GUIYANG, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Former England striker Michael Owen visited southwest China's Guizhou Province on Thursday, fulfilling a promise he made to the grassroots Village Super League, known in Chinese as "Cun Chao," and praising the region's passion for football during a visit to Rongjiang County.
Owen, one of England's most celebrated forwards, spent the day meeting young players, interacting with local residents and taking part in a friendly match at the home of the rapidly growing amateur football competition that has captured attention both in China and abroad.
His visit marked the culmination of a relationship that began in 2023, when the Village Super League went viral on social media. At the time, Owen sent a video message supporting the competition, helping introduce the unique grassroots tournament to football fans around the world.
"This is a bond that spans three years," said Peng Xixi, head of the league's international exchange program. According to Peng, Owen's video helped many international fans discover the league and contributed significantly to its growing global profile.
The connection deepened in 2025 after Rongjiang was struck by two devastating floods. As the county began recovering, Owen sent another video expressing sympathy for those affected and saying he hoped to visit the area in person one day.
On Thursday, he made good on that promise.
"I don't say things for my benefit. I promised I would go," Owen said. "I saw the floods, I saw the problems. Furthermore, I knew what a passionate place it was and how much people loved football. So it's really nice to be able to come here and fulfill the promise."
Earlier in the day, Owen visited No. 2 Primary School in Guzhou Town, where he observed youth training sessions and offered guidance to local student players.
Later, he took the field at the Village Super League stadium, captaining Rongjiang Niubie in a friendly match against Guizhou Cili. Wearing the No. 20 jersey, Owen rolled back the years by scoring twice, although his side ultimately fell 4-3.
Despite being played on a weekday, the match attracted a large crowd. Fans packed the stadium, while performers in traditional Miao and Dong ethnic costumes entertained spectators during halftime.
The atmosphere left a strong impression on the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and England striker.
"I've been very impressed by the people, by the food and by their passion for football," Owen said in an impromptu speech delivered from the center of the pitch. "I truly believe this county is already famous around the world, and I truly believe this county is going to be the shining light for China. Hopefully football and other sports can keep improving and be very good on the world stage."
Owen's visit came as football fans around the globe are following the ongoing World Cup. After learning of Rongjiang's plans to launch a "Cun Chao World Cup" in 2028, he voiced strong support for the idea and expressed hope that local young players could one day represent China on the international stage.
"I think it's a fantastic idea, this 'Cun Chao World Cup,'" Owen said. "I think more people are going to get more and more excited, and maybe it's going to be news all over the world when it comes around."
Asked whether he would return to Rongjiang in the future, Owen suggested the door remains open.
"If there's an opportunity to come here, maybe the 'Cun Chao World Cup,' things like that, then maybe in the future, I would like to," he said.
Since the Village Super League's rise to prominence in 2023, Rongjiang has pursued a three-stage development strategy, with its final phase focused on attracting participants and visitors from around the world. The planned "Cun Chao World Cup" is expected to be a centerpiece of that effort.
According to league officials, as of May 14, 2026, the Village Super League had welcomed football icons including Kaka, Roberto Baggio and Roberto Carlos, while hosting 43 teams from 64 countries and regions, involving a total of 1,749 players in exchange activities. Enditem
京公网安备 11010802027341号