China's 'Football official Po Cheong Cheon' emerges as World Cup star amid national team's absence

While the Chinese men's national football team has not qualified for the World Cup finals in over two decades, a Chinese referee, Ma Ning, is capturing the nation's attention as the 2026 North, Central America, and Caribbean World Cup approaches. Ma Ning is among the selected referees for the tournament, marking a rare instance of Chinese representation on the global stage of football officiating.

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You have 1.4 billion people behind you.

His inclusion has sparked considerable excitement and online discussion in China. Ma Ning's official social media accounts have garnered millions of views and thousands of comments, with fans expressing strong support and pride. The sentiment is encapsulated in messages like "1.4 billion people are behind you." This widespread attention underscores a unique situation where a referee has become a de facto national hero in the absence of a competitive national team.

However, the enthusiasm is tinged with self-deprecating humor and disappointment regarding the men's national team's persistent struggles. Many Chinese netizens express a sense of irony, stating they will be watching their referee officiate matches rather than their own team play. This contrast highlights the deep-seated frustration with the national team's performance, especially after failing to qualify for an expanded 48-team World Cup.

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Other countries are watching their teams play, while we are watching our referee give out cards.

Ma Ning is known for his strict officiating style, earning him the nickname "Card Master" among Chinese football fans. His on-field decisions have frequently become viral memes and topics of discussion on social media platforms. This notoriety has also translated into marketing opportunities, with Chinese companies leveraging Ma Ning as a representative figure for their World Cup sponsorships, seeking a visible Chinese presence in the global event.

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Ma Ning gives out cards.