Billionaire Guo Guangchang promises $11.6M reward if China beat Vietnam in U23 Asian Cup semis

Chinese media reported that the national U23 football team could receive a staggering bonus of 81 million yuan (US$11.62 million) if they defeat Vietnam to secure a spot in the final of the 2026 U23 Asian Cup.

Billionaire Guo Guangchang during an interview with the media. Photo by AFP

Major outlets such as Sina and 163 have identified the benefactor behind this massive bonus as billionaire Guo Guangchang.

The 58-year-old tycoon is the chairman and one of the founders of Fosun International, a private conglomerate that operates in pharmaceuticals, insurance, tourism and mining. According to Forbes, as of 2026, he has a net worth of $2.3 billion, making him one of China’s most influential figures.

Guo is no stranger to the football world, having made headlines in 2016 when his conglomerate officially acquired English club Wolverhampton Wanderers. Under his ownership, Wolves secured promotion from the Championship to the Premier League in 2018 and have remained there until now.

According to 163, Guo has pledged the $11.62 million reward specifically for a semi-final victory against Vietnam.

While Fosun has not issued an official statement, Chinese media sources claim the reward plan has been finalized to boost the spirit of the team ahead of the high-stakes clash.

If confirmed, the sum would be unprecedented in youth football, rivaling the bonuses typically offered by national federations for winning major senior tournaments like the Euros or the World Cup.

The semifinal between China and Vietnam will take place at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday (Hanoi time), and will be reported live by VnExpress International.