Huang Shenghao has made history after becoming the first player of African descent to be called up to China’s senior national team.
The 19-year-old midfielder was added to China’s squad for its latest training camp after impressing with Guangdong GZ-Power and previously representing the country at youth level. The Chinese Football Association confirmed that Huang was among the young players selected for the latest national-team setup.
Born on August 1, 2007, in Guangzhou, Huang is the son of a Nigerian father and Chinese mother. Transfermarkt lists him as a Chinese citizen and a defensive midfielder, with Guangdong GZ-Power as his current club.
Huang joined Guangdong GZ-Power in August 2023 and has established himself as a defensive midfielder. He stands at 1.83 metres and wears the number 39 shirt for the club.
The teenager has also featured for China at youth level. Transfermarkt lists him as a China U19 international, while the CFA’s latest review of Chinese football identifies Huang among the young players who have earned senior-team opportunities because of their performances in the professional league.
His senior call-up comes after a strong period with Guangdong GZ-Power and follows his involvement with China’s U19 team at the Maurice Revello Tournament in France earlier this year.
Huang has now joined China’s senior squad for the September–October international programme, with the team scheduled to participate in the 2026 CFA China Team Chongqing International Football Invitational Tournament.
