Zhang Aihui

Born in the Haidian District of Beijing, Zhang Aihui's father, Zhang Wei, began taking him to football pitches to play when Zhang was one year old, and Zhang started receiving systematic football training as he entered primary school.^[1] In 2017, Zhang Aihui was accepted into the first edition of Tsinghua University High School's football program. While playing for his school in a China Youth Football League match in his senior year, he was scouted by Chinese Super League club Zhejiang FC, who were looking for a tall and agile centre-back. Zhang displayed his height advantage, strength, and pace, especially in the defensive end.^[2] After completing his Gaokao in the summer of 2023, he received an offer from both Zhejiang and from Beihang University. Beihang University provided Zhang with the option to take two gap years before starting university, allowing him to join Zhejiang's youth academy.^[2]

Zhang Aihui represented the province of Zhejiang in their campaign in the 2025 National Games of China. In June 2025, Zhang played for Zhejiang U20 in the National Games qualifiers, while Zhejiang FC manager Raúl Caneda spectated on the sidelines.^[2] Caneda retrospectively praised Zhang, claiming he possessed the talent to play in the Chinese Super League.^[3] On 16 July 2025, Zhang Aihui was promoted to Zhejiang FC's first-team, and was given the number 81.^[4] After usual starters Liu Haofan and Wang Shiqin were both suspended for accumulating too many yellow cards,^[2] Zhang Aihui was put into the starting line-up for his debut in a home league match against Wuhan Three Towns on 27 July.^[5] Caneda explained to the media for his decision, saying he "saw Zhang's potential to play for the national team."^[3] On 20 September, he provided the assist for teammate Yago Cariello in the ninth minute of second-half added-time for the equalising goal of a 3–3 away league draw with Changchun Yatai.^[6] He started in eleven consecutive league matches since and including his debut, until the finals of the football event at the National Games.^[7]

In July 2024, Zhang Aihui was called up by China U19 for two friendlies against Iran.^[8] On 13 August 2024, he made his first appearance for any China youth level team in a 2–0 defeat to Iran.^[9] In late August 2024, he was selected for a China U19 training camp.^[10]

In October 2025, he was picked by China U22 for a training camp.^[11] In the following month, he was included in China U22 head coach Antonio Puche's 2025 Panda Cup squad.^[12]

China U23

• AFC U-23 Asian Cup runner-up: 2026