Former Brazil star Kaka visits China's Village Super League

GUIYANG, China -- Former Brazil international footballer Kaka visited China's Village Super League in Rongjiang county, Southwest China's Guizhou province on Monday night.

Despite being a workday, the stadium was full of spectators cheering and welcoming Kaka as he entered the stadium.

Peng Xuan, a tourist from China's Hunan province, said that she regularly follows the Village Super League on her phone and was touched by the atmosphere, adding that it was worth every penny to experience the games live.

In 2023, the Village Super League (VSL), also dubbed "Cun Chao", featuring 20 teams, became a hit in China and the world for its popularity, down-to-earth nature and festive atmosphere.

It even caught the attention of England's Premier League, whose representatives visited Rongjiang and provided training for local coaches, as well as former England football star Michael Owen, who sent his congratulations via an online video.

Earlier, Kaka said in a video that he was invited by the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development and a Chinese smartphone brand to participate in the "Chasing Dreams" charity football event, which aims to boost local youth football and the development of the VSL.

In addition to Kaka, former Chinese players including Wang Kun, Hong Kong celebrity football team member Chen Baixiang, and several Chinese Olympic champions visited the VSL.

The football enthusiasts organized two teams to kick off the "Chasing Dreams" charity football match, and team members of the VSL in Rongjiang also joined the competition.

"The Village Super League is not just about football, but involves the exchange of culture," said Lai Hongjing, a member of the VSL organizing committee, adding that VSL is a large cultural and sports carnival that involves football and ethnic cultures, and the county hopes to make more overseas friends with the help of international stars like Kaka.

Before checking in at the hotel in Rongjiang, Kaka experienced the local tradition of drinking homemade rice wine upon arrival. During the match, he also saw performances of local Miao and Dong ethnic minorities.

"I believe the ethnic cultures in Rongjiang will leave a deep impression on Kaka and help him have a deeper understanding of China," said Lai.

During his stay in Rongjiang, Kaka also watched a match featuring students from elementary schools in the county.

Long Tongyi, a 10-year-old girl from the county's Guzhou Town Second Primary School, said she started to play football in third grade and was a fan of Kaka for his excellent skills.

Football teaches her the importance of teamwork, and the popularity of the Village Super League has attracted many of her classmates to play football, said Long, adding that she hopes more football stars will come to the VSL and experience the fun of grassroots football.