Chengdu Rongcheng FC Midfielders 2025
Chengdu Rongcheng FC has emerged as one of the most exciting teams in Chinese football, boasting a dynamic and versatile midfield that has become the backbone of their success. As the 2025 season unfolds, the club’s midfield unit showcases a blend of experienced campaigners, rising stars, and international talents. This post delves into the profiles of each midfielder currently donning the Chengdu Rongcheng jersey, exploring their backgrounds, playing styles, and contributions to the team. From creative playmakers to hard-tackling enforcers, this midfield ensemble is a testament to the club’s ambition and strategic recruitment.
1. Romulo (Brazil)
Romulo, the Brazilian maestro, has been a cornerstone of Chengdu Rongcheng’s midfield since his arrival in 2023. Known for his impeccable vision and technical prowess, he orchestrates play with a calmness that belies the intensity of the game. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Romulo began his career at Fluminense before making a name for himself in Europe with stints at Dynamo Kyiv and Spartak Moscow. Chengdu secured his services for a reported transfer fee of €8 million, a testament to his pedigree. At 32, Romulo brings a wealth of experience, often dictating the tempo of matches with his precise passing and ability to unlock defenses. His set-piece delivery is another weapon in his arsenal, making him a constant threat in dead-ball situations. Despite his age, Romulo’s fitness levels remain exceptional, allowing him to cover significant ground and contribute defensively when needed.
2. Li Jianbin (China)
A product of Chengdu Rongcheng’s youth academy, Li Jianbin embodies the club’s commitment to nurturing local talent. The 26-year-old central midfielder has grown into a key figure for both club and country, earning plaudits for his tireless work rate and tactical intelligence. Li’s journey from academy prospect to first-team regular is a source of pride for the Chengdu faithful. Unlike many of his teammates, Li has spent his entire career at the club, making his debut in 2018. His ability to break up opposition play and distribute the ball efficiently has made him an indispensable part of the midfield. Li’s leadership qualities have also come to the fore, with the midfielder often wearing the captain’s armband in crucial matches. His dedication to the club’s cause and his consistent performances have endeared him to fans and coaches alike.
3. Kim Min-woo (South Korea)
Kim Min-woo, the South Korean international, joined Chengdu Rongcheng in 2024 from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors for a fee of €5 million. The 28-year-old box-to-box midfielder is renowned for his energy and versatility, capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch. Kim’s career began at Ulsan Hyundai, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the K League. His move to Chengdu marked a new chapter, and he has since become a fan favorite due to his relentless running and knack for scoring crucial goals. Kim’s technical ability, combined with his physicality, makes him a nightmare for opposing midfielders. Whether it’s driving forward with the ball or tracking back to make a vital interception, Kim’s all-action style has been a key component of Chengdu’s success.
4. Zhang Gong (China)
Zhang Gong, a 24-year-old attacking midfielder, is one of the brightest young talents in Chinese football. Signed from Beijing Guoan in 2022 for €3.5 million, Zhang has quickly established himself as a creative force in Chengdu’s midfield. His close control, dribbling ability, and eye for goal make him a constant threat in the final third. Zhang’s journey to prominence began at Shandong Luneng’s youth academy, where he honed his skills before making his professional debut. Since joining Chengdu, he has flourished under the guidance of the coaching staff, earning a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the league. Zhang’s ability to link play between midfield and attack has been instrumental in Chengdu’s offensive strategies, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by the national team selectors.
5. Andrija Živković (Serbia)
Andrija Živković, the Serbian winger-turned-central midfielder, brings a wealth of international experience to Chengdu Rongcheng. The 29-year-old joined the club in 2023 from Portuguese giants Benfica, where he spent seven successful seasons. Known for his versatility, Živković can operate in multiple midfield roles, providing width on the flanks or cutting inside to influence play centrally. His transfer fee of €6 million was seen as a bargain given his pedigree and technical ability. Živković’s crossing and dribbling skills are among the best in the league, and his ability to deliver in big moments has made him a fan favorite. With over 50 caps for Serbia, Živković brings a winning mentality and a wealth of experience to the Chengdu dressing room.
6. Wang Xiaolong (China)
Wang Xiaolong, a 27-year-old defensive midfielder, is the unsung hero of Chengdu Rongcheng’s midfield. Signed from Guangzhou Evergrande in 2021 for €2 million, Wang has consistently delivered solid performances, shielding the defense and breaking up opposition attacks. His positional awareness and ability to read the game make him a vital cog in the team’s tactical setup. Wang’s journey to the top has been marked by perseverance, having overcome several injuries early in his career. Since joining Chengdu, he has become a model of consistency, rarely putting a foot wrong in his defensive duties. While he may not grab headlines, Wang’s contributions are invaluable to the team’s overall balance and success.
7. Felipe Silva (Brazil)
Felipe Silva, a 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder, joined Chengdu Rongcheng in 2024 from Atlético Mineiro for a fee of €4.5 million. Known for his physicality and technical ability, Silva is a complete midfielder who can dominate both defensively and offensively. His career began at Cruzeiro, where he quickly rose through the ranks before earning a move to Europe with FC Porto. Silva’s time in Portugal was marked by success, but he eventually returned to Brazil to continue his development. At Chengdu, Silva has become a key figure, using his strength and passing range to control the midfield. His ability to score from distance adds another dimension to his game, making him a constant threat.
8. Chen Hao (China)
Chen Hao, a 22-year-old central midfielder, is one of the most exciting young talents in Chengdu Rongcheng’s squad. A product of the club’s youth academy, Chen made his first-team debut in 2022 and has since become a regular fixture in the starting lineup. His composure on the ball and ability to dictate play have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best midfielders. Chen’s rise has been meteoric, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by the national team setup. With a bright future ahead, Chen Hao represents the next generation of Chinese football talent, and his development will be crucial to Chengdu’s long-term ambitions.
9. Gustavo Scarpa (Brazil)
Gustavo Scarpa, a 31-year-old Brazilian playmaker, joined Chengdu Rongcheng in 2023 from Nottingham Forest for a fee of €3 million. Known for his creativity and set-piece expertise, Scarpa has been a revelation since arriving in China. His career began at Fluminense, where he established himself as one of the most technically gifted players in Brazil. A move to Europe followed, but Scarpa struggled to adapt to the physical demands of English football. At Chengdu, however, he has found a new lease on life, thriving in a league that values his technical qualities. Scarpa’s ability to unlock defenses with his passing and vision has been a key factor in Chengdu’s attacking success.
10. Liu Ruofan (China)
Liu Ruofan, a 25-year-old winger, has been a consistent performer for Chengdu Rongcheng since joining from Shanghai Shenhua in 2022. While primarily a wide player, Liu’s versatility allows him to operate in central midfield when needed. His pace, dribbling, and crossing ability make him a constant threat down the flanks. Liu’s career began at Shanghai Shenhua’s youth academy, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic attacker. Since moving to Chengdu, he has continued to develop, becoming one of the most reliable players in the squad. Liu’s work ethic and commitment to the team’s cause have made him a fan favorite.
Conclusion
Chengdu Rongcheng FC’s midfield is a perfect blend of experience, youth, and international quality. Each player brings a unique set of skills and attributes, contributing to the team’s success in different ways. From the creative genius of Romulo and Gustavo Scarpa to the tireless energy of Kim Min-woo and Li Jianbin, this midfield unit is the driving force behind Chengdu’s ambitions. As the 2025 season progresses, the performances of these midfielders will be crucial in determining the club’s fortunes. With a mix of local talent and international stars, Chengdu Rongcheng’s midfield is a testament to the club’s vision and commitment to excellence.