Tianjin boasts a rich sports culture, and a deep passion for football is etched into the very soul of its people. Despite the cold weather, many people still enjoy playing football outdoors. Inspired by this spirit, in recent years, many foreign residents living in Tianjin have also taken to playing football in their leisure time.

Recently, at Tianjin No 1 Football Park, three international students from Tianjin Foreign Studies University had the rare privilege of learning football skills from an extraordinary athlete and youth training consultant, Li Weifeng. As the sole player to have graced both the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games, Li not only shared invaluable skills but also imparted a profound spirit of resilience and determination. Reflecting on his illustrious career, and deep bond with Tianjin, Li Weifeng shared his vision for the future of youth football development in a recent interview.

When asked to recall the most memorable moment of his career, Li spoke of his experience at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Unlike the World Cup, the Olympics imposes an age restriction, making his participation as an overage player a rare and treasured opportunity. Li marveled at the unpredictability of life, expressing gratitude for having the unique distinction of competing in both global tournaments, a testament to the fulfillment of his football journey.

As a seasoned veteran, Li now serves as a youth training consultant for Tianjin No 1 Football Club, where he is passionately dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Chinese football talent. While acknowledging the inherent qualities of many young players, he emphasized a common shortcoming: a lack of resilience and the capacity to thrive under pressure. He urged them to step out of their comfort zones and embrace challenges that foster growth. Embracing his new role, Li approaches it as both a learner and a mentor, eager to adapt, improve, and leave a lasting legacy in youth football training.

Having lived in Tianjin for over a decade, Li spoke warmly of the city's hospitality and vitality, qualities that made him choose it as his home after retiring from professional football. He sees in Tianjin a rich sporting heritage, particularly in football, which provides the ideal foundation for his efforts to share his experience and fulfill his unaccomplished dreams by shaping the next generation of football players.

Deeply rooted in Tianjin's vibrant sporting culture, Li has always sought to use football as a means of connecting with the world. He continues to maintain a close relationship with his former coach and mentor, Bora Milutinović, whom he fondly refers to as "the Captain". Li admires Milutinović's ability to lead teams through adversity with steadfast determination, likening him to a captain steering a ship through turbulent seas. The philosophy of "Happy Football", championed by Milutinović, has become a cherished tenet among Chinese football fans, symbolizing wholehearted commitment, optimism, and the pursuit of excellence.

As the interview drew to a close, Li offered heartfelt advice to children aspiring to play football: spend more time outdoors and less on electronic devices. He encouraged them to release their imaginations and dreams on the field, where football can shape stronger characters, teaching children to live with health, joy, and courage.