Yu Dabao

Yu Dabao (Chinese: 于大宝; pinyin: Yú Dàbǎo; born 18 April 1988) is a Chinese football coach and former professional footballer who played as a centre-back and striker, and is currently the head coach of the Beijing Guoan U17s. Yu was born in a footballing family in Qingdao. Under the influence of his father and grandfather, he began playing football when he was 6. While he was a good student in school, he decided to become a professional footballer and began training full-time at 14. Yu Dabao started his football career playing for second-tier side Qingdao Hailifeng and was soon called up to the Chinese under-17 national team. With the under-17 side, he played well during the 2004 AFC U-17 Championship and was quickly regarded as one of the best prospects in China due to his aerial and counterattacking abilities. His breakout season was in 2006, where he scored 8 goals across 20 matches in all competitions. His first professional goal came on 16 March 2006, when Qingdao Hailifeng played against Chengdu Blades at home. His goal was what separated the two teams in a 1–0 win for Qingdao. This saw many clubs reportedly interested in the Yu including Ajax, Newcastle United, and Rangers; however, he joined Benfica on a three-year deal.