Yao Diran

Yao Diran (born 23 April 1996) is a Chinese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club Shaanxi Union.

Early career
Born in Xi'an, his senior career began at Shaanxi Chang'an Athletic, where he was a member of a 2016 China Amateur Football League squad that won promotion to the 2017 China League Two.

Yao spent 2017 and 2018 in the reserve team of China League One club Dalian Transcendence, before a move to the reserve team of fellow China League One side Inner Mongolia Zhongyou the following year. In 2020, Yao played for Qinghai Oulu International in the 2020 CMCL season.

Shanxi Longjin
In 2021, Yao signed for China League Two club Shanxi Longjin after a trial at the club, and made his debut against Hebei Kungfu in the first game of the season on 16 May 2021. Yao quickly became a starter for the club, as they went unbeaten in the first stage of the season. Yao scored his first senior goal on 17 July 2021 in a game against Dandong Tengyue.

Guangxi Pingguo Haliao
Following Shanxi Longjin's dissolution in April 2022, Yao joined China League One club Guangxi Pingguo Haliao. In his 12 league games, Yao provided 1 assist for the club.

Dandong Tengyue
In 2023, Yao made a move to newly promoted China League One side Dandong Tengyue. Yao made 27 appearances in the league, where he provided a vital assist against Guangzhou to secure survival for Dandong. On 23 June 2023, Yao scored a 90th-minute equaliser to put a Chinese FA Cup tie against Qingdao Hainiu to penalties, but it would end in a loss for Yao's Dandong Tengyue in the shoot-out.

Shaanxi Union
On 1 January 2024, Shaanxi Union announced that Yao had signed for the club on a two-year contract.

Style of play
Yao has been described by Shaanxi Union as being aggressive in one-on-one situations and being able to use his height advantage on the pitch.