Bao Shimeng

Bao Shimeng (; born 2 July 2003) is a Chinese professional footballer who plays as a defender for Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port.

Early life and youth career Bao was born in Yanshi District, Luoyang, Henan Province. He began playing football at Dongfang Third Primary School in Jianxi District, Luoyang. In fifth grade, he impressed at a national youth tournament and was selected for trials with a Shanghai-based football school. At age 11, he relocated to Shanghai alone to pursue professional training, eventually joining the Shanghai Port youth academy. In October 2021, he scored for Shanghai Port U19 in a 2–0 victory against Meizhou Hakka in the CFA U19 League.

During the 2023 season, Bao was a key player for Shanghai Port U21 in the CFA U21 League, contributing two assists in a 3–1 victory over Tianjin Jinmen Tiger U21 in April 2023 and another assist in the finals against Chengdu Rongcheng U21 in October 2023. The team finished as runners-up, qualifying for China League Two.

Club career

Shanghai Port In February 2024, Bao was promoted to the Shanghai Port first team by head coach Kevin Muscat. He had participated in the club's winter training in Guangzhou and Haikou, where he impressed in trial matches playing as a left back. During the 2024 season, he made 10 appearances (1 start) across all competitions, winning the 2024 Chinese Super League and the 2024 Chinese FA Cup with the club.

Suzhou Dongwu On 24 February 2025, Bao joined China League One club Suzhou Dongwu on loan for the 2025 season. He made 25 league appearances (17 starts) during the season, scoring one goal.

On 20 September 2025, Bao scored the decisive goal in the 3rd minute of a 1–0 victory over Qingdao Red Lions, securing the club's first win in seven matches. On 8 November 2025, he provided an assist in stoppage time for Ayniwar Memet in a 1–0 victory over Jiangxi Dingnan United.

International career In September 2024, Bao was called up to the China U21 national team for friendly matches against Vietnam and Uzbekistan. He made seven appearances (six starts) for the U21 team in 2024.

In January 2026, Bao was selected for the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup squad in Saudi Arabia. He started the opening match against Iraq but suffered an ankle injury in the 8th minute and was substituted. The injury limited his participation in the tournament, though he remained with the squad as China finished as runners-up.

Career statistics

Honours Shanghai Port

Chinese Super League: 2024 Chinese FA Cup: 2024

China U23

AFC U-23 Asian Cup runner-up: 2026