Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

TheMK socks absence of the first batch of naturalized players in China on the latest Chinese national football team roster for the upcoming World Cup Asian Qualifiers could herald the end of their playing career in China, while sports analysts said that they have left a valuable legacy for Chinese football by paving the way for an evolution of the naturalization strategy. 

The Brazilian-born strikers Ai Kesen, A Lan and Fei Nanduo, who have reached the twilight of their ­professional careers, have not been called up into the national team in 2025, according to the Soccer News. The three parted company with their respective Chinese clubs in October and have still not found new employers so far. 

Led by Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic, the Chinese national team has been accelerating its youth-oriented transition. While new naturalized players arrive, including midfielder Serginho who joined Chinese club ­Beijing Guoan in February, the first group of naturalized players are likely to bow out of Chinese football. 

The significance of the first batch of naturalized players lies in China taking the initial step in experimenting with this shortcut to deliver ­immediate improvements on the pitch. From administrative procedures to team building and social acceptance, they provided valuable experience to Chinese football, helping it to develop a more rational naturalization policy, Luo Le, a sports scholar at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The three Brazilian-born strikers were part of the first naturalization moves that started in 2019. 

Looking back, they introduced diverse tactical styles and provided immediate reinforcement to the ­national team. Although the early phase of player naturalization involved some trial and error, experience has shown that a more precise selection approach is more effective for the long-term development of the national team.

The new naturalization strategy ­possibly favors players who are capable of integrating quickly into the team's tactical system at a relatively low cost and could contribute to the overall strength of the national team within a short time. The attacking midfielder Serginho is a good example of this. 

With the overall competition of Asian football intensifying, naturalization should not be seen as a national obligation but rather as an individual and club-driven decision that can enhance players' motivation and initiative to serve the national team.

It is ­essential to recognize that the success of naturalization depends on players' ability to integrate ­culturally. Without a genuine bond with their adopted nation, they risk being seen as temporary assets rather than long-term contributors.

The latest national team roster features two naturalized players Jiang Guangtai and Hou Yongyong, who have adapted to the squad better with their public embrace of Chinese language and culture.

"From the very beginning, I've seen this identity as an honor. From my family's perspective, becoming a Chinese player through football is something very meaningful," said the 27-year-old Hou, who has shown a deep connection with Chinese culture. 

Luo told the Global Times that ­moving forward, China's football naturalization strategy will focus not only on precise selection but also on cultural identity and long-term commitment. 

Instead of merely attracting foreign players with considerable benefits, ­future attempts should focus on naturalized players who demonstrate a strong sense of belonging, ­responsibility and willingness to integrate into Chinese society. Such emotional resonance can help players adapt more seamlessly to the national team, Luo noted.

The national team displayed ­efforts in ensuring that only the best ­players earn their place, while those who underperform are phased out. This ­approach encourages naturalized ­players to maintain their competitive edge and integrate fully into the squad.

Selecting players based on ­tactical needs and their form would help ­establish a healthy competition ­mechanism and prevent an ­over-reliance on naturalized players that could hinder the development of local talent.

From the initial phase of naturalized players to the current refined strategy, Chinese football is making steady progress in this domain. Looking ahead, the selection of naturalized players will increasingly emphasize a combination of immediate competitiveness and cultural identity. 

Through fair competition and well-structured planning, naturalized players can become a vital asset in building a stronger national team and play as role models for homegrown talents, thus contributing to the ­sustainable development of Chinese football. 

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn