# Ai Kesen

> Brazilian-born Chinese professional footballer

**Wikidata**: [Q219298](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q219298)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elkeson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ai-kesen

## Summary
Ai Kesen is a Brazilian-born Chinese professional footballer who plays as a forward. He is notable for becoming one of the first naturalised players to represent the Chinese national team, making his debut in 2019.

## Biography
- Born: 13 July 1989 in Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian (naturalised Chinese)
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Professional football career and representing China internationally
- Employer(s): Guangzhou Evergrande (current), Botafogo, Espanyol, and other clubs
- Field(s): Professional football (soccer)

## Contributions
Ai Kesen has had a successful professional football career primarily in China, most notably with Guangzhou Evergrande where he has won multiple Chinese Super League titles and AFC Champions League trophies. He became the first naturalised player to score for the Chinese national team when he netted in a 2022 World Cup qualifier against Guam in 2019. His goal-scoring ability has made him one of the most prolific foreign players in Chinese football history.

## FAQs
What position does Ai Kesen play?
Ai Kesen plays as a forward, typically operating as a striker or attacking midfielder, using his technical skills and goal-scoring ability to create and finish chances.

Which clubs has Ai Kesen played for?
Ai Kesen has played for several clubs including Botafogo in Brazil, Espanyol in Spain, and Guangzhou Evergrande in China, where he has had his most successful career.

When did Ai Kesen become a Chinese citizen?
Ai Kesen became a naturalised Chinese citizen in 2019, allowing him to represent China's national team, making him one of the first foreign-born players to do so.

What are Ai Kesen's major achievements?
Ai Kesen has won multiple Chinese Super League titles with Guangzhou Evergrande, as well as AFC Champions League trophies, establishing himself as one of the most successful foreign players in Chinese football history.

## Why They Matter
Ai Kesen matters significantly in Chinese football as a pioneer of the naturalisation policy, helping to raise the profile of the Chinese Super League and the national team. His successful transition from Brazilian football to becoming a key player for China demonstrates the potential of the naturalisation pathway for improving China's international football competitiveness. His goal-scoring record and trophy haul with Guangzhou Evergrande have set benchmarks for foreign players in China, while his international debut represented a new era in Chinese football recruitment strategy.

## Notable For
- First naturalised player to score for the Chinese national team
- Multiple-time Chinese Super League champion with Guangzhou Evergrande
- AFC Champions League winner
- One of the most prolific foreign goal-scorers in Chinese football history
- Pioneer of China's naturalisation policy for football players
- Successful career spanning Brazil, Spain, and China

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Ai Kesen was born on 13 July 1989 in Brazil, originally named Elkeson de Oliveira Cardoso. He began his football career in Brazil, developing through the youth systems before making his professional debut. His Brazilian heritage and football upbringing provided him with the technical skills and tactical understanding that would later make him successful in Asian football markets.

### Professional Career in Brazil
Ai Kesen began his professional career with Botafogo in Brazil, where he developed his reputation as a promising young forward. During his time with Botafogo, he showcased his technical ability, goal-scoring instincts, and versatility in attacking positions. His performances in the Brazilian league attracted attention from European clubs, leading to his move to Spain.

### European Experience
Ai Kesen had a brief spell with Espanyol in Spain, gaining valuable experience in European football. Although his time in Europe was relatively short, it provided him with exposure to different tactical systems and playing styles that would benefit his later career in Asia. The experience of playing in La Liga helped him develop the adaptability that would prove crucial in his subsequent moves.

### Career in China
Ai Kesen moved to China to join Guangzhou Evergrande, where he would establish himself as one of the most successful foreign players in Chinese football history. At Guangzhou Evergrande, he formed part of a star-studded team that dominated Chinese football, winning multiple Chinese Super League titles. His goal-scoring ability and technical quality made him a fan favourite and a key player for the club.

During his time with Guangzhou Evergrande, Ai Kesen won several Chinese Super League championships and AFC Champions League titles. His consistent performances and ability to score crucial goals in important matches established him as one of the most reliable foreign imports in the Chinese Super League. He became known for his work rate, technical skills, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

### Naturalisation and International Career
In 2019, Ai Kesen became a naturalised Chinese citizen, changing his name to Ai Kesen and becoming eligible to represent the Chinese national team. This made him one of the first naturalised players to play for China, representing a significant moment in Chinese football history as the country explored ways to improve its international competitiveness.

Ai Kesen made his debut for the Chinese national team in a 2022 World Cup qualifier against Guam, where he scored his first goal for his adopted country. This achievement was particularly notable as he became the first naturalised player to score for China, breaking new ground for the national team's recruitment strategy. His international career represented China's willingness to embrace naturalisation as a means of strengthening the national team.

### Playing Style and Strengths
Ai Kesen is known for his technical ability, particularly his close control and dribbling skills. As a forward, he possesses good movement off the ball and an instinct for finding space in the penalty area. His experience playing in different leagues has given him tactical versatility, allowing him to adapt to various systems and playing styles.

His goal-scoring record demonstrates his ability to perform consistently at a high level, particularly in the Chinese Super League where he has been one of the most prolific foreign players. Ai Kesen combines technical quality with physical attributes, making him effective in both build-up play and finishing chances in the box.

### Impact on Chinese Football
Ai Kesen's success in China has had a significant impact on the perception of foreign players in the Chinese Super League. His goal-scoring records and trophy haul have set benchmarks for other foreign imports, while his naturalisation has opened the door for similar cases in Chinese football.

His international career has also influenced discussions about national identity and eligibility in Chinese sports. As one of the first naturalised players to represent China successfully, he has become a reference point for debates about how China can improve its international sporting competitiveness through naturalisation policies.

### Legacy and Influence
Ai Kesen's legacy in Chinese football is likely to be defined by his role as a pioneer of the naturalisation pathway. His successful transition from Brazilian football to becoming a key player for China has demonstrated the potential benefits of this approach for improving the national team's quality.

His goal-scoring records and trophy collection with Guangzhou Evergrande have established him as one of the most successful foreign players in Chinese football history. Future generations of players and administrators will likely look to his career as an example of how naturalisation can be successfully implemented in Chinese football.

### Personal Life and Adaptation
Ai Kesen's decision to become a Chinese citizen and represent China internationally represents a significant personal commitment. His adaptation to Chinese culture and willingness to embrace a new national identity has been crucial to his success both at club and international level.

His journey from Brazilian footballer to Chinese national team player illustrates the increasingly global nature of modern football, where players can successfully transition between different football cultures and national allegiances. This adaptability has been a key factor in his sustained success across different leagues and countries.

## References

1. Transfermarkt
2. FBref
3. Sambafoot
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. FIFA.com