Chen Ying-hui is a rare talent who has changed how people look at defenders in Taiwan. From her days leading her university team to becoming the first defensive player to win the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2022, she has shown that you do not need to be a striker to be the most important person on the pitch. Now playing for the powerful Taichung Blue Whale, she combines tough defending with the creative eye of a playmaker, making her a vital part of the Chinese Taipei national team.
At a Glance
- Full Name: Chen Ying-hui
- Date of Birth: October 5, 1998
- Place of Birth: Hualien, Taiwan
- Position: Center Back / Defensive Midfielder
- Current Club: Taichung Blue Whale
- National Team: Chinese Taipei
The Story So Far
Chen Ying-hui’s journey to the top of Taiwanese football began in Hualien, but it was at Fu Jen Catholic University where she first showed she was a special player. As the team captain, she was known for her leadership and her ability to stay calm when the pressure was on. One of her most famous early moments came in March 2020 during a university final against National Taiwan University of Sport. With the game tied 0-0 and only minutes left, Chen pushed forward from her defensive spot, took a long pass, and scored a clinical winning goal. It was an early sign that she was much more than just a typical defender.
After university, Chen joined New Taipei Hang Yuan in the Taiwan Mulan Football League. She quickly became the heart of their defense. During her time there, she formed such a close bond with teammates Tseng Yun-ching and Tseng Yun-ya that fans began calling them the Hang Yuan Sisters, even though they are not actually related. Her hard work peaked in 2022 when she was named the league MVP. This was a huge deal because the award usually goes to the players who score the most goals. Chen was so surprised by the honor that she admitted she felt scared when her name was called, showing her natural humility despite her massive impact on the game.
On the international stage, Chen’s career has been defined by toughness. Just before leaving for the 2022 Asian Cup in India, she suffered a terrible ankle sprain in training. Most players would have missed the tournament, but Chen used intense rehab to get back on the field. She called this injury a moment of luck-twisting, believing it took away her nerves and allowed her to play freely. In a crucial game against Iran, she scored a spectacular long-range goal that helped her team win 5-0. Recently, she moved to Taichung Blue Whale to compete in the AFC Women’s Champions League, continuing her rise as one of Asia’s most reliable defenders.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Chen Ying-hui describes herself as a frustrated winger. While her coaches put her in the center of the defense because of her strength and smarts, she secretly loves the idea of playing on the wing where she can create chances and cross the ball. This attacker’s brain makes her a very modern defender. Instead of just kicking the ball away, she looks for smart passes to start new attacks.
Her main strengths include:
- Passing Range: She is excellent at hitting long, accurate passes that bypass the opponent’s midfield, helping her team move from defense to attack in seconds.
- Set-Piece Threat: It is unusual for a center back to take free kicks, but Chen is a specialist. She has a powerful shot and can curl the ball into the top corner from distance.
- Mental Toughness: Whether she is playing through a painful injury or facing world-class teams like Japan and South Korea, she stays focused and leads her teammates by example.
- Positioning: Because she understands how attackers think, she is very good at being in the right place to intercept the ball before the opponent can create a chance.
Future Outlook
At 27 years old, Chen is entering the best years of her career. Her recent move to Taichung Blue Whale is a big step, as it allows her to play against the best clubs in Asia, such as Melbourne City. This experience will be vital as she helps lead the Blue Magpies toward the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. As she gets older, her role is changing from a rising star into a veteran leader. She will be the person the younger players look to for guidance, teaching them how to balance tough defending with creative play.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
| Year | Honour | Competition |
| 2022 | league Most Valuable Player (MVP) | Taiwan Mulan Football League |
| 2022 | Best XI (Team of the Year) | Taiwan Mulan Football League |
| 2021 | Third Place | University Football Association (UFA) |
The Record (Career Statistics)
| Season | Club | Competition | Role | Key Note |
| 2019-21 | Fu Jen Catholic Univ. | UFA Division 1 | Captain | Scored 87th-min winner vs NTUS |
| 2021 | New Taipei Hang Yuan | Mulan League | Starter | Established as defensive leader |
| 2022 | New Taipei Hang Yuan | Mulan League | Key Player | Named League MVP |
| 2023 | New Taipei Hang Yuan | Mulan League | Key Player | Continued starting role |
| 2024/25 | Taichung Blue Whale | AFC Champions League | Defender | Started vs Melbourne City |
| 2025/26 | Taichung Blue Whale | Mulan League | Starter | Current Season |
