Zhang Yaokun


Zhang Yaokun is a retired Chinese footballer.

Club career

Zhang Yaokun started his football career in 1998 with Dalian Shide; however, due to an ankle fracture, he struggled to establish himself within the team and it was only once he overcame his long term injury did he start to become a regular. He later became an integral member of the defense and helped Dalian in their dominance within Chinese football by winning league titles in the 2001 season and the 2002 season as well as the Chinese FA Cup in 2001. After Dalian had a disappointing 2004 season, Vladimir Petrović came in as the new manager and would loan out Zhang to Sichuan Guancheng during the 2005 season where he quickly established himself as a key member of the club. He returned to Dalian the following season where he continued to be a key member of the squad and would go on to become their captain.
On 18 December 2012, Zhang transferred to fellow Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F. He made his debut for the club on 9 March 2013 in a 4-2 loss against Liaoning Whowin.
On 26 February 2017, Zhang transferred to League One side Wuhan Zall.
On 12 November 2018, Zhang Yaokun publicly announced his retirement from professional football right after Wuhan Zall successfully promoted to Chinese Super League.

International career

Zhang was called-up to the Chinese national team for the 2004 AFC Asian Cup where he made several appearances coming on as a substitute and playing in numerous positions in defence. He continued to be a regular for the squad that qualified for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup and he and Li Weifeng were the first-choice centre back pairing during the tournament.

Career statistics

Club statistics

International goals

#DateVenueOpponentScoreCompetition
119 June 2005Changsha, China2–2Friendly international
22 June 2007San Jose, United States1–4Friendly international
328 October 2007Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia4–02010 FIFA World Cup qualifier

Honours

Club

Dalian Shide
Wuhan Zall
;China PR national football team