He once stood toe-to-toe with Liverpool at Anfield. Now, he’s donning the red of China, answering to a new name, and winning titles thousands of miles from where it all began.
Tyias Browning, now known as Jiang Guangtai, might just be football’s most fascinating reinvention – and at 30, he’s thriving in a world few expected him to enter.
Browning was once tipped for the top. A no-nonsense centre-back coming through the ranks at Everton, he looked every inch the future Premier League regular. England youth caps? Tick. Merseyside derby debut? Tick.
At just 20-years-old, he was hailed as one of the most promising young defenders in the country. His raw potential was evident as he moved up the ranks of the national youth teams, earning five caps for the England U21s between 2014 and 2015. But the breakthrough never quite came.
While he showed his capabilities in various loan spells, including stints at Wigan, Preston North End, and Sunderland, it was clear that a regular spot in the Premier League wasn’t in the cards for Browning. The promise was there, but the opportunity perhaps not.
Instead of slipping quietly into the lower leagues, he did something few English players dare to do – he started over. Not in the EFL, but in the Chinese Super League.
Former Everton defender Tyias Browning is now known as Jiang Guangtai in China
At 20 years old, he was hailed as one of the most promising young defenders in the country
The 30-year-old defender now plays for China thanks to his maternal grandfather
His move to China coincided with a broader push by Chinese football to recruit naturalised players – individuals with ties to the country, who could help raise the level of domestic football and compete at an international level.
Speaking about his move to East Asia in 2019, Browning told the Mirror: ‘People were saying I was a bit young to come to China but I came here for a new challenge and I’m enjoying it.’
He also spoke highly of his former manager, Fabio Cannavaro, who was in charge of Guangzhou during his time at the club.
‘You couldn’t ask for anyone better to work with as a defender,’ he added.
For many, the move raised eyebrows. But for Browning, it was a chance to start fresh in a rapidly growing football scene. It wasn’t just about football, though; it was about reimagining his future.
Thanks to his maternal grandfather, Browning was eligible for Chinese citizenship. With the decision to embrace his Chinese heritage, Browning officially changed his name to Jiang Guangtai – a symbolic and literal new start.
And far from being a novelty, he’s now one of China’s most trusted defenders.
Since his international debut in 2021, Browning has quietly racked up over 30 caps, scoring once against Palestine.
Browning’s move to China coincided with a broader push by Chinese football to recruit naturalised players
Browning controls the ball during the 2024 CFA Cup Final match between Shandong Taishan and Shanghai Port
The former Toffees defender has thrived in East Asia, winning the Chinese Super league with both Guangzhou and Shanghai Port
At club level, he hasn’t just settled – he has starred. Winning the league with Guangzhou. Becoming a leader at Shanghai Port. Lifting back-to-back titles. All while adjusting to a new culture, a new language, and the immense pressure of representing 1.4 billion people.
His transformation is more than a passport change. It’s a study in reinvention. And in a football world often obsessed with overnight success, Browning’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the most remarkable careers are the ones that take a detour.
