Zhang Yingkai

Zhang Yingkai came through Shandong Taishan's youth system, spending more than a decade at the club before working his way into the first team. His breakthrough came in 2022, when he made six appearances in the AFC Champions League group stage, including a match against Lion City Sailors. Rather than an immediate step up, the following year brought a spell out of the spotlight, and in 2024 he was farmed out to Shandong Taishan II, playing 21 times in the China League Two as the club continued his development away from the senior side.

In January 2025 Zhang moved to Chongqing Tongliang Long, a transfer that took him into regular first-team football in the China League One. He has since become an established figure in the side's defence, playing as the club stepped up into the Chinese Super League. His performances have not gone unnoticed at cup level: he was named Player of the Match in a Chinese FA Cup tie against Shaanxi Northwest Youth.

Across his career to date, Zhang has made 71 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and adding two assists. His path so far has been built on academy pedigree and steady progression through loan-style football rather than on early honours, and he has yet to add a first team title or individual award to his name.