Biography
Who is Yang Xu?
Early career and Liaoning
Yang Xu began his professional football path with Liaoning Whowin. His debut occurred on April 16, 2005, during a match against Shanghai Shenhua. He scored his first goal for the team just a few weeks later in a victory over Shenzhen Jianlibao. By the end of his first season, he had appeared in 11 league matches and scored three times.
During the 2008 season, the team faced relegation. Yang remained with the squad and became the primary striker for the 2009 campaign. He performed exceptionally well, scoring 15 league goals in 22 matches. This contribution helped his team win the division title and secure promotion back to the top flight of Chinese football.
Professional clubs and transfers
In February 2013, Yang transferred to Shandong Luneng. He spent part of the 2014 season on loan with Changchun Yatai. Later, in February 2017, he signed with Tianjin Quanjian but was immediately sent back to Liaoning Whowin on loan for one season. Upon returning to Quanjian in 2018, he scored 18 goals over the course of two seasons.
Yang joined Shanghai Shenhua in July 2020 following the dissolution of Tianjin Tianhai. He scored his first goal for the new club in the 2020 Chinese FA Cup. In June 2022, he netted his first league goal for the team during a match against Shanghai Port. He concluded his professional career by announcing his retirement via a livestream on April 11, 2023.
International football record
Yang Xu made his debut for the China national team on September 30, 2009, in a match against Botswana. His first international goal came on January 17, 2010, during an AFC Asian Cup qualifying game against Vietnam. He continued to be a key attacking option for his country throughout his playing years.
His international performance included several well-known games. On March 30, 2011, he scored twice in a friendly match against Honduras. Later that year, on July 23, he managed a hat-trick in a 7-2 win against Laos. He was also part of the squad that won the East Asian Football Championship in 2010. Also, he was successful at the youth level, winning the AFC U-17 Championship in 2004.
Physicality and career conclusion
Standing at 188 centimeters tall, Yang used his physical presence to compete as a centre forward throughout his career. Although he experienced a goal drought during his first two seasons at Shanghai Shenhua, he remained a consistent professional until his retirement. His career spanned nearly two decades, marked by league titles and national team appearances.
Birthday and age
Yang Xu was born on February 12, 1987, which makes Yang 39 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Yang shares the date with 35 other famous people.
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