Sun Wen
Forward / Attacking Midfielder · Shanghai Huapu / Atlanta Beat · China
About Sun Wen
Named the greatest female player of the 20th century by FIFA alongside Michelle Akers, Sun Wen was China's most gifted footballer ever — a technically exquisite attacking midfielder who led the Steel Roses to the 1999 World Cup Final.
Sun Wen's story
Shanghai's Gift
Sun Wen was born on 6 April 1973 in Shanghai — China's most cosmopolitan city and a hotbed of sporting talent. She was identified as exceptional from an early age and developed through Shanghai's football system, becoming the centrepiece of the Chinese national team from her late teens.
China's Greatest Player
For a decade Sun Wen was the finest player in Chinese football — male or female. Her vision, passing range, and ability to score from anywhere made her China's most important player in the national team's rise to prominence. She scored 106 goals in 152 international appearances.
1999 World Cup
The 1999 Women's World Cup in the USA was Sun Wen's stage. She was outstanding throughout, leading China to the final at the Rose Bowl where they faced the host nation. After a goalless 120 minutes, the match went to penalties. Sun Wen scored her spot kick, but China ultimately lost when goalkeeper Gao Hong was beaten by Brandi Chastain's decisive penalty. Sun Wen shared the tournament's Golden Boot and won the Golden Ball as best player.
Atlanta & Legacy
Sun Wen joined Atlanta Beat in the WUSA (2001–2003), bringing her talents to American audiences. She won the FIFA Women's Player of the Century award (alongside Michelle Akers) — the ultimate recognition. After retirement she moved into football administration in China.
Did you know?
- Sun Wen was jointly named FIFA Women's Player of the 20th Century alongside Michelle Akers — the highest individual honour in women's football history.
- She scored 106 international goals in 152 appearances for China, maintaining an extraordinary scoring rate for a player who operated primarily as an attacking midfielder rather than a pure striker.
- Sun Wen is married and has remained prominent in Chinese football administration after retirement, working to develop the women's game in a country where football resources have historically been concentrated on the men's programme.
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