Xiao Zhi 肖智

Xiao Zhi (Chinese: 肖智; pinyin: Xiao Zhi; born on May 28, 1985) is a Chinese professional footballer who currently plays for China League Two club Qingdao Hainiu as a striker.

Club Career

Xiao Zhi started his football career with second tier football club Nanjing Yoyo, where he would establish himself as a regular within the team before he was sold to his local football club Henan Jianye for 1.3 million Yuan. With his new club he would play within the top tier and make his debut for them on March 11, 2007 when he made his first league appearance against Beijing Guoan in a 0-0 draw. Due to his versatility to play as a winger or striker he would find significant playing time and score his first goal against Changchun Yatai on November 4, 2007 in a 3-2 victory. By the end of season he would make 23 league appearances and though these often came as a substitute he would still play a large part in Henan's establishment in the Chinese Super League.

On January 27, 2016, Xiao transferred to fellow Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F. He would make his debut in a league game against Hebei China Fortune F.C. on 4 March 2016 in a 2-1 defeat. In his first campaign he played 25 times in the league that season, scoring six goals. Xiao signed a contract extension with R&F on January 25, 2017.

On 17 July 2020, Xiao joined Tianjin TEDA. He would make his debut in a league game against Shanghai SIPG F.C. on 27 July 2020 in a game that ended in a 3-1 defeat.

International Career

On June 7, 2017, Xiao made his debut and scored for the Chinese national team in an 8–1 win against Philippines.