Citizenship without identity? Instrumentalism, nationalism and naturalization in Chinese men's football.

This article examines Chinese public attitudes toward the naturalization of foreign-born football players in the context of China's efforts to qualify for the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup. It highlights how debates around naturalized athletes center on issues of ethnicity, national identity, and the players' sporting abilities, revealing a complex interplay between ethnic, cultural, and civic nationalism alongside pragmatic instrumentalism aimed at improving China's football performance. The study, based on interviews and social media analysis, finds that while ethnic and cultural ties influence acceptance, many fans' support for naturalized players fluctuates depending on the athletes' contributions to the national team's success. Overall, the research illustrates the dynamic and contested nature of national identity in contemporary China's sports context and suggests that instrumentalist values significantly shape public perceptions of naturalized athletes.