Sun Wen inspired many in women's football with her skill and spirit. Though she never won the top titles, her story shows both success and challenges.
In 1999, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena was packed with 90,000 fans, and millions more watched in China as Sun Wen took a penalty kick in the World Cup final. The game ended in a tense shootout, with the USA winning. Even though China lost, Sun Wen was named the best player and top scorer of the tournament, a major highlight of her career.
Sun Wen grew up in Shanghai. Her father, who played football as a hobby, encouraged her love for the sport. Her mother wanted her to focus on school, thinking football was too hard. Still, Sun Wen followed her passion and joined the national team at 18, even before her parents knew. She quickly showed her talent by scoring in her first World Cup.
Sun Wen was a special player. She could use both feet well and had a strong shot. She helped create plays and also scored goals. Over her career, she scored 16 goals in 28 World Cup and Olympic games. She won a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and shone in the 1999 World Cup.
In China, Sun Wen became very famous. She helped her team win five Asian Cup titles. She played briefly in the United States but returned to China to support women's football. After retiring, she worked to improve the sport in China and became vice president of the Chinese Football Association.
Sun Wen was recognized worldwide when she won the FIFA Internet Award in 2002, showing how popular she was with fans everywhere. Her influence continues, as seen in the success of new players winning the Asian Cup.
Sun Wen often thinks about the 1999 World Cup final. She remembers the excitement of playing in front of a huge crowd and how it showed her hard work paid off. Despite the tough times, she remains a symbol of hope and inspiration for young players.
