Who Is Hao Haidong? Age, Biography and Wiki
Hao Haidong, born on May 9, 1970, is a renowned Chinese footballer known for his remarkable contributions to the sport. As of 2025, he is 54 years old. His football career started in the early 1990s, and he swiftly became one of China's most celebrated players. With a career spanning over a decade, he left an indelible mark on Chinese football. After retiring, he continued to be an influential figure in the sports community and has taken on roles in coaching and sports commentary.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Qingdao, Shandong, China |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | China |
Popularity
Hao Haidong's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Hao Haidong stands tall at approximately 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches) and maintains a healthy weight, fluctuating around 75 kg (165 lbs). His athletic build and dedication to fitness have allowed him to stay active even post-retirement, inspiring many aspiring athletes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Hao Haidong has been relatively private about his personal life. In 2025, he is known to be in a committed relationship, although further details about his girlfriend remain scarce. He was previously married to a former athlete, and together they have children. Hao typically keeps his family life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on his career and philanthropic endeavors.
With his ex-wife Chen Yi, Hao has a son, Runze Hao (郝润泽), who is also a professional football player, and a daughter named Hao Runhan (郝润涵). Hao married former badminton champion Ye Zhaoying in summer 2019. As of present, Hao and Ye reside in Málaga, Spain.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Hao Haidong's net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful football career, media appearances, and various endorsement deals. Following retirement, Hao has diversified his income sources through coaching stints, public speaking engagements, and investment in sports-related businesses.
Hao Haidong would make a name for himself by rising through the ranks with Bayi Football Team. On 31 July 1994, Hao was involved in an on-the-pitch brawl with Craig Allardyce, son of former English manager Sam Allardyce, in Bayi's league match with Guangdong Winnerway.
This resulted in Hao and Allardyce receiving a half-year ban by the Chinese Football Association and thus Hao was not allowed to play for the Chinese national team in the 1994 Asian Games.
While his personal performances with Bayi remained impressive, the team were not genuine title contenders anymore due to the club's struggles with professionalism and a requirement that all their players remain active People's Liberation Army members.
With a significantly improved salary and a chance to win more silverware he would transfer to reigning league champions Dalian Shide at the beginning of the 1997 league season for a club record fee of 2,200,000 yuan at the time.
Career, Business and Investments
Hao Haidong enjoyed a prolific football career, representing his country in international competitions and playing for prominent clubs in China. Transitioning into retirement, he has embraced various roles, including that of a football commentator and coach. In addition, he has invested in youth football academies, aiming to cultivate the next generation of talent in China. His business ventures also include endorsements and partnership deals with sports brands, which have contributed significantly to his income.
As a player he represented Bayi Football Team, Dalian Shide and Sheffield United in a career that saw him win six league titles and two Chinese FA Cup. Along with a Chinese Football Association Player of the Year award and three Chinese Jia-A League Top goalscorer awards.
Since retiring he had a brief spell at management with Dalian Shide and was the General manager at Hunan Shoking before being Chairman of Tianjin Songjiang, which he left in 2012. Hao married former badminton champion Ye Zhaoying in summer 2019.
Social Network
Hao Haidong is active on social media platforms, where he engages with fans and shares insights into his life and career. He often uses his platforms to promote sports and encourage young athletes, garnering a significant following. His popularity is evident in his growing fan base across platforms like Weibo and Instagram, where he shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life and football-related content.
Education
Hao Haidong's dedication to football often took precedence over formal education. However, he has emphasized the importance of education and teamwork in his public statements, encouraging young athletes to balance sports and academics. Throughout his career, he has participated in various training programs and workshops to enhance his skills as a coach, reflecting his ongoing commitment to personal growth and education within the realm of sports.
In conclusion, Hao Haidong in 2025 remains a pivotal figure in Chinese football, balancing his professional commitments with personal life. His journey from a celebrated athlete to an influential mentor serves as an inspiration to many within and beyond the sports community.
In response, the Chinese Communist Party first issued statements harshly criticizing Hao and Ye, and then altered course to expunge all references to them from the Chinese-accessible internet—the Weibo accounts of Hao and Ye were deleted, and their online profiles on major portals in China – Sina Sports and Tencent Sport – were expunged.
Six days later, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Hao and Ye reiterated their criticism of one-party rule in China and restated their willingness to advocate for human rights despite potential political and personal costs: "There are many people who think the same way as we do but they don't dare to speak up inside the country – and t
hey are becoming less and less willing to speak."
