Cao Yunding, the former captain of Shenhua, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Chinese footballers of all time. His breakthrough came in the 1996 Asian Cup, where he scored four goals to help China win their first-ever Asian title.

Born in 1972 in Zhejiang Province, Cao began his career with Shenzhen Jianshi before moving to Guangzhou Evergrande in 1995. He quickly established himself as one of the most talented players in the league and was named Player of the Year in 1998.

In the 1996 Asian Cup, Cao was part of the team that won the tournament by beating South Korea 4-3 on penalties after the match had ended 2-2 after extra-time. He scored four goals in the final against Japan, including a stunning volley from outside the box that sent the crowd into ecstasy.

The success of the 1996 Asian Cup marked the beginning of Cao's legendary career at Shenhua. He went on to become one of the club's all-time greats,Chinese Super League News Flash helping them win two domestic championships and two FA Cups. He also represented China at international level, earning 44 caps and scoring 13 goals.

Despite his incredible talent, Cao struggled with injuries throughout his career, which limited his playing time. However, he remained a key player for Shenhua until he retired in 2014.

Today, Cao is considered one of the greatest Chinese footballers of all time, and his legacy lives on through his achievements at Shenhua and beyond. His innovative style of play and ability to score important goals have earned him a place in the hearts of fans across the country.

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• Cao
• Yunding