the wins and growth on the field, Wei’s National Games journey was also touched by warmth off the pitch. Support from his family was a key motivation, but not being able to show his best form in front of them was a regret. "I really wanted to score and perform well in front of my mom and brother, but I didn’t manage to. It’s quite disappointing that they didn’t see my best side," Wei said after the semifinal loss.

From becoming the first 2008-born player to appear in the Chinese Super League, to trialing with Ligue 1 club Auxerre, and being selected for the national youth teams, Wei Xiangxin’s football journey is richer than many peers his age.

In December 2024, Wei returned to Meizhou Hakka and became the first player born in 2008 to play in the Chinese Super League. Even more impressively, he scored his first goal in only his second league match after joining, proving his potential. This achievement is why British media included him among the top 60 global talents born in 2008. Interestingly, Wei found out about this while scrolling through TikTok: "I felt very happy seeing this news, honored to be listed alongside the world’s best players my age."

On the Chinese Super League stage, Wei has had the opportunity to train and compete alongside experienced veterans and high-level foreign players, which has improved his football IQ and tactical understanding. Guangdong U18 head coach Li Haoming commented, "He went to a CSL team, training and playing with top players and foreign stars, which greatly enhanced his football intelligence and tactical skills." However, Wei admitted that the first half of the year was not easy—he "didn’t get many chances to play for Meizhou Hakka," causing a dip in form. But this "low point" made him value the National Games even more: "I hope to use this competition to find my best form and help Meizhou Hakka avoid relegation."

Before joining the CSL, Wei played under coach Li Haoming in the China League Two, helping Guangdong Mingtu get promoted from the China League Two to the China League One. Li recalled, "From League Two to League One, he was a key player; Xiangxin scored many crucial goals." This experience gave Wei plenty of game time and honed his skills and awareness in real matches.

As a coach who witnessed Wei’s growth from the youth team, Li Haoming knows him very well. In Li’s eyes, Wei is a "talented and disciplined" player, but he still needs more match experience to fully realize his potential.

Li Haoming advises, "For players his age, I recommend not rushing into the CSL too quickly. What they need most is playing time, lots of matches to accumulate experience. If they get into the CSL too soon, they mostly sit on the bench and only play in unimportant moments, which isn’t good for their development." Li also expressed concern: "If he only gets about ten minutes per match, it feels like a waste for such a talented player. It’s a pity. Xiao Wei needs more playing time to learn, experience, and grow."

In Li’s view, for players born in 2008, "playing time" is more important than "league level." Only through continuous real-game experience can young players truly improve their skills, awareness, and mental toughness. At the same time, Li encourages Wei to learn from foreign players: "Playing alongside high-level foreign teammates will change how he understands football. This is what Chinese players need to learn."

Having finished the National Games and with the CSL season ending soon, Wei Xiangxin has clear goals for his football future. "I want to go abroad and improve myself. If I can make it there, I’ll stay; if not, I’ll come back." Even knowing that "opportunities abroad are rare," Wei insists on this ambition: "I want to spend a year overseas, learn from them, and absorb what’s good."