• Mengyu is the first woman footballer from China to sign a professional contract in the UK in 2021

• Shen Mengyu played a pivotal role to help Celtic FC Women win their first-ever double in 2021-22 season

• Mengyu was an important part of the Celtic team that won the 2023 Scottish Women’s Cup

Shilarze Saha Roy

Amidst the devastating Covid-19 pandemic back in 2021, an opportunity arrived for Chinese midfielder Shen Mengyu. Scottish club Celtic FC Women wanted to sign the talented Shanghai Shengli footballer on a two-year contract. It was too good a deal for the young Mengyu to refuse. However, the decision to leave her homeland and embark on a new journey in a foreign country was daunting, especially amidst the uncertainty that engulfed the world back then. But, Shen Mengyu had made up her mind and soon she found herself standing tall in the vibrant green fields of Scotland. In the process, Mengyu became the first woman footballer from China to sign a professional contract in the United Kingdom.

At the same time, though, her arrival at Celtic was met with both anticipation and scepticism. The weight of expectations bore heavily upon her young shoulders. How would Shen Mengyu adapt to the rigors of professional football in a different land? Would she be able to acclimatise to a new culture, a new language, and the challenges that lay ahead? But Shen Mengyu, with her unwavering spirit, embraced the hurdles that came her way. She defied the odds and transcended the barriers that threatened to shackle her. Through sheer determination and an unyielding dedication to her craft, Mengyu began to flourish in the unfamiliar surroundings. Week after week, Mengyu showcased her mettle, leaving her teammates, coaches and fans in awe of her exceptional talent. The 21-year-old’s performances on the pitch spoke volumes, as she seamlessly transitioned from defence to attack, orchestrating the rhythm of the game with her deft touches and impeccable vision. Her versatility became her weapon and her presence on the field was unmistakable. Sharp on the ball and disciplined without possession, Mengyu commanded the midfield, leaving adversaries in her wake. Her partnership with fellow midfielder Olivia Chance of New Zealand lent the right balance at the heart of Celtic’s team and, eventually, they finished with a double. They won the 2021-22 Scottish Cup and the 2021 Scottish Premier League Cup in a historic season.

As the accolades poured in for Celtic Women for winning the double for the first time ever in their history, Mengyu emerged as a key figure in coach Fran Alonso’s side for her invaluable contributions. “It was just amazing to make history and I did that with my teammates, like Liv Chance, together lifting those trophies felt so good. I’m so lucky to get to play for such a nice team and have so many friends here. My teammates gave me a lot of patience and confidence. The club and the fans all trust and believe in us and I have great teammates,” Mengyu was quoted as saying by the Celtic Star. Shen Mengyu’s journey was not without its share of setbacks, though. She was part of China’s preliminary 26-member squad for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo but failed to make the cut in the final squad. It was a bitter pill to swallow, a reminder of the fine line between glory and heartache. Yet, Mengyu refused to be disheartened. Instead, she channelled her disappointment into a burning desire to prove herself.

This year, she succeeded again. Along with her compatriot Shen Menglu, Mengyu won the Scottish Women’s Cup as Celtic defeated Rangers 2-0 in the final at Hampden Park in Glasgow on May 28, 2023. Celtic Women missed out on the Scottish Women’s Premier League title to Glasgow City but ended the season with their second Women’s Cup triumph in as many seasons. Her success is a raging testament to her prowess as one of the brightest football stars in China. As she continues to dazzle in the green and white of Celtic jersey, whispers of international recognition have begun to circulate. Mengyu is yet to don the national colours of China, but her meteoric rise and work ethic make it a matter of when and not if.