Ivan doesn't think about him, China's first naturalized player continues to be hot overseas.

Naturalized player Hou Yongyong: A mirror of Chinese football

"The Flash" has regained its glory in Norway, but what is the future of Chinese football?

Once, a young player named Hou Yongyong, full of enthusiasm for Chinese football, resolutely gave up his Norway nationality and became the first naturalized player in the history of Chinese football. His appearance was once regarded as the light of hope for Chinese football and carried the expectations of countless fans. The reality is like a series of ups and downs, full of drama and unknowns.

First, the Norway arena is brilliant again, is Hou Yongyong's "Chinese heart" still beating?

Recently, Hou Yongyong has performed eye-catching in the Norway First Division, scoring in two consecutive games, and the number of goals scored in the season has reached 13, leading the team's scorer list. Especially in the 22nd round, he staged a "fast and furious" and scored a beautiful goal to help the team seal the victory.

Seeing the former "naturalized hope star" rejuvenating in a foreign arena, Chinese fans have mixed feelings. Some people are happy for him, and some people can't help but ask: why didn't he make a name for himself in Chinese football in the first place? Today, is his "Chinese heart" still beating? Will he still be willing to return to China and contribute to Chinese football?

2. From "Star of Hope" to "Frustrated Traveler", why is Hou Yongyong's Chinese football journey so short?

Back in 2019, Hou Yongyong officially became a Chinese player and joined the Beijing Guoan team. Injuries and ups and downs in form have prevented him from fully integrating into the team's tactical system and failing to show his full strength in the Chinese Super League. Eventually, after two seasons with Guoan, he chose to leave and return to the familiar Norway league.

Hou Yongyong's Chinese football journey is more like a short "test of the waters". He came with anticipation, but left with a little regret. Among them, of course, there are his own reasons, but the general environment and development model of Chinese football may be more worthy of our deep thought.

3. Naturalized players are not a "panacea", and the future of Chinese football needs more "internal training"

In recent years, Chinese football has set off a "naturalization fever", hoping to quickly improve the strength of the national team by introducing excellent foreign aid. Hou Yongyong's experience tells us that naturalized players are not a "panacea".

The arrival of naturalized players can certainly improve the team's immediate combat power to a certain extent, but if there is a lack of scientific training system, reasonable tactical arrangements and a good development environment, even the best players will be difficult to succeed in Chinese football.

Chinese football should not only hope for naturalized players, but also fundamentally strengthen the construction of youth training and cultivate more outstanding local players. It is also necessary to establish and improve the professional league system, create a good atmosphere for football development, and let more talented young players stand out.

4. The story of Hou Yongyong is a mirror of Chinese football

Hou Yongyong's story may be just a small episode in the development of Chinese football, but it reflects many problems in Chinese football. The retention of naturalized players is only the surface of the problem, and the deeper reason lies in the development model and concept of Chinese football itself.

Chinese football needs a profound change, and it needs to fundamentally change the thinking mode of "quick success and quick profit", and lay a solid foundation in order to usher in a real take-off.

5. Looking forward to more stories of "Hou Yongyong" to inject new vitality into Chinese football

Although Hou Yongyong's journey to Chinese football is not perfect, the reflections and inspirations he brings to Chinese football are precious. We look forward to having more young people like Hou Yongyong who have football dreams in the future and inject new vitality into Chinese football.

We also hope that Chinese football can create a better environment for development, so that every talented player can sweat and chase their dreams on a fair and just stage.

How do you think Chinese football should develop? Feel free to leave a message in the comment section and share your views.