Wang Shuang: One of China’s and Asia’s Best Footballers
Wang Shuang has captivated audiences worldwide with her exceptional talent and versatility. Her journey from a promising young player to a global icon has been marked by numerous achievements and milestones.
Alongside Homare Sawa, Ji So-yun, Aya Miyama, Hinata Miyazawa and Yui Hasegawa, Wang Shuang is regarded as some of the best football talents from Asia. Join Footballers’ Biographies as we tell the story of China’s Wang Shuang.
Player Profile – Wang Shuang
Wang Shuang is a distinguished Chinese footballer who started her career with Wuhan Jianghan University, and gained prominence in South Korea’s WK-League with Daejeon Sportstoto. She also excelled at Paris Saint-Germain, where she helped the team reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals.
After returning to China and dominating the domestic league, she joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, continuing her international career in the Women’s Super League.
Wang Shuang has been a key player for the Chinese national team since her debut in 2013. She played a crucial role in China’s quarterfinal run at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and led them to a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games with seven goals and three assists.
In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she impressed with four goals in a single match against Zambia. Wang’s greatest achievement came in 2022 when she led China to victory in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, solidifying her status as one of Asia’s top footballers.
Player Profile Overview
| Player Name | Wang Shuang |
| Date of Birth | 23 January 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Wuhan, Hubei, China |
| Height | 1.64 m |
| Weight | 130 pounds |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Current Club | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Position | Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Youth Career | China U20 |
| Senior Career | Wuhan Jianghan University Daejeon Sportstoto Wuhan Jianghan University Dalian Quanjian Wuhan Jianghan University Paris Saint-Germain Wuhan Jianghan University Racing Louisville China |
| Awards & Recognition | 2018 AFC Women’s Footballer of the Year 4x Chinese Women’s Footballer of the Year 2013 Korean Women’s FA Cup Most Valuable Player 2015 Yongchuan International Tournament Top Goalscorer |
Wang Shuang’s Early Life and Background
Wang Shuang was born on January 23, 1995, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Her early life was marked by a challenging upbringing, as her parents divorced when she was young, leaving her to be raised by her uncle and aunt. Football became an escape for Wang Shuang, providing her with a sense of belonging and purpose.
Despite facing personal challenges, Wang Shuang’s talent for football was evident from a young age. She joined her brother’s football team at the age of seven and quickly demonstrated her exceptional skills.
Her natural ability and determination led to her selection for the Chinese national team at a young age, where she represented her country at various youth levels.
Wang Shuang’s Playing Style and Strength
Wang Shuang is renowned for her dynamic and creative playing style, marked by her exceptional dribbling, vision, and technical skills.
As an attacking midfielder, she excels in creating scoring opportunities with her precise passing and clever movement, often orchestrating the attack with her ability to read the game and exploit defensive weaknesses.
Her agility and quick feet allow her to navigate tight spaces and evade defenders, while her goal-scoring prowess is evident in her ability to deliver powerful and accurate shots.
Wang Shuang’s Career Highlights
Wang Shuang began her professional career with Wuhan Jianghan University in the Chinese Women’s Super League, where she quickly became a standout player.
Wang Shuang was first noticed by scouts from the WK-League side Daejeon Sportstoto while preparing for the 2013 National Games with her provincial side, Hubei.
On July 3, 2013, it was announced that she had signed a contract with Daejeon Sportstoto, set to join the club after participating in the 2013 EAFF Women’s East Asian Cup.
In her debut season with the club, Wang made an immediate impact by helping Sportstoto reach the Korean Women’s FA Cup final and earning the Most Valuable Player award after scoring six goals in five appearances.
However, her progress was somewhat interrupted due to her commitments with the 2013 National Games and the Chinese women’s national team.
After her stint in South Korea, Wang returned to China and joined Dalian Quanjian, one of the top teams in the Chinese Women’s Super League helping Dalian Quanjian win the league title during her time there.
Wang Shuang’s Move to France with PSG
Wang Shuang made a significant move to Europe by signing with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2018, becoming one of the few Chinese players to play in a top European league.
At PSG, she quickly established herself as a key player, contributing with goals and assists in the Division 1 Féminine and UEFA Women’s Champions League. She helped PSG finish as runners-up in the league and made a strong impression during her time in France.
At PSG, she quickly established herself as a key player, contributing goals and assists while playing alongside stars like Marie-Antoinette Katoto, one of PSG’s top scorers and Irene Paredes, the Spanish captain and central defender.
Wang Shuang’s Journey to the WSL
Wang Shuang left Paris Saint-Germain by mutual consent and returned to her former club, Wuhan Jianghan University, in China.
After several successful seasons back in the Chinese Women’s Super League, she ventured abroad again, signing with National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Racing Louisville FC on August 10, 2022, for the 2023 season. Wang made her debut for Racing Louisville two days later, coming on as a 60th-minute substitute against Houston Dash.
Continuing her international career, Wang signed with Women’s Super League (WSL) club Tottenham Hotspur on December 8, 2023, marking another significant step in her illustrious career.
Wang Shuang’s International Career
Wang Shuang made her senior debut for the Chinese national team on February 11, 2013, in a match against the Netherlands during the Four Nations Tournament. She was just 18 years old at the time.
She scored her first international goals on September 21, 2013, during the EAFF Women’s East Asian Cup qualification, where she netted a hat-trick in a 7–0 victory over Hong Kong.
Wang Shuang was part of the Chinese squad that finished third in the 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which secured their qualification for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
She played a crucial role in China’s run to the quarterfinals of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. Wang Shuang scored one goal at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Her goal came in China’s 2–2 draw against New Zealand in the group stage, which helped secure China’s advancement to the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Wang Shuang at the 2018 Asian Games
Wang Shuang was instrumental in leading China to a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games, where she was one of the standout players of the tournament.
At the 2018 Asian Games, Wang Shuang scored seven goals and provided three assists. Her contributions were pivotal in helping the Chinese women’s national team reach the final.
In the semifinal against Chinese Taipei, Wang delivered an exceptional performance, helping China secure a 1–0 victory and advance to the final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Yui Hasegawa and the Japanese women’s team.
Wang Shuang Stars at 2020 Olympic Games
Wang Shuang’s performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic) was a standout, though the Chinese women’s national team struggled overall in the tournament.
In China’s second group-stage match against Zambia, Wang Shuang scored an impressive four goals in a 4-4 draw. Despite Wang’s efforts, China struggled in the tournament.
They suffered heavy defeats against Brazil (0-5) and the Netherlands (2-8), which, combined with the draw against Zambia, led to their early exit from the competition. Wang Shuang’s four goals made her one of the top scorers in the group stage, but unfortunately, her contributions were not enough to carry China beyond the group stage.
Winning the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup
Wang Shuang had an exceptional performance at the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, playing a crucial role in leading China to their record-extending ninth title in the tournament. Her contributions were vital in both the group stage and knockout rounds.
She was instrumental in China’s success during the group stage, scoring four goals and showcasing her playmaking abilities and was a constant threat to opposing defences.
In the quarterfinal against Vietnam, Wang continued to shine, helping China secure a 3-1 victory and advance to the semifinals. Her goal helped China to secure a 3-1 win in that match.
One of Wang’s most memorable performances came in the semifinals against Japan, where she played a key role in a dramatic comeback against a Japan team featuring Hinata Miyazawa, Risa Shimizu and Yui Hasegawa.
After a 2-2 draw in regular time, China won 4-3 in a penalty shootout, with Wang Shuang successfully converting her penalty kick.
China came from behind in the final against a Ji So-Yun inspired South Korea to win 3-2. Wang was again central to the victory, contributing with an assist that helped turn the game in China’s favour.
Football Heroes and Idols
Wang Shuang has cited Zidane as one of her major inspirations in football. The French football legend’s vision, skill, and creativity on the field have significantly influenced her own style of play.
Personal Life of Wang Shuang
Family is a sensitive topic for Wang Shuang, who was raised by her aunt and uncle, whom she considers her real parents. The transition from her biological parents to her new family was challenging, causing her to isolate herself initially.
Wang’s introduction to football began when she joined her cousin’s elementary lunchtime team, where she was nicknamed “Tomboy” for her short hair and aggressive play.
Despite early struggles and anxiety, particularly during a notable game in 2013 when she was nervous and underperformed, Wang found solace and support from her growing group of fans and teammates.
The encouragement she received during tough times, including from her coach, has been a significant part of her journey to football stardom.
Conclusion
Wang Shuang’s legacy in Chinese football is undeniable. Her exceptional talent, versatility, and determination have made her a global icon.
As one of the most prominent figures in women’s football, Wang Shuang’s contributions to the sport will continue to inspire future generations.
Her journey from a young talent to a world-class player serves as a testament to her dedication and passion for the game.
