Li Chaogui, a striker in the first Chinese men's national football team, died in hospital after a brain infarction on Sunday at the age of 94.

While studying at the Fu Jen Catholic University, Li was the college team's starting striker. Standing 1.74 meters tall, he had a strong all-round game and could pass and shoot with both feet. 

In 1951, he first helped Beijing win the north China title and then joined the north China team as vice-captain, making eye-catching performances in the national tournament.

In August 1952, Li became a member of China's first-generation national football team and went to Helsinki to attend the Summer Olympics. Two years later, Li became the captain of the football team of the Central Institute of Physical Education. In three exhibition games against Hungary, Li scored one goal. In 1956, 31-year-old Li hung up his boots.

Of course, Li did not stay away from football. In the year of his retirement, he went to Tianjin and built the city's first professional football team. With Li as their manager, the team won the football championship in the second National Games of China in 1965.

Li spent over 20 years contributing to local football development in Tianjin. He helped find and raise many talents, including Li Hengyi, Li Xuejun, Song Enmu, Li Jiafang, Zhang Daqiao and other big names in Chinese football history.

In 1985, Li was granted the Chinese Sport Pioneer Medal.

Former Chinese national team manager Su Yongshun used to call Li a "shooting machine." 

Tianjin's football veteran Gao Fuxiang said Li's whole life was about football, calling him "lord of Chinese football."