After facing tough matches against SO Israel (6-0), SO Paraguay (4-0), and SO United Arab Emirates (4-0), Haoliang and Jian shared how their strong dynamic as teammates helped sustain their motivation, despite the losses. During the interview, Jian, a Unified Partner, wholeheartedly encourages his teammate, offering support and reassurance whenever Haoliang pauses to gather his thoughts. In return, Haoliang’s confidence grows as he feels understood and supported by his friend and teammate. Their connection feels natural—a reflection of the patience and respect that have helped them grow stronger together as friends and teammates, both on and off the pitch.
“Jian and I have been partners on the field for a long time,” Haoliang said. “When we are playing the game, we understand each other without even having to talk. We push each other to train harder, and when we make mistakes in a game, we never blame each other. Having Jian as a Unified Partner makes me feel confident going into every match.”
How it all Began
Haoliang first discovered football during a middle school physical education class. What started as a simple intro to the sport quickly became a passion. His father began taking him to watch matches at the stadium, inspiring him to train more and develop his skills.
“I started playing football during physical education class in middle school and got hooked right away,” Haoliang said. “Later, my dad would often take me to watch games at the stadium. I wanted to train on my own, and step by step, it grew from a hobby into something I’ve been playing ever since.”
That passion has carried him all the way to Paris. Before arriving at the Unified Football World Cup, Haoliang put in the hours staying late after many practices, repeating drills, studying his teammates’ movements and skills closely, and approaching every training session with focus and excitement. “I really tried to develop my ball control, passing and finishing. Just working on strengthening and becoming more confident in physically demanding moments. The best feeling is definitely when I make a beautiful play with my teammates,” he said. “Dribbling forward with the ball feels incredibly free—all the stress from daily life and studying just disappears.”
Learning, Supporting and Growing Together
For Unified Partner Jian, a sophomore at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, joining Unified Football was an opportunity to experience his love of the beautiful game in a completely new way.
After learning about the programme through his coach and school, Jian and his teammates spent a week discussing whether to take part. They quickly realised the experience could offer each footballer something much bigger than competition.
“The greatest thing I gained was friendship,” Jian said. “Through training and competing with Special Olympics athletes, I realised they are just like me and you. They have rich emotions inside, and although the way they express themselves may be different, they are incredibly loving. More importantly, Unified Football shows Paris, France, and honestly the world, that people with intellectual disabilities have the right to pursue their dreams. And football—football is a universal connection, no matter who you are.”
On the pitch, Jian plays as an attacking midfielder while Haoliang operates as a winger. Their roles complement each other harmoniously “I guide him on positioning and attacking runs,” Jian said. “During training, I help him improve ball control and receiving passes. We really enjoy this sense of collaboration and working together to complete each match.”
Their friendship was strengthened early in their partnership when Haoliang surprised Jian with a signed card from Italian football legend Massimo Ambrosini, knowing he was Jian’s favourite player.
A Bigger Victory
Despite the defeats in Paris, Haoliang feels incredibly grateful to be able to play on a world stage.
“I gave my all in every match and I want to gain experience from these kinds of big tournaments, and perform at the level I’ve trained for and have no regrets.”
Jian also believes the future of Unified Football is full of possibilities. “I believe the future of Unified Football is very promising,” he said. “More and more people will come to know and love it, and it will spread across the world at an even faster pace.”
While Special Olympics China will continue aiming for stronger results at future Unified Football World Cups, Haoliang and Jian’s story reflects the power of a simple idea: football is stronger when everyone is invited to play.
Before the tournament concludes, the team will have the chance to experience more of Paris, creating memories alongside teammates and celebrating the international friendships formed throughout this football adventure. The Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 continues to the Closing Ceremony tomorrow, July 11. Catch up on every match and tune in for the nail-biting Men and Women’s finals, live on the Veo Live App.
