NEW YORK, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Though no Chinese club competed in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Chinese faces still featured throughout the tournament. Zhou Tong became the first Chinese player at the expanded event with Auckland City, while referees Ma Ning and Fu Ming demonstrated China's officiating authority, and Chinese volunteers featured both on and off the pitch.

35-year-old Zhou, who played for multiple Chinese Super League clubs before joining Auckland City in 2023, was the sole Chinese player in the competition. Oceania champion Auckland City, grouped with Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors, was arguably the weakest in the competition due to its semi-professional status.

Against Bayern, Zhou came off the bench in the 66th minute, delivering a precise through-ball and forcing goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into action from a corner. Despite a 10-0 loss, he made history days later by starting against Benfica, becoming the first Chinese starter in the revamped tournament. Zhou later reflected: "I treated every minute like my last. I had to seize this chance."

Though sidelined for the third match, his pre-game speech ignited Auckland: "Let's fight and earn respect!" Trailing 1-0 to Boca Juniors, they clawed back to a 1-1 draw. "I learned from the best and left nothing behind," Zhou said. Representing one of 81 countries at the tournament, the midfielder said he aimed to inspire more Chinese players abroad. "Someday, a Chinese club will stand here," he said.

Ma made his tournament debut as the fourth official as Flamengo took on Esperance Tunis, and found himself in the thick of the action two days later as Manchester City played Wydad Casablanca. After Rico Lewis was shown a red card and City head coach Guardiola launched vehement protests, the Chinese official maintained his composure, calmly gesturing Guardiola away while adhering to protocol.

Fu served as VAR and assistant VAR, ensuring critical calls were bulletproof. "Decisions are sensitive. Only precision avoids controversy," Fu said, adding that their selection showed that Chinese officials had FIFA's trust.

"It shows young referees: hard work takes you to the top," Fu noted.

Both stressed relentless preparation. Ma recalled outperforming all Asian referees in fitness tests: "Our stamina is Asia's best." Fu added: "Love the craft, then grind for every goal. We're here because of China's development-language skills, cultural respect. We're proud."

"We represent China," Ma emphasized. "Like our athletes and enterprises, reaching the world stage shows China's strength."

Bilingual Chinese volunteers ensured seamless operations across venues. In Atlanta, AI engineer Zhu Yuanzheng printed over 200 access passes daily in the credentials team. "Hosting a global event takes unity - sponsors, drivers, caterers, all matter," he said, inspired by a 70-year-old volunteer wearing her 1994 World Cup uniform.

In Miami, volunteer Ying Ziyuan assisted journalists in the media zone, "Bridging reporters and players is rewarding." Dozens of Chinese volunteers formed a group, many taking leave to serve. "We bond through passion, growing more open-minded," Ying said. Both Zhu and Ying plan to volunteer at the 2026 World Cup. "We'll help Chinese fans and media feel at home," they said.

"Working alongside global football lovers is bliss," Zhu said. "Sport's essence is people lighting up people." ■