Chinese soccer fans are rallying behind referee Ma Ning, known as the “Card Master,” as a symbol of national pride following the national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup. Ma Ning, the tournament’s only Chinese referee, has secured major sponsorships from brands like Lenovo and Hisense amid his rising social media popularity.
Why is Ma Ning trending in China?
The sudden surge in Ma Ning’s popularity follows the Chinese national team’s repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup. While traditional soccer send-offs involve celebrating players in suits, Chinese fans have redirected their attention toward the officiating stage. According to CNN, Ma Ning has become a focal point for national representation because he is the only Chinese official at the tournament.
This shift in sentiment marks a significant departure from Ma’s domestic reputation. For much of his decade-long career, the 46-year-old faced intense criticism. During domestic matches in the Chinese Super League, he was frequently heckled and cursed at by spectators.
His reputation for a stern officiating style earned him the nickname “Card Master.” This moniker gained viral status in 2015 during an intense Shanghai derby, where Ma issued nine yellow cards and three red cards in a single match. While that performance was divisive at the time, it established the brand that now attracts millions of social media views.
Ma Ning’s “Card Master” reputation was cemented during a 2015 Shanghai derby match, where he issued a total of 12 cards (nine yellow and three red).
How has Ma Ning built a personal brand?
Ma Ning has successfully transitioned from a controversial official to a commercial entity. Since starting his RedNote account last month, he has garnered more than 210,000 followers. This digital presence has translated into tangible economic value through high-profile partnerships.
Major Chinese brands, including technology firm Lenovo and electronics giant Hisense, have secured sponsorships tied to his World Cup appearance. This commercial pivot suggests a growing trend where sports officials, rather than just players, become marketable influencers.
Social media users on platforms like Weibo and RedNote have embraced this new persona. One RedNote user noted, “Other countries watch their own teams play matches, we watch our own referee hand out cards.” Another user joked on Weibo that Ma’s luggage is likely filled entirely with yellow and red cards.
What challenges face China’s soccer ambitions?
The rise of a “celebrity referee” highlights the stagnation of China’s professional soccer development. China has not qualified for a World Cup since 2002, its only appearance in the tournament. This drought stands in stark contrast to the long-term goals set by the Chinese government.
In 2011, Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed three specific wishes for the nation’s soccer future: to qualify for the World Cup, to host the World Cup, and to win the World Cup. To achieve this, the government unveiled a blueprint to become a “first-class soccer superpower” by 2050.
However, several systemic issues have hindered this progress, according to reports regarding the sport’s landscape:
- Financial Instability: Poor financial decisions within the Chinese Super League.
- Governance Issues: Allegations of high-level corruption within the sport.
- Economic Factors: A property crisis stalling the broader economy and impacting sports investment.
- Global Disruptions: A years-long pandemic that interrupted training and development.
Comparing Past and Present Sentiment
The contrast in how Chinese fans engage with soccer has shifted from player-centric to official-centric. In previous decades, fan engagement focused on the performance of the national squad. Currently, due to the lack of qualifying players, the focus has moved to the “style and demeanor” of officials like Ma Ning.
Ma Ning himself expressed a desire to utilize this platform for professional growth. Before departing for the Americas, Ma told Chinese state media that he intends to “earnestly learn from the world’s most outstanding referees” to bring valuable experience back to China.
Who else is representing China at the tournament?
While Ma Ning is the most prominent figure, he is not the only official from China on the global stage. He is joined by two other Chinese officials: assistant referee Zhou Fei and video assistant referee (VAR) Fu Ming.
If you want to track the performance of international officials, look for the FIFA-certified status. Ma Ning has held this certification since 2011 and previously served as a fourth official during the Qatar World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did China last qualify for the World Cup?
China’s last appearance in the World Cup was in 2002.
Why is Ma Ning called the “Card Master”?
He earned the nickname due to his uncompromising officiating style and his tendency to issue a high volume of yellow and red cards, notably during a 2015 Shanghai derby.
Which brands sponsor Ma Ning?
Ma Ning has secured sponsorships from major Chinese brands including Lenovo and Hisense.
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