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After years serving as a reserve in Spain’s lower divisions, goalkeeper Li Hao has become a standout player, leading China to their first-ever U23 Asian Cup final.

In the quarter-final encounter with Uzbekistan at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on January 17, Li drew all the focus due to an outstanding display. He made eight key saves throughout the game, including a remarkable diving save to block Sardorbek Bakhromov’s long-distance shot in the 43rd minute, keeping the match tied as China defended strongly for 120 minutes.

His remarkable performance carried on during the penalty shootout, as he stopped Dilshod Abdullaev’s attempt, securing a groundbreaking 4-2 win for the team.

Following his recognition as man of the match, Li was hoisted into the air by his teammates in an instant of intense celebration.

“I’ve envisioned moments like this countless times – donning the national team uniform and being hoisted into the air by my teammates,” Li said in an exclusive interview withXinhua.

While growing up amidst the breathtaking sunset in Jeddah, a wave of memories flooded the 21-year-old goalkeeper’s mind.

I have always been certain this moment would arrive,” he mused. “I considered how I managed through difficult periods and the challenges I faced. In that instant, I realized it was all worthwhile.

Li Hao readies himself for the penalty shootout during the U23 Asian Cup quarterfinal match between China and Uzbekistan on January 17, 2026. Photo by AFC

From hardship to maturity

Li’s path has been shaped by perseverance. Starting from the disappointment of a quarter-final loss at the 2023 U20 Asian Cup and his struggles to get playing time in Spain, through the difficulties of his first season in the Chinese Super League, he feels each obstacle contributed to his growth.

In 2016, when he was only 12 years old, Li relocated to Spain to become part of Atletico Madrid’s youth development program.

By 2023, he had secured a professional deal and was sent on loan to the Cornella team competing in the third division, where opportunities to play were limited.

He remembered, ‘There weren’t many chances.’ Not all coaches were fond of him, and our other goalkeepers were also solid. It was a challenging time, and he had to go through it.

Throughout those challenging years, the encouragement from his family and friends helped him stay focused.

My girlfriend used to take the subway with me to training, and my parents would listen to me complain during video calls,” Li said. “That’s why, after the penalty shootout, the first people I thought of were my family. I always had faith in my success. Perhaps I haven’t truly succeeded yet, but I’ve often dreamed of moments like this.

In the 2023 U20 Asian Cup, Li and his team were defeated by South Korea with a score of 3-1 during extra time.

In early 2025, following the recommendation of coach Shao Jiaya, Li returned to China to join Qingdao West Coast. At first, he found it challenging to match the speed of the Super League, but the coaching staff gradually helped him enhance his performance.

Li Hao and his team members rejoice following China’s 4-2 victory over Uzbekistan in a penalty shootout during the U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals, held at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on January 17, 2026. Photo by AFC

Psychological warfare

During the confrontation with Uzbekistan, cameras caught Li smiling while examining a note on his water bottle, indicating he had made thorough preparations for this moment. Nevertheless, Li explained that it was more about psychological tactics than factual information.

I’ve experienced many penalty shootouts, but none of this magnitude,” Li remarked. “I smiled because I believed we had a genuine opportunity to win. I was truly savoring the moment.

He acknowledged that the details on the bottle were not completely correct for the particular individuals he dealt with, yet it had its use.

It details how opposing players typically take penalties — but in this game, the players listed didn’t even end up taking the kicks,” he said. “It’s a form of psychological battle. When a penalty taker realizes you’ve analyzed them, it causes uncertainty. They begin questioning whether to alter their direction or method. That moment of hesitation itself brings pressure.

The strategy proved successful. Uzbekistan failed to score one penalty and Li blocked another. When teammate Yang Haoyu missed his shot, Li quickly moved forward to comfort him.

“I informed him, ‘I’ll reserve the next one for you,’” he said.

Goalkeeper Li Hao stopped Dilshod Abdullaev’s penalty kick, enabling China to defeat Uzbekistan 4-2 in the penalty shootout during the U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals on January 17, 2026. Photo by AFC<\/div>

The “Great Wall” of China

Li’s performance carried over into Tuesday’s semifinal match against Vietnam. While China moved away from their purely defensive strategy to take control of the attack in a 3-0 win, Li’s role was still crucial. He made several important saves to maintain a clean sheet, aiding China’s progression to the final, where they will play against Japan.

Boasting an extraordinary record of not letting in any goals during the competition, Chinese media have labeled him the “super goalkeeper,” “half of China’s power,” and “The Great Wall of China.”

Although praised for his achievements, the goalkeeper from Qingdao West Coast maintains a modest attitude, crediting the success to the team’s efforts.

The credit is due to the 10 teammates ahead of me, including those who entered as substitutes. They ran more and put in more effort than I did,” Li stated. “It also goes to the coaching staff and everyone supporting the team.

The young goalkeeper wishes that he and his team members can serve as a role model for the upcoming generation.

Just as we did in our youth, watching athletes from previous eras,” Li said. “If children see us performing well on the field and discover their own way, that would be everything.