Chongqing - On Nov 12, Chongqing's Datianwan Stadium hosted a special commemorative match celebrating the 25th anniversary of the city's greatest football triumph, the 2000 FA Cup victory. Legendary Korean coach Li Zhangsu, who guided Chongqing Longxin (the predecessor of Chongqing Lifan) to the title, returned with a roster of former champions to face off against a Chongqing cultural and sports all-star team led by fellow Korean coach Zhang Wailong.
Chongqing's FA Cup victory 25 years ago. (Photo: the Internet)
Back in November 2000, Chongqing Longxin stunned Beijing Guoan 4-1 to lift the FA Cup trophy, marking the club's first major honor. For many younger fans, that moment exists only in memory and archives. The anniversary match brought the heroes back: goalkeeper Fu Bin, defenders Jiang Bin and Sun Qing, midfielders Jiang Feng and Zhao Lichun, and striker Luo Di were among those reunited under Li Zhangsu's guidance.
Although foreign stars Mark, Milen, and Bikanic could not attend, domestic icons such as Peng Weiguo, Gao Feng, and Liu Jinbiao joined the lineup, adding to the nostalgia. "It feels like time has turned back," said one veteran photographer, recalling how he captured Chongqing's glory in 2000 and now, near retirement, witnessed the same faces once more.
Fans are celebrating the reunion with the players (Photo: event organizer)
The event, though non-commercial in nature, drew strong backing from local enterprises. Xintian Group, a leading Chongqing-based food company, stepped in as title sponsor. Chairman Wang Cheng emphasized the symbolic value of the match: "This anniversary embodies the spirit of unity and perseverance in Chongqing football, which resonates with our company's values of dedication, persistence, and innovation."
The popularity of cultural and tourism-related football events across different regions is inseparable from the support of local leading enterprises. Companies that produce local specialty products backing their hometown football teams have created a football atmosphere that local fans truly enjoy. Xintian Group, known for its Chongqing hotpot products such as sesame oil, is actively contributing to Chongqing's football culture. "We believe the passion of football will grow alongside the city's development," said the chairman, Wang.
The opposing Chongqing cultural and sports team added a festive flair, featuring local comedians, former national women's captain Xu Yuan, ex-Lifan skipper Wang Kai, and several players from Chongqing Tongliang Long, fresh off their successful promotion to the Chinese Super League. Veteran midfielder Huang Xiyang, who recently declared "I've given the Super League back to the fans," returned to the pitch to loud applause.
The match was less about the scoreline than the spectacle. At one point, Jiang Feng's precise through-ball set up Qiu Weiguo for a neat finish, sending the stadium into raptures as chants of "Xiongqi (Rise Up)!" echoed through the stands.
Penalties bring tonight's reunion to a close (Photo: event organizer)
For fans, the evening was about bridging generations. One supporter, who had witnessed the 2000 triumph as a student, brought his son to the stadium: "I wanted him to see my idols play, so he could fall in love with football just as I did."
In the end, the Chongqing Cultural and Sports All-Star Team edged out the Chongqing Qianwei Huandao Veterans 6-5 on penalties, bringing tonight’s reunion to a close.