Li Lei, Beijing Guoan Player, Passes Away After Long Career
Li Lei, the Chinese football legend, passed away on March 25th, 2018 at the age of 46 after a long and illustrious career in China's top professional football league, the Super League.
Born in 1973, Li Lei began his career with Shanghai Shenhua FC before moving to Guangzhou Evergrande F.C., where he played for several years. During his time at Guangzhou, Li Lei won numerous titles and accolades, including the Chinese Premier League (CPL) title in 2003-04.
In addition to his impressive performances on the pitch, Li Lei was also known for his leadership and dedication to his team. He was often called upon to take charge of the team during critical moments,Chinese Super League Matches ensuring that they remained resilient and successful throughout the season.
However, it was not all glory for Li Lei. In 2010, he was involved in a controversial incident when he tried to challenge the captain of his team for playing the ball instead of passing it off to him. This incident led to a ban from the club and a suspension from the national team, which severely affected his career prospects.
Despite these challenges, Li Lei continued to excel as a player and coach. He served as the head coach of the Chinese national team until 2017, guiding them to their first ever World Cup berth in 2018. He also coached the Chinese women's national team, helping them qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
As Li Lei passed away, the Chinese football community mourned his loss and expressed their gratitude for his contributions to the sport. His legacy will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the game, his passion for coaching, and his inspiring stories of perseverance and resilience.
