Official: Shao Jiayi appointed as the new head coach of the Chinese national football team

The Chinese Football Association officially declared that Shao Jiayi has been chosen as the new head coach of the Chinese men's national football team following an open recruitment process.

The CFA's official statement read: "On September 5, 2025, the Chinese Football Association issued a public call for applications for the head coach role of the Chinese men's national football team. Multiple qualified Chinese and foreign coaches advanced to the preliminary round. Subsequently, a selection panel composed of experienced domestic and international football experts conducted rigorous initial screenings and online interviews in accordance with established standards and procedures. They thoroughly evaluated candidates on coaching background, match philosophy, training and match management methods, communication skills, and job suitability, and then recommended suitable candidates. Taking into account past experiences and lessons from previous national team coaching appointments, the current state and level of Chinese men's football, the long-term development of the national team, coaches’ qualifications and capabilities, and the expert panel’s opinions, the Chinese Football Association carefully decided to appoint Shao Jiayi as the head coach of the Chinese men's national football team.”

Shao Jiayi, aged 45, is a former Chinese international player who has served as an assistant coach for the national team and has coached the U19 and U20 national teams. Since July 2024, he has been the head coach of Qingdao West Coast. In the 2024 season, he led the team to finish tenth in the Chinese Super League, and after 29 rounds this season, Qingdao West Coast currently ranks ninth in the league.