China's national soccer team failed to qualify for the World Cup again, leaving fans to rally behind referee Ma Ning.
The 46-year-old, known as 'Card Master' back home, has secured major sponsorships and gained over 210,000 social media followers.
Ma is the only Chinese referee at the tournament as China pursues its long-stalled dream of soccer dominance.
AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor.
World Cup team send-offs are usually a grand event. Rigorously selected players dressed in dapper suits, waving at fans before they board a plane to represent their countries at one of the biggest sporting events held every four years.
