On May 11, 2026, Chinese football legend Nian Weisi celebrated his 93rd birthday. Following tradition, his devoted disciple Xu Genbao, along with football veterans 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.
Respecting teachers and caring for elders is a cherished virtue in Chinese culture, embodying gratitude and the spirit of remembering one’s roots. Xu Genbao’s own disciples—Wu Lei, Yan Junling, and Zhang Linpeng of Shanghai Port—also attended to pay their respects.
Born in Beijing on May 11, 1933, Nian Weisi joined the national training team in 1951, becoming one of China’s first international players. He is the sole surviving member of the team sent to Hungary for training in the 1950s. After retiring due to injury in 1960, Nian served as a coach and administrator, taking on the role of national team head coach five times and later serving as chairman of the Chinese Football Association. He often acted as a “firefighter” during crises in Chinese football.
Now over 90 and using a wheelchair due to past injuries, Nian remains sharp-minded. He recalled that Xu Genbao has organized six such gatherings for him, starting with his 70th birthday in 2003, a small private dinner in Beijing due to the SARS outbreak. Xu traveled from Shanghai to arrange and fund the event, attended by Wang Junsheng, Chi Shangbin, Shen Xiangfu, Jin Zhiyang, and others. For Nian’s 80th birthday in 2012, Xu brought nearly 20 staff from his football base to Beijing, hosting a banquet at the China World Hotel with 20 tables and nearly 200 football and sports figures.
A touching moment occurred when Nian produced a yellow bankbook and tried to “return” it to Xu, revealing that Xu had been sending part of his pension to his mentor monthly. Xu refused, saying, “Without you, I would not be here. This is what a disciple should do.”
Subsequent birthdays continued the tradition, reuniting football luminaries. Nian even recited a poem expressing gratitude: “Remember the past with gratitude, and live the rest of life with purity.”
Nian’s influence on Xu extended to personal life—Nian’s wife was a swimmer, and Xu’s wife, Li Lifen, also came from the Chinese swimming team. The birthday gathering thus became a reunion for members of both the national football and swimming teams.
The 82-year-old Xu Genbao, though recently hospitalized and losing 20 jin (about 10 kg), insisted on organizing the event despite health concerns. He said, “I promised Coach Nian, so I couldn’t change it.” Xu now focuses on managing his base in Chongming Island, where he nurtures young players. In April, Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining visited the base, praising Xu’s dedication to youth training and promising support.
Xu emphasized the significance of the annual trip to Beijing: “Most of Coach Nian’s teammates have passed away, and many of his disciples are gone too. Cherishing each gathering is important—it’s about gratitude.”
Wu Lei, who attended fresh from a “Beijing-Shanghai derby,” spoke on behalf of the younger generation: “We grew up listening to Xu Genbao talk about Coach Nian’s teachings. We must be good people, play good football, and learn to be grateful.” Zhang Linpeng added, “This is a great tradition—Xu guides us to respect our mentors, and we visit him every Lunar New Year.”
Goalkeeper Yan Junling revealed that Nian Weisi is a devoted supporter of Shanghai Port, watching their matches and offering sharp advice: “He said he hopes not to see me make too many saves, because that means the team is doing well!”
The event served as a powerful testament to the enduring values of gratitude, respect, and mentorship in Chinese football.