China names Elkeson to World Cup qualifiers list, making history as he becomes first player without Chinese heritage in line to represent nation

AFC confirmation ends weeks of speculation that Brazil-born striker would be eligible for Marcello Lippi’s side

Mixed reaction to the news that China will soon have a first player naturalised on residency

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Shanghai SIPG's Brazilian forward Elkeson celebrates after scoring a goal during the Chinese Super League match against Changchun Yatai in 2017. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:04pm, 19 Aug 2019Updated: 11:01pm, 19 Aug 2019

The Asian Football Confederation announced on Sunday that Elkeson was among the players registered by them as eligible to play for China in their upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.

The announcement ended weeks of speculation as to whether the Brazil-born striker would be naturalised to play for the country he has called home for the last six years.

Elkeson arrived at Guanghzhou Evergrande in 2013 and immediately helped the side to their first AFC Champions League victory, along with claiming his first Chinese Super League winners medal. The striker also won the AFC Champions League in 2015 and lifted the league title in each of his three seasons in Guangzhou before he moved to Shanghai SIPG in 2016.

It was a move described as “for national glory” at the time, but while he could not fire his new club to AFC Champions League success, regularly falling at the regional final stage, he did help them to win the Chinese Super League last year, and in doing so end Evergrande’s run of seven titles in a row.

Elkeson celebrates with Shanghai SIPG teammates. Photo: AFP

Elkeson rejoined the Guangzhou side in this summer transfer window and he has since been in fine form. The striker has now become the highest scoring player in Chinese Super League history, overtaking former Shanghai SIPG teammate Wu Lei. He has also been integral in maintaining an unbeaten run that has taken the team back to the top of the table.