Biography
Who is Wang Dalei?
Early professional career
Wang Dalei began his career with Shanghai United at the young age of seventeen. He debuted on March 11, 2006, in a match against Inter Xian that ended in a draw. This appearance distinguished him as the youngest professional goalkeeper in the history of Chinese football. During that first season, he played in 22 matches and secured the Chinese Football Association Young Player of the Year award. His performance attracted attention from European clubs, including an invitation to train with the Italian team Internazionale.
In 2007, his club merged with Shanghai Shenhua, which forced him to compete for the starting goalkeeper role. Although he faced challenges, he improved his form significantly by the 2008 season. He later participated in trials with the English club Manchester City and the Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. Under coach Miroslav Blažević in 2010, Wang regained his status as the primary choice goalkeeper for his team.
Transfer to Shandong Taishan
On January 1, 2014, the player transferred to Shandong Luneng, which is now known as Shandong Taishan. He made his debut for the squad on February 25, 2014, in a match against Buriram United during the AFC Champions League group stage. That same year, he helped his new team win the Chinese FA Cup.
His performance in 2014 earned him the Chinese Football Association Goalkeeper of the Year award. He continued to be a key member of the roster in subsequent years. He was part of the squad that secured the 2021 Chinese Super League title. His consistency has kept him as a prominent figure in the league for over a decade.
International football history
Wang Dalei has represented China at various youth and senior levels. He won the 2004 AFC U-17 Championship with the under-17 team. He was also involved with the under-23 squad during preparations for the 2008 Summer Olympics, although he was omitted from the final roster. He later returned to the under-23 side for the 2010 Asian Games.
His senior international debut occurred on September 6, 2012, in a match against Sweden. He served as the primary goalkeeper during the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, where China reached the quarter-finals. During the opening match against Saudi Arabia on his twenty-sixth birthday, he successfully saved a penalty kick. Wang also participated in the 2019 and 2023 AFC Asian Cups.
Personal details and height
Wang Dalei stands 187 centimeters tall. Born in Dalian, China, he has spent his entire professional playing career within the Chinese football system. He has received numerous individual honors, including multiple selections for the Chinese Super League Team of the Year and several Goalkeeper of the Year awards.
Birthday and age
Wang Dalei was born on January 10, 1989, which makes Wang 37 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Wang shares the date with 24 other famous people.
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