Zulal Tursun, a 14-year-old from the Chinese mainland’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is carving his path in football as a defender for China’s under-14 national team.
He first found his passion on the streets of Kashgar, trading sand for grass as he honed his skills. His journey wasn’t easy: initial hesitation from his parents and a pivotal switch from goalkeeper to defender meant four years of trials and setbacks before he earned his spot.
“I dream of wearing the national jersey at the highest level and making China proud on the pitch,” says Zulal, whose ambition now stretches toward senior squads and international tournaments.
Zulal’s story reflects the rising energy in youth football across the Chinese mainland, where grassroots fields and national academies are nurturing the next generation of talent. His resilience and dedication mirror those of young athletes around the globe, proving that with the right mix of grit and support, big dreams are within reach.
As the world watches, this young Uygur defender is not just playing a game: he’s chasing a dream that could resonate far beyond the goalposts.
Reference(s):
Passion for sport drives Xinjiang teenager to chase his football dream
cgtn.com
