Li Ming (footballer, born 2000)

Born in Qingdao, Shandong, Li started playing football as a child, joining his primary school football team at the age of ten, the same year he joined Qingdao Luyin.[1] In 2011, his performances at the Mayor's Cup drew the attention of football fans throughout China, where he was described as "Maradonna-possessed" by a commentator, as well as earning the nickname "Qingdao little Messi", for his immense performances, scoring numerous goals and being noted for his dribbling ability.[2] He was also recruited into the Qingdao team in the same year.[1]

He once again garnered national attention the following year, this time for his performances at a primary school championship final, where he scored four goals and recorded one assist in a 5–2 victory.[3]

In 2013, Li was selected for the Wanda Group's "China's Future Football Star" initiative, to encourage the development of young Chinese players.[1][3] He joined the academy of Atlético Madrid, progressing through the youth ranks and representing the club at under-17 level.[2] However, despite a promising start in Madrid, he was loaned to RSD Alcalá for the 2017–18 season, making eleven appearances for the under-19s.[1]

He returned to China at the beginning of 2019, signing with Chinese Super League side Guangzhou City.[1]

At the age of thirteen, Geng received call-ups to both the under-14 and under-15 national teams.[3] He was called up to the Chinese under-16 team in 2015.[1]

Li is of Korean ethnicity.[3]