With no team in World Cup, China fans rally around a red card-happy referee

With no team in World Cup, China fans rally around a red card-happy referee

With no team in World Cup China - China's national football team has missed the World Cup for the second time in a row, prompting fans to turn their attention to a different figure in the tournament: Ma Ning, a referee celebrated for his strict calls. The 46-year-old has become a viral sensation, drawing support from major brands like Lenovo and Hisense, as the World Cup kicks off on Thursday.

Referee Becomes Fan Favorite

Ma Ning’s reputation for issuing frequent yellow and red cards has made him a symbol of Chinese football’s fortunes. His 2015 Shanghai match, where he handed out nine yellow cards and three reds, remains a defining moment in his career. This event earned him the moniker “card master” among fans and critics alike.

"We have Ma Ning, who do you have?"

"Other countries get to watch their own teams play, while we'll watch our referee issue cards."

As a FIFA-certified official since 2011, Ma now faces his second World Cup appearance. This time, he serves as a key referee, joined by assistant referee Zhou Fei and video assistant referee Fu Ming. Both Zhou and Fu support Ma from the sidelines, ensuring consistency in officiating during high-stakes matches.

Preparing for the Global Stage

Two weeks before the tournament, Ma launched a RedNote account—a Chinese social media platform—to document his journey. The post, featuring him pulling a small red book from his referee shirt pocket, cleverly nods to the platform’s name and his nickname. His follower count has soared to 197,000, with many sharing videos of his preparations, such as packing luggage and working out. A recent clip included a Lenovo tablet, highlighting his growing media presence.

Ma’s confidence in his role is evident in his social media message: “I take up this appointment with confidence and composure. World Cup, here we come.”

China's Football Struggles

Since China’s debut at the World Cup in 2002, the team has struggled to advance beyond the group stage. In 2002, they were eliminated without a single point. Over the past two decades, systemic issues like financial constraints and corruption have plagued the sport, resulting in lifetime bans for several players, referees, and club officials.