Li Ying (footballer, born 1993)

Li Ying (born 7 January 1993) is a Chinese footballer who plays for Shandong Sports Lottery W.F.C in the Chinese Women's Super League. Considered a star of the sport in China, she plays as a forward.

On June 22, 2021, she announced on Chinese microblogging platform Sina Weibo her engagement to girlfriend Chen Leilei. This made Li the first Chinese sports player to officially come out as a lesbian. Her Weibo post went viral before it was deleted, with some speculating that Li might have been put under pressure from authorities following the announcement.

After coming-out, she was selected for the Chinese team in the Women’s Asian Cup in India of 2022, appearing as a substitute in the first match of the tournament, a 4-0 victory against Chinese Taipei.

Honours

 * China
 * Asian Games silver medalist: 2018
 * AFC Women's Asian Cup: 2022


 * Individual
 * IFFHS AFC Woman Team of the Decade 2011–2020