“Angel With Broken Wings” He Yiyis Football Triumph

A video of a para-athlete He Yiyi juggling a football and kicking it into a car boot with only one foot went viral on Kuaishou, China’s top video-sharing platform, with over 5.9 million views and 120,000 likes.

Yiyi is a 24-year-old footballer who used to play for a professional youth team in China before losing one of his legs to a rare form of cancer at age 12.

Against all odds, he never gave up on football and spent another four years in developing his football skills with crutches.

Now, not only is he admitted as a member of the Guangdong Disabled Persons’ Federation and an amateur Shenzhen Football Club, but he also gained nearly 50,000 followers and more than 21 million views on Kuaishou platform since his first post in May this year.

“We are dedicated to providing everyone with an opportunity to shine, and we are glad to learn that Yiyi’s story is favored among Kuaishou users,” commented Yan Qiang, senior vice-president of Kuaishou.

With Kuaishou, more and more people come to know about my stories,” said Yiyi. “Their generous support and encouragement deeply encouraged me and has become one of the most important reasons that I want to keep pursuing my dream on the pitch,” added Yiyi.

Yiyi was a gifted football player, and by the age of 10, he was selected by Shenzhen Youth Football Club, where he received professional and systematic football training.

‘Angel With Broken Wings’- footballing hero He Yiyi

Two years later, he caught the eye of a French football scout and was then invited for a 10-year football training in France.

Before he was all set to embark on a career as a professional football player in France, he was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma, which forced him to have his leg amputated.

Bearing a football dream in mind, Yiyi quickly started a four-year physical recovery training by swimming and was later admitted by the Guangdong Disabled Persons’ Federation.

At the 9th National Paralympics in 2015, he won the gold medal in Men’s Long Jump T42, the second place in Men’s 100-meter T42, and the third place in Men’s 200-meter T42.

He was not satisfied with his performance on the track-and-field ground and would like to return to the football pitch.

“I would do anything to play football,” said Yiyi. “Football gives me confidence, courage, and strength, and I would like to prove myself again with football.”

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Despite the obstacles ahead, Yiyi learned to play football using all but his crutches for support.

In 2018, he was offered an opportunity of a lifetime — shooting a commercial video with his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Football has opened a door to a brand-new world for me and filled my life with possibilities. I am so glad that I have never given up my dream on the football pitch,” said Yiyi.

The exploits have earned him several endearing nicknames, including “Angel with Broken Wings,” “Single-Legged King of Football” and “Boy Wonder”.

Yiyi started to record and share his stories on Kuaishou in May this year, and has gained nearly 50,00ollowers ever since.

Through Kuaishou, the importance of a strong mind and incredible fortitude is shown in his video for all to see, as Yiyi breaks all stereotypes with his video posts.

The videos Yiyi put on Kuaishou are positive and encouraging, with some showing his training life, while others recording fun moments that he spends with his teammates.

Many Kuaishou users are inspired and motivated by his stories. They have reposted, liked, and commented on his videos.

“You remind me of the movie ‘Forrest Gump’,” commented a user, “I felt uplifted when I am watching your videos. Thank you and carry on!”

About Kuaishou Technology

Kuaishou Technology, headquartered in Beijing, China, runs Kuaishou, one of the world’s leading short video social platforms since 2011, boasting more than 300 million daily active users so far.

Users can use the platform to create and share videos with friends and their communities through posts, likes, and comments. Known for its active and vibrant community of more than 20 billion daily views, the app is available on iOS and Android.

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