Yao Diran (; born 23 April 1996) is a Chinese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for China League One club Ningbo FC.
Career Early career Born in Xi'an, his senior career began at Shaanxi Chang'an Athletic, where he was a member of a 2016 China Amateur Football League squad that won promotion to the 2017 China League Two.
Yao spent 2017 and 2018 in the reserve team of China League One club Dalian Transcendence, before a move to the reserve team of fellow China League One side Inner Mongolia Zhongyou the following year. In 2020, Yao played for Qinghai Oulu International in the 2020 CMCL season.
Shanxi Longjin In 2021, Yao signed for China League Two club Shanxi Longjin after a trial at the club, and made his debut against Hebei Kungfu in the first game of the season on 16 May 2021. Yao quickly became a starter for the club, as they went unbeaten in the first stage of the season. Yao scored his first senior goal on 17 July 2021 in a game against Dandong Tengyue.
Guangxi Pingguo Haliao Following Shanxi Longjin's dissolution in April 2022, Yao joined China League One club Guangxi Pingguo Haliao. In his 12 league games, Yao provided 1 assist for the club.
Dandong Tengyue In 2023, Yao made a move to newly promoted China League One side Dandong Tengyue. Yao made 27 appearances in the league, where he provided a vital assist against Guangzhou to secure survival for Dandong. On 23 June 2023, Yao scored a 90th-minute equaliser to put a Chinese FA Cup tie against Qingdao Hainiu to penalties, but it would end in a loss for Yao's Dandong Tengyue in the shoot-out.
Shaanxi Union On 1 January 2024, China League Two side Shaanxi Union announced that Yao had signed for the club on a two-year contract.
Return to Guangxi Pingguo On 24 January 2025, Yao made a return to China League One side Guangxi Pingguo.
Ningbo FC After Guangxi Pingguo was dissolved at the end of 2025 season, Yao joined China League One club Ningbo FC.
Style of play Yao has been described by Shaanxi Union as being aggressive in one-on-one situations and being able to use his height advantage on the pitch.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season, and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsShaanxi Chang'an Athletic2016CAFL–––––Dalian Transcendence2017China League One0000––002018China League One0000––00 Total0000000000Inner Mongolia Zhongyou2019China League One0000––00Qinghai Oulu International2020CMCL–––––Shanxi Longjin2021China League Two25100––251Guangxi Pingguo Haliao2022China League One12000––120Dandong Tengyue2023China League One25023––273Shaanxi Union2024China League Two21120––231Guangxi Pingguo2025China League One23120––251 Career total10636300001126
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