Hao Haidong

Born on May 9, 1970 in Quingdao, Hao Haidong is a Chinese soccer player who played for the Sheffield United Soccer Club in the Soccer League Championship as well as for the National Soccer Team. When it comes to goal scoring Haidong holds the record for the highest number of goals at 41. Haidong moved from Bayi FC to Dalian Shide after 1996. Haidong has won many awards and titles and is known as the Chinese Alan Shearer. In 2005 he was traded for the cheapest fee in the world when he moved from Dalian Shide to Sheffield United for one pound.

Known as one of the best Chinese football players, Haidong is regarded as one of the best players produced by China and played for the Chinese team during the 2002 World Cup in China which was held at the Seogwipo stadium. His goals played a major role in helping China qualify for the event although the Chinese team eventually lost to Brazil with a score of 0 to 4.

Haidong is also a close supporter of youth soccer programs in China, one of them the first International Youth Football Tournament in Beijing which involved German, British, Russian and South Korean kids. He is currently helping the Chengdu Blades which was purchased by Sheffield United Football Club in the Football League championship. During his stint with Sheffield, Haidong worked mainly as a coach due to numerous injuries.