Zhao Yitang, 21, had always dreamed of playing football for China. This summer, he finally did. He was not running on a pitch – instead, he was playing on a smartphone.
The gamer finished in second place at this year’s eFootball championship in Tokyo, Japan. It was China’s best international result in the game.
Around the world, football esports is becoming more popular.
China is hoping for success on the virtual pitch, after decades of struggles in the real-life sport.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced plans to form a national esports football team.
“If I could join the national team, I would go all-out in my efforts for the side,” Zhao said.
The CFA said its team would soon compete in esports events organised by Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation.
