This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
On August 21, 2019, Brazilian-born forward Elkeson made history by becoming the first footballer without Chinese ancestry to be named in China's national squad.
Elkeson, who has been naturalised as Ai Kesen, will make his debut for Marcello Lippi's side in a 2022 World Cup qualifier against the Maldives on September 10.
The Guangzhou Evergrande striker has vowed to win over the doubters, saying in an open letter: "Having Chinese nationality allows me to contribute to the national team once again playing in the World Cup."
Elkeson, who has scored over 100 goals in the Chinese Super League, qualifies for China because he has played in the country since 2013.
China, currently ranked 71st in the FIFA rankings, have reached the World Cup only once, in 2002, where they exited without scoring a goal or earning a point.
