Abduwahab: My dream has not faded; I still have the drive to push higher!

Reported by journalist Wang Wei During the second transfer window this year, the China League One club Foshan Nanshi announced that Abduwahab, who had moved from Guangzhou FC to Shaanxi Union in early 2025, was officially loaned to Nanshi. The player, a favorite among Guangzhou fans, returned to Guangdong after a year and a half, drawing widespread attention from local supporters. After joining Foshan Nanshi, Abduwahab accepted an exclusive interview with our newspaper, discussing his journey over the years and his ties to Guangzhou football.

◆ Soccer: How did you start learning football in the Hotan region of Xinjiang? And how did you join the Evergrande Football School?

Abduwahab: When I was a child, my two older brothers were crazy about football. Back then, in the countryside, our yard was very large and spacious, and many people played football. I would pick up the ball for them on the sidelines and watch them play, which made me fall in love with the sport too.

By chance, the Evergrande Football School came to recruit students at a school in Moyu County, Hotan. I was 12 at the time, and I went to Kashgar to take the exam on a whim. I passed and joined the school's elite football class.

◆ When Guangzhou FC was going through a tough period, you chose to rejoin the team. What was on your mind when you made that decision?

I didn't think there was any need to consider whether to come back or not. At that time, Coach Liu (Liu Zhiyu) was in charge. He called me and asked me to return, so I didn't hesitate to go anywhere else—I flew straight to Guangzhou to join the team. To be honest, playing for Guangzhou FC had been my dream since childhood. When I returned, the team was having difficulty paying salaries, but the players were all excellent, and training quality was high. Coming back wasn't just about repaying Guangzhou FC; I believe it was a win-win situation. Guangzhou FC helped many of us develop—players like Liao Jintao, Huo Shenping, Wang Shilong, Xu Bin, Zhang Zhixiong, as well as Hou Yu, Liu Langzhou, and others—all of whom gained valuable experience at Guangzhou FC during those two years. So I think it wasn't just us returning to help the team; it was a mutually beneficial arrangement. Players who came out of Guangzhou FC later performed well at other clubs, playing key roles—even taking on the responsibilities of key players.

◆ How did you feel when Guangzhou FC could no longer continue in the league?

At that time, we had already returned from our break and started training. The original squad from 2024 was mostly still there, the coach had been in contact with new foreign signings, and many players still had contracts. So the dissolution of the team was really a pity. Honestly, after two years of development, the team had reached the standard for promotion to the Super League. If that season could have continued, promotion would have been a natural outcome. From a personal perspective, it was a huge loss and a regret. I know regret is a part of life, but I was very sad at the time—not just because the team disbanded, but because we didn't achieve our goal of promotion, which was right in front of us.

If that team had continued, it would have had great potential. If the original squad had stayed, they would have been no worse than the current Chongqing Tonglianglong. I had high expectations for that team because they were very cohesive and competitive.

◆ Soccer: Having moved between several teams along the way, which match in your career has left the deepest impression on you, and why?

Abduwahab: Actually, there are many memorable matches—whether I was in Kunshan, Guangzhou, or Shaanxi, many games are unforgettable. For example, the match between Guangzhou FC and Dalian. That kind of pure competition creates a great atmosphere. Players enjoy that kind of rivalry; it's not about disliking the other team. As a player, I really relish such competition because it's what helps us improve. Both matches against Dalian were fantastic.

Also, the goal-fest away at Guangxi Pingguo in 2024, which we won 4-3, was a brilliant game—that Guangdong-Guangxi derby was unforgettable. And at Shaanxi Union, in 2025 against Nantong Zhiyun, we were down 0-2, but in the final three minutes we scored three goals to complete a comeback.

Anything is possible in football. When we played Dalian, the outside world didn't rate us highly. At that time, Guangxi Pingguo was also near the top of the table. In the match against Nantong, we were still 0-2 down at 88 minutes—would anyone have believed we could turn it around? Many thought it was impossible, but in the world of football, anything can happen, and you should never give up. This also teaches me that in life, you must never abandon your dreams, because until the very end, anything is possible.

◆ Returning to Foshan, joining Foshan Nanshi—though it's not Guangzhou, Guangzhou fans will likely come to watch you. What would you say to them?

Every time I return to Guangzhou, I'm very happy. Foshan is very close to Guangzhou, so many fans will definitely come to watch my games. I want to tell the Guangzhou fans that I have never forgotten them. As I said when I said goodbye, they are always in my heart—forever. If they can come to Foshan to watch a match, I will be thrilled. I'll greet every one of them at the scene, because Guangzhou has always held a very important place in my heart.

◆ How have you felt in the first few days since joining Foshan Nanshi?

In the short time I've been with the team, I've noticed that Coach Zhang (Zhang Chiming) and Coach Yu are very dedicated to their work. The young coaching staff want to show their abilities and prove themselves. I think our coaching group has great potential going forward. This move to Foshan Nanshi is first and foremost about helping the team avoid relegation together. Coach Zhang and I play the same position; he is known by fans as the "Chongqing C Ronaldo," and he often gives me tips on how to play. I came here with the attitude of learning from a senior player.

◆ Soccer: On the pitch, you're always energetic in your runs and aggressive in tackles. How do you maintain your fitness and competitive form on a daily basis?

Abduwahab: I think it's about day-to-day discipline. Whether it's eating, sleeping, or playing on the field, I give it my all. Training should be 100% commitment, just like a match. You have to learn self-discipline in everyday life.

◆ Your technical style leans toward agility and breakthrough ability. What areas do you think you still need to improve, and how do you plan to work on them?

I feel I'm always improving. For example, my scoring efficiency is decent, but can I do better in terms of assists from the wing? As a winger, I want to strike a better balance between goals and assists. I often practice crossing after training, especially with my left foot. I didn't used to do that, but now I'm working hard to improve.

◆ You've never been selected for national youth teams at various levels. Does this leave you with any regrets, and how do you adjust your mindset?

Many of my teammates who grew up with me have been called up to the U19 or U17 national teams. Honestly, I do have regrets about that. But everyone's life and pace are different—I might be a late bloomer, maybe I didn't shine particularly brightly when I was younger. Some players emerge early, others later. I know my own position, and this has never affected me. Now, my mindset is to focus on doing my best every day. I'm very dedicated to football, and I still have dreams. I've never given up. I put all my energy into today, giving 100% in every training session without regrets, hoping to achieve good results. Even if I don't, I'll have given my all. I'm 26 now, no longer a young player. My mindset might be calmer, and my technique, game reading, mental sharpness, and physical condition are at their peak for a professional career. So I want to cherish this time even more.

◆ Does this mindset guide your efforts and development?

Yes, this mindset has also led me to make some decisions. For example, leaving Shaanxi Union this time wasn't because I wasn't getting playing time—I could still play. I just wanted a more stable opportunity to maintain my form. Last year, I missed eight games but still scored nine goals. I felt I could do a lot of things well. But this year, I couldn't keep my form consistent, so I chose to leave on loan, seeking more consistent playing time to stay in good shape.

Last year was a standout season for me, and I had high expectations for this year. When I noticed my rhythm was off, I was a bit disappointed. I'll do my best to adjust and find other paths. This is my own choice—whether it's right or wrong, time will tell.

◆ Soccer: What are your short-term and long-term aspirations for your football career?

Abduwahab: At my age, the drive and dreams inside me still haven't faded. I still have the motivation to push myself higher. I've never lowered my standards for myself, and I believe I can do even better.

◆ The players nurtured by Guangzhou football, like Xu Bin and others who have gone abroad, as well as those doing well in the Chinese Super League—do you still keep in touch with them often?

Actually, I keep in touch with my teammates. For example, Liao Jintao and I often chat on WeChat. When Xu Bin went to play in England, I sent him a message to congratulate him. That was also a dream of ours when we were young—I'm really envious and hope he can seize the opportunity. I believe Xu Bin has the ability; he was very consistent in the Chinese Super League. As for Zhang Zhixiong, whenever we meet each other during winter training friendlies, we're both very happy and chat. We Guangzhou FC players have a very close bond.

◆ Many fans have called you the team's "political commissar." How do you view that nickname?

A lot of people have asked me about this. When I first went to Shaanxi, the fans there also asked why I was called "political commissar." Shaanxi Union's training sessions are watched by many fans, who are very enthusiastic. As you know, I train with great intensity and shout a lot, so the Shaanxi fans gradually understood why.

I also like to energize the atmosphere in the locker room. When I was in Guangzhou, I would interact and shout with the fans, so I guess that's why they see me as a political commissar. It's an honor for me that fans call me that—it's their recognition. I'm quite happy about it. Having such a nickname in my playing career is actually pretty nice.