Veteran striker Ai Kesen, also known as Elkeson, announced his retirement from football on Wednesday through social media. The 36-year-old made history as the first foreign-born player without Chinese ancestry to represent the China national team.
Born in Brazil, Ai Kesen became a naturalized citizen in 2019, paving the way for his groundbreaking inclusion in the Chinese squad. He played a pivotal role in China’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, contributing four goals and three assists, and breaking new ground as the first player of non-Chinese heritage to don the national jersey.
Ai Kesen’s journey in the Chinese Super League (CSL) began in 2012 when he joined Guangzhou Evergrande. His impact was immediate, helping the club secure both the CSL and AFC Champions League titles in his debut season. After four successful years, he transferred to Shanghai Port in 2016, only to return to Guangzhou Evergrande in 2019.
Following a stint with Brazilian club Grêmio, Ai Kesen joined Chengdu Rongcheng. He departed from the club in October last year and had not played professionally since.
Over his illustrious career in China, Ai Kesen amassed an impressive collection of titles, including five CSL championships, two AFC Champions League trophies, and a Chinese Football Association Super Cup.
Ai Kesen’s retirement marks the end of an era for Chinese football, as he leaves behind a legacy of breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of players in the region.
