Li Tie

Li Tie, born on September 18, 1977, is a distinguished figure in Chinese football, having made significant contributions both as a player and a coach. His career as a defensive midfielder saw him represent several clubs, including Liaoning in the Chinese Jia-A League, Everton in the Premier League, Sheffield United in the Football League Championship, and Chengdu Blades in the Chinese Super League.

On the international stage, Li Tie earned a remarkable ninety-two caps for the China national team, scoring six goals. His talent and dedication were recognized as he was selected for the AFC Asian Cup in 2000 and 2007, as well as the prestigious 2002 FIFA World Cup, marking him as one of the prominent figures in Chinese football history.

After hanging up his boots, Li transitioned into coaching, beginning as an assistant coach at Guangzhou Evergrande. He later took on roles with the China national team and Hebei China Fortune, where he secured his first head coaching position. However, his career took a dramatic turn in 2024 when he was sentenced to twenty years in prison for bribery, casting a shadow over his legacy.