Shut out of the World Cup again, China roots for a referee

China’s men’s national team has yet to qualify for the World Cup, but its soccer fans have coalesced around an unexpected choice for support: referee Ma Ning. Despite the team’s absence from the tournament, Ma has emerged as a household name through his composure, expertise, and adept use of digital platforms, earning media attention and commercial partnerships.

At 46, Ma Ning represents China’s most visible World Cup presence this year. Leveraging his sharp officiating style and social media engagement, he has transformed his role into a lucrative career off the field, securing interviews and endorsements that underscore his cultural impact amid the nation’s ongoing football ambitions.

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