**Sun Jihai: From Premier League Pioneer to £20 Million Business Magnate**
Sun Jihai, a name that resonates with Manchester City supporters and football fans across the globe, has experienced an extraordinary transformation since his days gracing English football’s top tier. Once celebrated as the first footballer from China to compete in the Premier League, Sun has since reinvented himself as a formidable businessman, amassing an estimated net worth of £20 million according to industry estimates.
Arriving on English shores in 2002, Sun Jihai made headlines not only as City’s latest signing but also as a trailblazer for East Asian talent in the league. The defender’s debut came at a pivotal moment, with Manchester City freshly promoted to the Premier League under Kevin Keegan’s stewardship. His initial months at the club were soon punctuated by a historic goal against Birmingham City in October of the same year, marking him as the first player from East Asia to score in the division.
During his six-year tenure at City, Sun became a fixture in the starting eleven. Known for his uncompromising style and undeniable work ethic, he featured in 151 matches for the club. Although his stint concluded in 2008 – coinciding with the club’s acquisition by Sheikh Mansour and the infamous 8-1 defeat to Middlesbrough – Sun had already carved out a lasting legacy among the City faithful.
While many former professionals pursue coaching or punditry upon retiring, Sun took a different route. After a short spell with Sheffield United and a return to his homeland to play for several Chinese clubs before retiring in 2016, he focused his sights on the world of business and technology. Co-founding HaiQui (HQ) Sports, Sun helped pioneer sports data analytics in China. His firm aimed to demystify statistics for fans, merging live data and entertainment in what the company branded as “datatainment”.
Under Sun’s stewardship, the company rapidly diversified. Noteworthy ventures included the talk show that bore his name, a fan engagement sports app called MiaoHi, and the prediction-driven Jihai App. These projects were all part of a broader strategy to bring innovative digital experiences to sports enthusiasts in China and beyond.
Sun’s business acumen soon attracted the attention of major corporations. One of the pivotal moments in his post-football career came when China Media Capital (CMC), a conglomerate valued at around £60 billion and a partial stakeholder in City Football Group, decided to invest. CMC’s interest was piqued particularly by the MiaoHi app, a platform that connects sports fans with their idols through short-form video content.
Investment from such powerful backers, coupled with the public’s growing interest in sports technology, swiftly boosted Sun Jihai’s financial standing. According to published reports, these ventures have propelled his net worth well over £20 million, a remarkable achievement for any former athlete seeking success in the corporate world.
Despite his remarkable transition from sport to business, Sun has never forgotten his footballing roots. In a conversation last year with former teammates Nedum Onuoha and Paul Dickov, he fondly recalled his moments on the pitch, particularly the goal against Birmingham City that made history for East Asian footballers in England. Sun admitted the memory still gave him “goosebumps,” a testament to his enduring passion for the game.
Reflecting on his arrival at Manchester City, Sun has openly shared that before his transfer, he was unfamiliar with the club’s rich tapestry, only recognising their cross-town rivals, Manchester United. Nonetheless, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity, reminding listeners that at the time, City were still climbing the English football pyramid. His decision to return to England, having already had a brief spell with Crystal Palace, was driven by his aspiration to compete at the Premier League’s highest level.
Today, Sun Jihai stands as a symbol of both sporting achievement and entrepreneurial spirit. His journey—from breaking barriers on the pitch to launching innovative tech firms—continues to inspire a new generation of athletes and business leaders in China and beyond.