Yu was born in a footballing family in Qingdao. Under the influence of his father and grandfather, he began playing football when he was 6. While he was a good student in school, he decided to become a professional footballer and began training full-time at 14.[3]
Club career
Yu Dabao started his football career playing for second-tier side Qingdao Hailifeng and was soon called up to the Chinese under-17 national team. With the under-17 side, he played well during the 2004 AFC U-17 Championship and was quickly regarded as one of the best prospects in China due to his aerial and counterattacking abilities.[4] His breakout season was in 2006, where he scored 8 goals across 20 matches in all competitions. His first professional goal came on 16 March 2006, when Qingdao Hailifeng played against Chengdu Blades at home. His goal was what separated the two teams in a 1–0 win for Qingdao.[3]
This saw many clubs reportedly interested in the Yu including Ajax, Newcastle United, and Rangers; however, he joined Benfica on a three-year deal. In his debut match, only five days and three training sessions after he arrived in Portugal, Yu scored three goals and assisted a fourth in a reserve match against Portimonense.
Due to Yu's strong performances for Benfica's reserves, he was given the chance of training with the first team during preseason and was thus officially added to the first team. He made his debut for the club on 26 September 2007 in a 0–0 draw against Estrela da Amadora in the Taça da Liga, winning 5-4 on penalties. He was then soon loaned out to second-tier side C.D. Aves and then third-tier side Olivais Moscavide but was unable to save them from relegation as they suffered defeat in the last match of the season.[5] Speculation then grew that Yu was willing to leave Benfica after his loan period at C.D. Mafra ended. By 13 May 2009, Yu revealed in a telephone interview that he was about to leave to spend the offseason back in his homeland; however, he received a call from Benfica asking him to stay until further notice.
By February 2010, Yu's contract with Benfica had ended and he went on trial with Major League Soccer side FC Dallas; however, he was unable to receive a contract with them.[6] He then signed a contract with Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda before the start of the 2010 season.[7] His move turned out to be a big success and he went on to win the 2011 Chinese FA Cup, which saw him become one of the most sought-after players in China. On 27 February 2012, it was reported that Yu transferred to reigning league champions Guangzhou Evergrande for a reported fee of ¥15 million;[8] however, Guangzhou withdrew from the transfer talk in the afternoon that day and he transferred to the newly promoted side Dalian Aerbin the next day.
Beijing Guoan
On 27 December 2014, Yu transferred to fellow Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan after Dalian was relegated at the end of the 2014 season.[9] Yu's first goal for Guoan came on 17 March 2015, in an AFC Champions League match against Japanses club Urawa Red Diamonds. He scored Guoan's second goal to secure the team's 2–0 victory.[10]
On 31 December 2024, Yu's retirement from professional football was announced by Guoan. Following his retirement, he transitioned to coaching the youth ranks of the club. In his 10 seasons for Guoan, he played in 229 matches, scored 27 goals and assisted another 21.[2]
International career
Yu was called up to the Chinese national team by then manager Gao Hongbo and made his debut on 18 December 2010 in a 3–0 win against Estonia. After making several further appearances, he scored his first goal for China on 22 February 2012 in a 2–0 unofficial friendly win against Kuwait. Yu did not have to wait long before he scored his first official goal when he scored on 29 February 2012 in a 3–1 win against Jordan during 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification.[12]
Yu's most extraordinary goal occurred during the Third Round of AFC's 2018 World Cup Qualifying in a match against South Korea. Yu's header in the 34th minute and a stirring second-half performance by goalkeeper Zeng Cheng saw Marcello Lippi's side claim a 1–0 win over South Korea, which was only China’s second win against South Korea in 32 games.[13]
Yu announced his retirement from international competition in 2022 via social media.[14]
Career statistics
Club
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[15]
^ ab"官方：36岁于大宝退役 转任国安青训教练" [Official: 36-Year Old Yu Dabao Retires, to Transition to Guoan Youth Coach]. Sina Sports. 31 December 2024. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
^ abc"于大宝 | 我不是"福将"". www.trendsgroup.com.cn. 17 September 2019. Archived from the original on 31 December 2024. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
