FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at a 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promotional event in Shanghai on October 30, 2024. Photo: Lu Wenao/GT

As one of the world's most ­populous countries still grapples with the most popular sport in the world, FIFA President ­Gianni Infantino said he believes in the potential for China to claim its place as a "top country" in soccer.

Attending a 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promotional event on Wednesday in Shanghai, as FIFA penned a sponsorship deal with Chinese company Hisense, Infantino underscored that he looks forward to seeing greater Chinese soccer presence in global competitions.

"We are not satisfied with the way [soccer] has developed in the last couple of years [in China]. We need to change that," he told the Global Times. "We need to bring China back to where China belongs at the top of the world."

The Chinese men's national soccer team is now 92nd in the FIFA world rankings, the lowest place for the team in eight years, while the women's team also hit a slump in recent years, now sitting at a mediocre 18th place.  

"There is no club and no country which has regularly won competitions throughout the years," Infantino told the Global Times. 

"It's a little bit down, but the last match and the qualifier for the FIFA World Cup was won by China. So this is a good sign," he said, referring to the Chinese men's national team's win against Indonesia in a World Cup Asian qualifier. 

Chinese players celebrate scoring in the World Cup Asian qualifying match against Indonesia on October 15, 2024 in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province. Photo: VCG

'Great host for World Cup'

The Swiss national, who assumed office in 2016, expressed aspirations for China to host the FIFA World Cups at both the club and national team levels in the future, seeing it as a pivotal opportunity to showcase the country's enthusiasm for the sport. 

"I believe China could be a great host for any FIFA World Cup," the 54-year-old added, ­suggesting that the nation has the infrastructure and ­organizational capability to stage such prestigious events. 

He noted the prospect of China hosting a World Cup, whether for young or senior teams, could serve as a catalyst for further development and increased interest in the sport.

Despite the pressing need for improvement of national team's performances, Infantino remains hopeful about the future of Chinese soccer. He emphasized that hard work and determination are the key to overcoming any lingering challenges. 

"There is no shortcut. The only formula that works is hard work," he told the Global Times. 

He envisions a collaborative effort with Chinese authorities that includes sending FIFA coaches, instructors, and refereeing experts to China to help the country develop soccer at all levels. "Whatever we can do to help, we will do [it]," he said, reflecting FIFA's commitment to supporting China's football ambitions.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at a 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promotional event in Shanghai on October 30, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Hisense

Hopes for more intl presence 

Infantino's vision for China's soccer extends beyond merely hosting international events. He underscored that he looks forward to seeing a greater presence of Chinese soccer in global competitions.

Infantino pointed out that soccer's global prominence cannot be fully realized until all corners of the world, including China, are actively participating in the game.

"We need to create opportunities for clubs from all over the world to showcase their players, helping them grow and improve," he said. 

At the heart of Infantino's strategy is the newly rebranded FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament designed to feature 32 of the world's best clubs, bringing together diverse teams and fans globally. 

Though no Chinese clubs have made it into the prestigious club world championship scheduled for 2025, Infantino sees the competition as an opportunity for Chinese clubs to gain exposure on a global stage in the future. 

"This is a unique chance to showcase your players and your talent," he noted, highlighting the importance of competitive platforms that allow clubs to thrive.

The last time a Chinese soccer club participated in FIFA's most prestigious international club competition was 2015, when Guangzhou's Evergrande finished in fourth place. 

He encouraged collaboration between FIFA and the Chinese soccer authority to establish a solid structure and organization to "restore" Chinese soccer's international position, as China has become one of the top countries in the world.

"China is one of the top countries in the world," he stated, urging Chinese football stakeholders to seize this moment. "If you want, you could be number one in soccer. It depends on you."

With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, Infantino believes that China possesses an abundance of potential waiting to be harnessed, as he advocates for a robust youth development program that would pave the way for future generations of soccer players.

Ongoing projects include the FIFA Football for Schools program and a talent development scheme aimed at nurturing young players in China. "Soccer is about working together. With collaboration, dedication, and investment, Chinese soccer can shine on the world stage," he told the Global Times. 

Shared commitment

Infantino met with Chinese soccer governing body officials in Shanghai on Thursday. They discussed plans to ensure more youngsters play and excel in soccer and how FIFA programs can further soccer development in China, which the Swiss national wrote on social media Thursday. 

Chinese Football Association (CFA) President Song Kai has previously stated that his vision would be youth-focused, which Infantino hailed as a "shared commitment" to grassroots soccer development in China.

"FIFA's increased youth tournaments reflect a shared commitment to grassroots development with a youth-focused vision for China," Infantino said after his meeting with Song on Thursday. 

He said that FIFA will offer "full support" for the CFA and the General Administration of Sport as he insisted that collaboration will provide hope and opportunity through the popular sport. "We need to bring the right structure [to China], and then the path is straight up to the top," he said.