Zhang Yalin (19 April 1981 – 14 February 2010) was a Chinese football midfielder.

Biography

Zhang Yalin started his football career in the 2000 Chinese league season for Dalian Shide F.C. and would quickly establish himself within the team that won the league title. From then on he would become a vital member of the team and by 2003 he was selected to the China national under-23 football team but was injured in training, which ruled him out from any tournament. By 2006 in his personal life he married Jia Nini (贾妮妮), a Chinese model and actress. They named their daughter, who was born 12 July 2007, Zhang Shijia (张诗伽). On 14 February 2010, Zhang died of lymphoma in Dalian, aged 28, after two years with the disease. Since his death, his shirt number of 26 has been retired in his honour by Dalian Shide.

Honours

Club

Chinese Super League Chinese Jia-A League Chinese Super Cup Chinese FA Cup Asian Cup Winners' Cup