Yan Junling started his football career when he joined the Genbao Football Academy in 2001 and was promoted to Shanghai SIPG's first team during the 2007 season.[1] He played as the backup goalkeeper for Gu Chao between 2007 and 2010. After Gu transferred to Hangzhou Greentown in early 2011, Yan became the first-choice goalkeeper for the club.[2] Yan made 24 league appearances in the 2012 season as Shanghai won the second tier league title and was subsequently promoted to the top flight.
International career
Yan made his debut for the Chinese national team on 13 December 2014 in a 4–0 win against Kyrgyzstan. However, this match was not recognised as an international "A" match by FIFA. He finally made his official debut on 27 March 2015 in a 2–2 draw against Haiti, coming on as a substitute for Wang Dalei.[3]
