College football in Xi'an steps out of the ivory tower—using football passion to pursue a fulfilling life.

Zuo Rui reports from Xi'an. The World Cup is raging, and the Xi'an University Football League—a self-styled World Cup for local college students—is running concurrently. Although its scale and impact have not yet met expectations, the tournament has already revealed a more authentic, varied, intelligent, and thrilling character, mirroring the long-term vision and resolve of Xi'an's football management that "without small steps, one cannot reach a thousand miles."

In the fourth round of the group stage on the 25th, Xi'an Jiaotong University faced Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology—a clash between two football powerhouses in Xi'an. Just before halftime, Xi'an Jiaotong's striker Li Kaiyue scored a spectacular goal while his team was already leading. This goal was so brilliant that it could easily be recorded in the history of the Xi'an University Football League.

When a teammate sent a lofted pass from midfield, the first landing point was just beyond the six-yard box. Under close marking from a defender, Li Kaiyue made a seemingly impossible and highly difficult choice—he leaped and executed a volley shot! The height of his jump, the power of his strike, and the angle of the finish were all flawless. The goalkeeper reacted but could not stop the ball from rocketing into the net.

The goal drew gasps from the bench and the stands. Li Kaiyue himself was thrilled and performed a standard Cristiano Ronaldo celebration. Many said that if this goal were chosen as the best of the tournament, no one would object. "Haha, I think so too," Li Kaiyue said.

However, Li Kaiyue admitted that it would be hard to replicate such a goal. "Even if you asked me to try dozens of times in training, it would be very difficult to reproduce it exactly." He recalled scoring a similar goal before, "but that was in a practice match, not an official game, and the power and angle weren't as good as this one." He acknowledged that this was the most brilliant, unforgettable, and fortunate goal of his football career. "I just aimed to kick it toward the goal, but I didn't expect it to fly into the top corner."

▲ Li Kaiyue

After the match, Li Kaiyue's teammates from Xi'an Jiaotong high-fived him in celebration.

Li Kaiyue, a freshman from Wuhai, Inner Mongolia, majoring in sports training, entered this prestigious 985 university as a football-specialized student through a single-enrollment exam. Participating in the Xi'an University Football League for the first time and scoring the best goal is certainly the most wonderful and happiest memory of this summer. "I think this goal memory will stay with me forever, even after graduation," he said.

If things go well, this devoted fan of Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to take up a career closely related to football in the future.

▲ Xi'an Jiaotong University team photo

In comparison, Tibetan player Dandain Zhaxi has a clearer career path. His ideal job is to return to his hometown, Nagqu, to work as a primary school physical education teacher and football coach. Currently, he is a junior majoring in physical education (football specialization) at Xi'an University of Arts and Science. The Xi'an University Football League provides a platform for him and his team to grow.

In Tibetan, "Dandain" means "stability," and "Zhaxi" means the well-known "auspiciousness." This lean, energetic boy plays as an attacking midfielder. More than half of the university's team members are from Tibet. The tournament registration form clearly shows the team's distinct Tibetan characteristics. It is learned that Xi'an University of Arts and Science has annual enrollment quotas for Tibet, with over 100 Tibetan students across four undergraduate grades. Most are male, and 60 of them have joined the same WeChat group because of their love for football.

Dandain Zhaxi said that, including himself, most Tibetan players on the team "grew up playing street football," as football coaching resources in their hometown are very scarce. When he first participated in the Xi'an University Football League as a freshman, he felt his basic skills were poor and his tactical awareness weak. Through diligent study at school and repeated practice in matches, "not only I, but all my teammates have improved a lot."

▲ Dandain Zhaxi

From Dandain Zhaxi, one can glimpse the weakness of Tibetan youth football training, but also feel the immense passion. He said that Tibetan college students in Xi'an not only play football with their schoolmates but also spontaneously organize their own annual football friendly tournament—each time they pool money to rent a venue, and now 15 teams participate.

After two years of training, the straightforward and honest Dandain Zhaxi has built closer bonds with his Han and Tibetan teammates, their cooperation improves, and the team's competitiveness grows. In the previous tournament, Xi'an University of Arts and Science didn't win a single match, only managing a draw. But this year, they achieved a historic breakthrough as a dark horse, winning three and losing one in the group stage to advance to the knockout rounds. Although they lost to host Xi'an Physical Education University by three goals, the margin was much narrower than before. As the team progressed, the coach also grew.

When Dandain Zhaxi entered the university, the assistant coach was Feng Ziyi, who has now been promoted to head coach. According to Coach Feng, the school currently has no quota for football-specialized students, but the physical education major's football specialization has existed for nearly 20 years, with 15 graduates expected in 2026.

Regarding his plans after graduation next year, Dandain Zhaxi is eager to return to his hometown to teach, bringing the football knowledge and skills he learned in Xi'an to Tibetan children. "That way, I think they can play football more properly from a young age and avoid some detours." He said most of his Tibetan classmates share the same desire to give back to their homeland.

▲ Xi'an University of Arts and Science team photo

The captain of Xi'an Physical Education University, Ciren Zhaxi, is also Tibetan. His ball control and on-field awareness make him stand out even in the talent-rich National Football College of Xi'an Physical Education University. This junior, majoring in football, was born in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. In fourth grade, he was selected by Evergrande Football School to receive professional football training.

When Ciren Zhaxi entered the Evergrande youth academy, his father's job location also moved to Guangzhou that year, so the whole family relocated there. Later, he chose to study at Xi'an Physical Education University because he thought "the probability of becoming a professional player was low," and going to university was a safer path that would still allow him to pursue his love for football.

▲ Ciren Zhaxi

Having left the Tibetan region at a young age, his Tibetan language skills are somewhat rusty. Last September, he accompanied his coach, Associate Professor Sun Hang of the Football Teaching Research Department, to Risong Township Primary School in Rutog County, Ngari Prefecture, for a Ministry of Education-organized event called "Western Assistance Football Lesson and Equipment Donation by Football Major Institutions." There, he experienced the vastness and beauty of the motherland and "the pure love of children for football."

Risong is called "the roof of the world's roof," and this was Ciren Zhaxi's first time visiting a place over 4,300 meters above sea level. While demonstrating dribbling, he clearly felt short of breath after just a few minutes. But during the week he stayed there, looking at the local customs and landscapes, he felt a special "sense of closeness" in his heart.

It is understood that every year, over a hundred football major students graduate from the National Football College of Xi'an Physical Education University. Like students from other majors, their paths include postgraduate exams, civil service exams, or teacher recruitment, with some directly coaching at youth training institutions. As the only child in his family, Ciren Zhaxi plans to return to Guangzhou after graduation to be near his parents. He hopes to work as a physical education teacher or football coach at a public school.

▲ Sun Hang

Ciren Zhaxi's teammate, senior Han Xingyu, has already signed a contract with an employer and will work as a teacher and coach at a vocational college in Xi'an. Han Xingyu, who loved playing football since childhood, attended two traditional football schools—Chaoyang Primary School in Beibei District, Chongqing, and Yangjiaping Middle School. He came close to joining professional club youth teams twice but never made up his mind to pursue professional football.

"Everyone has different choices. I think my current life is also good—I'm doing what I love, studying while playing football, and after graduation, I can find a suitable job." During his internship, he also signed up for the Chongqing Super League.

This situation is not unique at the Football College of Xi'an Physical Education University. City leagues across the country have become one of the channels for football-major college students to actively engage with society and seek employment opportunities.

For Han Xingyu and Ciren Zhaxi, their solid football skills might give them an edge outside campus, but postgraduate exams are not their strong suit. After all, they have spent more time on football. "The ultimate goal of postgraduate study is employment. If you can seize a job opportunity right after undergraduate, why not do it early?"

▲ Han Xingyu

Among the participants in the Xi'an University Football League, many hold different views from Han Xingyu and his peers. Enthusiasts who prioritize academics and do not rely on football as a career represent a much larger group—they also benefit greatly from football, and to some extent, football influences their future.

The double defensive midfield pairing of Xi'an University of Electronic Science and Technology consists of Zhou Yicong, 28, and Zhang Xiaoran, 21. At 28, Zhou Yicong is likely one of the oldest players in this tournament. This is common in professional teams but relatively rare in college leagues. The simple reason is that Zhou Yicong is a doctoral student, while Zhang Xiaoran is a junior.

Despite the age difference, the two are very close both on and off the field. "We share common hobbies and goals, so the bond between teammates is often stronger than that between roommates or classmates," Zhou Yicong said. Compared to non-football-playing classmates, many teammates have a simpler lifestyle—"apart from studying, it's just football." But in terms of energy allocation, football accounts for at most 50%.

▲ Zhang Xiaoran

The closeness built on the pitch extends beyond football. Zhang Xiaoran said that whenever there is an academic need—even for major decisions like postgraduate or Ph.D. applications—the senior teammate always helps younger players without reservation. "Because we do the same on the field—help each other and move forward together."

The on-field captain of Xi'an University of Electronic Science and Technology is Zhou Yicong. With rich game experience and life wisdom, he sets an example both on the pitch and in the classroom. The coaching staff evaluates him as "skilled in both martial arts and academics, with excellent character and grades." Players generally believe that even if team members are not top students, they "definitely won't be poor."

Zhou Yicong's doctoral research direction is related to aerospace engineering. "One extra benefit of pursuing a Ph.D. is that I can stay longer at university and enjoy campus football more than others." Zhang Xiaoran's undergraduate major is "Detection Technology and Instruments," and he is currently preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam. He heard about a senior who, when applying for graduate school, Ph.D., and even postdoctoral positions, always considered "how good the football atmosphere at the next school is"—his latest stop was Tsinghua University.

▲ Zhou Yicong

In the hearts of students who love football, a university cannot be without football, and the significance of football goes beyond being a mere decoration for campus life. A university without vibrant and passionate football fields is like one without a library or cafeteria—football is also a necessary nourishment.

All players on the Xi'an University of Electronic Science and Technology team come from non-sports majors, and currently, there is not a single football-specialized student. In Zhou Yicong's view, being able to balance study and football is itself a demonstration of learning ability. "At our school, students who play football have better physical fitness, mental state, and a more positive attitude toward life."

Teachers and coaches have also noticed the positive impact of football on students' demeanor, which can even affect employment success rates. "During interviews, graduates who are more confident, healthier, more team-oriented, and better at cooperating with others are certainly more welcome and valued."

▲ Zhou Yicong and Zhang Xiaoran

As a iconic figure among local professional players in Shaanxi, nicknamed "Wolf Boy," Wang Erzhuo retired in 2022 and then became an external football teacher and head coach at Xi'an University of Electronic Science and Technology. In this Xi'an University Football League, he is the only coach with a professional player background and the most famous one.

The 39-year-old Wang Erzhuo teaches nine public football classes per week, each 90 minutes long. After nearly four years at the university, he has not only seen changes in the spirit and temperament of student players but also noticed that football classes are becoming increasingly popular at the school. More and more male and female students are participating, and course slots are snatched up within seconds. "This is a good thing, and it brings me a different kind of achievement that I never experienced during my professional playing career."

He knows well that winning over more people to football at a university is not easy—it means many are willing to endure summer heat and winter cold outdoors. He also understands that football's sudden popularity at Xi'an University of Electronic Science and Technology is not solely due to his fame; it owes much to the joint efforts of the school's nine football teachers and countless students.

During important competition preparation, Wang Erzhuo teaches public classes during the day and leads team training in the evening. The team typically trains four times and plays two matches per week. As for his own ventures, "Wolf Boy Youth Training" and "Focus Sports," daily operations are managed by dedicated staff and team execution. "At the university, I teach four days a week, plus winter and summer breaks, so I can handle my own affairs."

▲ Wang Erzhuo

The school's sports training major has no football-specialized students, and team members are selected from students attending classes. Zhang Xiaoran said: "Coach Wang's training broadened our horizons and showed us the difference between us and professional teams. He gave us guidance on technique, tactics, and experience, as well as many high-quality match opportunities."

Currently, comprehensive universities like Xi'an Jiaotong, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, and Chang'an Normal University have established their advantages through high-level sports team enrollment. The current goal for this Xi'an University of Electronic Science and Technology team is to compete for the non-professional group championship. "Although our strength is still a bit lacking, the process of striving is more important than the result," said Zhou Yicong.

Wang Erzhuo believes that when the time is right, Xi'an University of Electronic Science and Technology's football team will also seek to grow through single-enrollment exams or high-level sports team recruitment. "No matter whether you face primary, middle, or university students, football is all about persistence. I've gained a deeper understanding of this over the past few years."

Cultivating Shaanxi local players who are better than himself and sending them to youth training centers at all levels, or even to professional teams and national teams, has always been the goal of "Wolf Boy Youth Training." Currently, this organization has selected a group of elite players from interest classes for grades one to five for focused development. Can professional players emerge from university campuses in the future? Wang Erzhuo thinks the probability is low, but "there will be some."

▲ Wei Wen

59-year-old Wei Wen was a professional player for the Shaanxi provincial team before the professionalization of Chinese football. After retiring, he attended Xi'an Physical Education University, then taught at Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology for 36 years. As the oldest head coach in this Xi'an University Football League, he participated in and witnessed cases where his players entered professional leagues after graduation during the early independent enrollment period for high-level sports teams.

"But such cases are hard to replicate. First, universities need sufficient talent selection space; second, schools must have different training methods, funding, and support for football-specialized talents." Wei Wen believes that college students with potential to become professional players must have training intensity and match quality comparable to professional youth teams during their time at university. "Only with such a growth environment can they maintain and improve their football level."

On this point, Sun Hang, head coach of Xi'an Physical Education University who led the team in this tournament, added his view: "Like in Japan and South Korea, making university leagues one of the channels for cultivating professional players is possible in the future. However, our universities need to settle down and spend ten years building their own training systems."

At the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Japanese and South Korean players like Yuto Nagatomo and Park Jin-seop come from universities. This phenomenon and its underlying patterns and context deserve thought. "The nearly 40-year-old Nagatomo is still playing for the Japanese national team, and Kaoru Mitoma, though injured and not selected, is undeniably strong."

Sun Hang believes that to enhance the level and role of campus football, whether it's the top-tier university league pushing grassroots youth training or grassroots youth training schools pushing upward like a pyramid, the development of relevant tournaments is very important.

"Under current conditions, our Football College places more emphasis on cultivating students' teaching abilities, improving training levels, and finding more suitable employment opportunities for students." The trip to Ngari, Tibet last September, he said, was an attempt and exploration by teachers and students of the National Football College of Xi'an Physical Education University to step out of campus and provide football education support.