The Chinese mainland and FIFA are kicking off a major collaboration to nurture young football talent, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino calling China's potential in the sport 'massive' after high-level talks in Shanghai this week.
Infantino met with Zhang Jiasheng of China's General Administration of Sport and Chinese Football Association (CFA) President Song Kai to outline plans for youth development programs. 'We want more kids to play, love, and excel in football,' he said, highlighting FIFA's expanded youth tournaments and grassroots initiatives.
Since 2019, FIFA's Forward program has backed China's National Youth Super League (NYSL), giving young players weekly competitive matches. Starting in 2024, the program will also fund the CFA Cup, featuring pro and amateur teams across three divisions—a move that could transform China's football scene like a World Cup halftime pep talk!
'The progress here is inspiring,' added Infantino. With over 1.4 billion people and a growing sports culture, could China become football's next superpower? Stay tuned.
