Shi Yuxuan, a 22-year-old senior at Nanjing Sport Institute, made his starting debut for Nanjing in the new season of the local Super League, playing 80 minutes. The young talent, who transitioned straight from university football to the professional stage, described the opportunity as a dream come true.
” I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Nanjing team and to have this platform,” Shi said during an open training session on May 12, which was the team’s first public practice of the season.
Shi began playing football in fifth grade and quickly fell in love with the sport. Now in his final year of college, he has completed his thesis defense and is fully focused on training. “There are no more classes to attend, so I can concentrate on preparing for the matches,” he explained.
Adapting to the higher level of competition has been challenging. “The atmosphere is intense with so many spectators. Compared to previous games, I feel a greater sense of responsibility and more weight on my shoulders,” Shi admitted.
Nanjing’s squad blends youth with experience, featuring veterans like Ge Wei, Teng Shuai, and Tang Miao. Shi praised his older teammates for their maturity and intelligence on the pitch. “They play clean, smart football, not like us young players who charge around and hog the ball. I learn a lot by watching and asking them questions.”
Without the Super League, Shi said he would likely be coaching children. “Joining this team at a time when I was about to graduate and look for a job feels like a stroke of luck.”
