Former England striker Michael Owen visited southwestern China’s Guizhou province this week to take part in a friendly football match and engage with local fans, fulfilling a promise he made after the region experienced severe flooding last year.
Owen traveled to Rongjiang county on Thursday to participate in a match at the Village Super League stadium, an amateur football competition known locally as Cun Chao. The tournament began as a small weekly event but gained widespread attention after notable former football stars—including Owen, Roberto Baggio, Roberto Carlos, and Kaka—helped promote or attend its matches.
Upon arrival, Owen was welcomed with a traditional ceremony from the Miao ethnic group called Ian Men Jiu, a significant hospitality ritual. He was introduced to local specialties, including chili-wrapped rice noodle rolls and Roxburgh rose juice, reflecting the community’s renowned generosity. Fans and residents expressed enthusiasm for the event and Owen’s visit, with some online recalling his notable career moments.
During the friendly match, Owen captained a local team, Rongjiang Niubi, but they narrowly lost 4-3 to Guizhou Cili. For many supporters, seeing Owen play rekindled memories of his early career highlights, including his famed goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.
Beyond the match, Owen visited a local primary school, observing training sessions and offering encouragement to students. Speaking about the trip, he praised the community’s passion for sport and expressed optimism about the future of football in China.
“I’ve been very impressed by the people, by the food and by the passion for football in this amazing village,” Owen said. “This village is already famous around the world, but I truly believe it will become a shining light for China. Hopefully, football and other sports here will improve and perform well on the world stage. I truly believe China can be in the football World Cup in the coming years.”
Owen’s visit cemented a three-year relationship with the Village Super League and Rongjiang community. He first engaged with the league in 2023 by sending a supportive video after the tournament gained viral attention on social media, helping introduce the grassroots competition to an international audience. The connection intensified following last year's floods, when Owen expressed sympathy for those affected and pledged to visit in person.
“I don’t say things for my benefit. I promised I would go,” Owen told state media. “I saw the floods, I saw the problems. I knew what a passionate place it was and how much people loved football. It’s really nice to be able to come here and fulfil the promise.”
Peng Xixi, head of the league’s international exchange programme, credited Owen with significantly raising the league’s global profile and strengthening ties with football fans worldwide. Owen’s presence in Rongjiang highlighted the growing influence of grassroots football initiatives in China and underscored the sport’s cultural resonance in regions often overlooked by mainstream sports coverage.