Goalkeeper Li Hao is being viewed by observers as one of China's best-performing players at the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, after making a series of key saves to help the team reach their first final at the continental tournament.

In 2016, at the age of 12, Li left home and traveled alone to Spain to join Atletico Madrid's youth academy. Seven years later, he signed a professional contract with the club, and was eventually loaned to Spanish third-tier side Cornella, where his playing time was limited.

In early 2025, Li returned to China to join Chinese Super League team Qingdao West Coast, while also emerging as a trustworthy guardian between the posts for the U23 national team.

After producing eight crucial saves and standing out as the hero in a penalty shootout, Li was tossed into the air by his jubilant teammates as China knocked out Uzbekistan to reach the AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinals.

"I had dreamed of scenes like this many times – wearing the national team jersey and being lifted into the air by my teammates," Li said. "I always believed this day would come. I thought about how I endured the tough times and the hardships I went through. At that moment, I felt everything was worth it."

In China's semifinal match against Vietnam, Li kept a fifth straight clean sheet, helping the team earn a 3-0 victory and advance to the final.

"I've been through quite a few penalty shootouts, but nothing on this scale," Li told reporters. "I smiled because I felt we had a real chance to win. I was honestly enjoying the moment."

Despite China's 4-0 loss to Japan in the final, Li's story is expected to inspire more children in China to fall in love with football, which is what he has long hoped for.

"Just like when we were young, watching players from earlier generations," he said. "If kids see us shining on the pitch and find their own path, that would mean everything."