On May 11, Chinese football legend Nian Weisi celebrated his 93rd birthday, and Shanghai Port striker Wu Lei made a special trip to offer his heartfelt birthday wishes. Just a day earlier, on May 10, the defending champions Shanghai Port managed a 2-2 draw against Beijing Guoan in the 11th round of the Chinese Super League, with the 2024 CSL Golden Boot winner Wu Lei coming off the bench.
Struggling with a knee injury, Wu Lei has often played as a super-sub this season, relying on his experience and tactical awareness. He admitted, “The pain from the injury never completely goes away. Many times, it’s just about gritting your teeth and pushing through.”
Wu Lei’s outstanding performances earned him the 2024 CSL Best Player award, but injuries continue to plague him. In January 2025, he gave an exclusive interview to CCTV-5’s “Football Night” program.
During the 2024 season, the 33-year-old scored a record-breaking 34 league goals and provided 10 assists, helping Shanghai Port claim the CSL title. Across all competitions, he netted 37 goals and assisted 10 times in 34 appearances. However, the double championship came at a cost. In the CCTV interview, Wu Lei revealed that after an injury in June 2024, he could no longer train fully with the team, relying on targeted rehabilitation to maintain form before returning to high-intensity league matches.
Wu Lei attended an event and encouraged parents to get active with their children.
After 302 days of surgery and rehabilitation, Wu Lei made his comeback in the 2026 season. Following two knee surgeries and a long recovery, he returned to the pitch and scored again—on March 15, 2026, in the second round of the CSL, Shanghai Port hosted Qingdao West Coast. Coming off the bench, the veteran scored two goals in eight minutes, leading his team to a 4-1 victory, their first win of the year. When Wu Lei tapped in the rebound in the 70th minute, many fans in the stands were moved to tears. The once-dominant Chinese striker, who had conquered the CSL and La Liga, had finally overcome a long injury layoff, returning with determination and resilience.
Off the pitch, Wu Lei is a father of three. The third annual Jia Bao Jia Bei Kindergarten Family Sports Day recently concluded at Shanghai Qiantan Sports Park, with nearly 600 families and over 2,000 people gathering on the green field. Wu Lei, as a leading figure in Chinese football, was invited as a special guest to cheer on the young athletes and their parents, spreading the spirit of sportsmanship and setting a positive example.
The third annual Jia Bao Jia Bei Kindergarten Family Sports Day was held at Shanghai Qiantan Sports Park.
“Every run, every jump, every attempt you make now is building the strength for your future growth,” Wu Lei told the children at the opening ceremony. “Those who bravely move forward on the sports field today will surely have more people see your light tomorrow.” He emphasized that sports are not just about physical skills or winning or losing, but a valuable opportunity to build perseverance, learn teamwork, and develop a sense of responsibility.
Wu Lei’s football dreams and career were deeply influenced by his father. Now as a father of three, he makes it a point to spend time with his children whenever possible, knowing that parental involvement is the warmest and most powerful support for a child’s development. According to the organizers, Wu Lei was invited for two reasons: first, his experience as a professional athlete who persistently trains and faces challenges serves as a model of character education; second, as a father of three, he actively participates in his children’s sports activities, aligning with the school’s philosophy of parental involvement. The school also urged all parents to support home-school cooperation, helping children develop healthy bodies and positive attitudes from an early age, becoming lifelong movers.
The sports day gave children a chance to experience the joy and health benefits of exercise.
The event featured different competition groups based on age. Toddlers and parent-child classes took part in sensory integration activities, while older children in kindergarten and above participated in short-distance runs, obstacle races, and family marathons. All activities were completed by parents and children together or with sideline cooperation. There were also interactive segments like family relays and parent-child jumps. Every family that completed all events received a commemorative medal.
A father of one participant shared that usually his wife accompanies their child to school activities, “but this time I took a special leave to join. The child was visibly more excited, and the whole family rarely gets to exercise together.” Another mother said three generations of her family participated, with grandparents cheering from the sidelines. “Sports has become a family affair—it’s both happy and meaningful.”
Every family that finished all events received a commemorative medal.
According to the school, beyond the sports day, daily teaching integrates sports with the curriculum, including daily outdoor physical activities and weekly professional sports classes covering sensory training, balance, coordination, strength, and agility. The school also keeps a growth assessment file for each child and provides professional advice to parents on athletic development. Wang Anrong, a board member of Jia Bao Jia Bei, said, “The sports day is precious family time. Parents’ dedicated companionship is the foundation of children’s growth; their positive and active presence is the best example.” The organizers emphasized that sports not only build fitness and courage but also help children learn boundaries within rules, inclusiveness through cooperation, and the habit of cheering for peers and encouraging themselves—qualities that will accompany them throughout life.