Cao Yunding, the former Chinese football player who made significant contributions to the sport during his career, has passed away at the age of 56. The news of Cao's death was announced by Shanghai Shenhua on their official Weibo account.
Cao began his professional football career with Shanghai Shenhua in 2001 and went on to become one of the team's most prominent players. He played for Shanghai Shenhua until 2017, winning several domestic and international titles with the club.
In addition to his success on the field, Cao was also known for his dedication to the sport and his efforts to promote football among young people. He was a vocal advocate for youth football development and worked closely with various organizations to help establish football academies across China.
Cao's passing is a great loss not just for Shanghai Shenhua but also for the entire football community in China. His legacy will be remembered as a symbol of hard work, dedication, and passion for the game. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace, Cao Yunding.