Bundesliga International and the Chinese Football Association (CFA) yesterday announced the launch of the latest “Bundesliga Dream” project at a press conference in Shanghai.

Set to take place between February - March 2024, a group of talented Chinese players from the U16 national team will have the opportunity to train at the youth academies of several Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs, as well as playing against youth teams from around Germany. Across all clubs, the players will follow a tailored training plan, curated by the CFA and in collaboration with the Bundesliga and participating clubs, which focuses on a number of key in-match scenarios, such as transitioning from defence to attack.

Mr. Peer Naubert, Bundesliga International Chief Marketing Officer, and Mr. Kevin Sim, Head of APAC, were joined at the press conference by Mr. Song Kai and Mr. Yang Xu, President and Vice-President of the Chinese Football Association respectively. Also in attendance was Bundesliga Legend and six-time Bundesliga winner Lothar Matthäus, and Shao Jiayi, the most successful Chinese player in the Bundesliga to date, who amassed 168 appearances for 1860 Munich, Energie Cottbus and MSV Duisburg during his time in Germany.

“Bundesliga Dream” is a Bundesliga International initiative which supports local football associations in the development and advancement of youth football. In recent months, the Bundesliga has hosted the youth teams of national squads from Thailand and Indonesia.

Peer Naubert, Bundesliga International Chief Marketing Officer, said: “For almost 30 years, the Bundesliga has been a part of Chinese football culture: it was one of the first European leagues to be broadcast in China, and over the years it has welcomed some of China’s greatest players.

“With the launch of Bundesliga Dream China, we are offering players a chance to experience the best of German youth development, and hopefully creating a long-term pathway that could lead to more Chinese players succeeding in Germany.”

Song Kai, President of the CFA, said: “With the German system at the forefront of youth development, the Bundesliga Dream project is anticipated to provide our young players and coaches with abundant opportunities for international exchange and learning.

“Achieving success is a gradual journey, necessitating perseverance and dedication from the professionals in the youth football sector. Their patient and resolute efforts are pivotal in contributing to the development of football in China, ensuring a stable and substantial growth trajectory for the sport.”

The Bundesliga is considered the home of Asian players in Europe, with more players from Asia playing in Germany’s top-flight in the last 20 years than the other top four European leagues combined. In 2019, Bundesliga International established a permanent office in Beijing. Furthermore, five Bundesliga clubs also have offices in China, more than any other European league.