Who tops the list in Chinese sports?
From the badminton courts to the gymnastics mats, who shines the brightest?
Discover the most popular athletes from China, and explore how they have left a lasting impact on their respective sports.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from China.
Most popular athletes from China:
- Yao Ming
- Li Na
- Lin Dan
- Liu Xiang
- Lang Ping
- Chen Long
- Sun Yang
- Ding Ning
- Ma Long
- Fan Kexin
- Wu Jingyu
- Guo Jingjing
- Wang Shuang
Table of Contents
#1 Yao Ming
- 🏆 Sport(s): Basketball
- 🎂 Born in: 1980
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 8-time NBA All-Star
Yao Ming, widely regarded as China’s most beloved basketball player, transformed the NBA’s presence in China. His exceptional skills and towering height made him a force on the court, captivating a nation of basketball fans.
Off the court, Yao’s dedication to charity work and his role as an ambassador for Chinese sports solidifies his legacy in the sport.
#2 Li Na
- 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1982
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 Grand Slam Singles Titles
Li Na, a trailblazer in Chinese tennis, has inspired countless young athletes in her home country. Her relentless determination and impressive skills on the court have made her one of the most successful Asian tennis players in history.
Post-retirement, Li Na remains a role model for athletes and continues to promote tennis in China.
#3 Lin Dan
- 🏆 Sport(s): Badminton
- 🎂 Born in: 1983
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 Olympic Gold Medals
Lin Dan, known as “Super Dan” among badminton fans, is celebrated as one of the greatest badminton players in history. His extraordinary ability and flair on the court have brought him numerous titles and accolades.
Away from the court, Lin Dan’s popularity and influence have helped elevate the sport’s profile in China and around the world.
#4 Liu Xiang
- 🏆 Sport(s): Track and Field
- 🎂 Born in: 1983
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal in 110m Hurdles
Liu Xiang, a pioneering figure in Chinese athletics, broke barriers when he became the first Chinese male athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field. His incredible speed and agility earned him numerous world records and accolades.
His success and perseverance have served as an inspiration for aspiring Chinese athletes.
#5 Lang Ping
- 🏆 Sport(s): Volleyball
- 🎂 Born in: 1960
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal as both player and coach
Lang Ping, affectionately known as the “Iron Hammer,” is a volleyball legend in China. As both a player and a coach, she has led her teams to Olympic gold medal victories, showcasing her exceptional talent and leadership.
Her influence on the sport has made her a beloved figure among volleyball fans in China and beyond.
#6 Chen Long
- 🏆 Sport(s): Badminton
- 🎂 Born in: 1989
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal in Men’s Singles
Chen Long, another badminton superstar hailing from China, has consistently dominated the sport with his powerful play and impressive skills on the court. His list of achievements includes Olympic, World, and Asian Championship titles.
His dedication to the sport continues to inspire the next generation of badminton players.
#7 Sun Yang
- 🏆 Sport(s): Swimming
- 🎂 Born in: 1991
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 3 Olympic Gold Medals
Sun Yang, a celebrated swimmer in China, has made a name for himself through his remarkable achievements in the pool. His powerful strokes and unwavering determination have brought him Olympic gold and numerous world records.
Despite controversies surrounding his career, Sun Yang remains an influential figure in Chinese swimming.
#8 Ding Ning
- 🏆 Sports(s): Table Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1990
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal in Women’s Singles
Ding Ning, a remarkable talent in table tennis, has achieved numerous victories on the world stage. Her exceptional skills and quick reflexes have earned her top spots in major competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships.
As a national icon, Ding Ning continues to inspire fans and young table tennis players in China.
#9 Ma Long
- 🏆 Sport(s): Table Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1988
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal in Men’s Singles
Ma Long, known as the “Dragon,” is a dominant force in table tennis, both in China and globally. His unrivaled skills and powerful playing style have earned him numerous titles, including Olympic and World Championship gold medals.
His incredible career and dedication to the sport make him a top icon to aspiring table tennis stars.
#10 Fan Kexin
- 🏆 Sport(s): Short Track Speed Skating
- 🎂 Born in: 1993
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Multiple World Championship Titles
Fan Kexin, a phenomenal talent in short track speed skating, is a multiple-time world champion and a fierce competitor on the ice. Her agility and speed make her a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Fan Kexin’s remarkable skills and success continue to raise the profile of speed skating in China.
#11 Wu Jingyu
- 🏆 Sport(s): Taekwondo
- 🎂 Born in: 1987
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 Olympic Gold Medals
Wu Jingyu, a taekwondo master, has won accolades and acclaim for her performances on the world stage. Her precision, strength, and determination have made her a double Olympic champion and an inspiration to many in China.
As a trailblazer for Chinese martial arts, Wu Jingyu is admired for her unwavering dedication and prowess.
#12 Guo Jingjing
- 🏆 Sport(s): Diving
- 🎂 Born in: 1981
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 4 Olympic Gold Medals
Guo Jingjing, known as the “Diving Queen,” is one of the most successful Chinese divers in history. Her extraordinary talent, grace, and consistency in the sport have earned her multiple Olympic and world championship titles.
Her impact on the sport has made her an icon in China and a role model for aspiring divers.
#13 Wang Shuang
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1995
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2018 Asian Footballer of the Year
Wang Shuang, a rising soccer star in China, has quickly become a fan favorite for her impressive skills and creativity on the field. As one of the brightest talents in Chinese women’s football, she has broken barriers and inspired an entire generation of young players.
Wang Shuang’s success and determination are paving the way for the future of soccer in China.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of China?
Li Ning, an Olympic gold medalist gymnast, is considered China’s greatest athlete in history.
Who is the most popular female athlete from China?
Li Ning, an Olympic gold medalist gymnast, is considered China’s greatest athlete in history.
Which sport has the most popular athletes from China?
Table tennis tends to produce the most popular athletes in China.
Which athlete from China is the most popular internationally?
Yao Ming, former NBA player, is China’s most internationally popular athlete.
