近日， former Jiangsu football player Yang Jiawei made headlines after taking to his personal social media platform to publicly demand unpaid wages from Suning Group, the former owner of Jiangsu Football Club. In a poignant and widely shared post, Yang expressed his frustration and disappointment, stating, 'Debt repayment is only fair — what was once deep respect has now turned into helplessness.' Yang Jiawei, 30, who played as a midfielder, joined Jiangsu in 2016 from Shanghai Shenhua but never established himself as a regular starter. He later moved to Zibo Cuju in 2019 and officially announced his retirement from professional football on April 12, 2021. Despite hanging up his boots, the issue of unpaid salaries has continued to haunt him and other former club employees. In his message directed at Zhang Jindong, chairman of Suning Group, Yang began with a subtle irony: 'Respected Chairman Zhang, congratulations on Inter Milan’s victory in yesterday’s Serie A clash, secured by a controversial penalty. Watching the opposing coach angrily throw his jacket reminded me of how Suning still owes us employees this small amount of money.' The reference to Inter Milan — also formerly owned by Suning — highlighted the stark contrast between the group’s international football ambitions and its domestic financial obligations. Since the collapse of Jiangsu FC in early 2021 — just months after winning the Chinese Super League title — numerous players and staff have reported non-payment of salaries and compensation. The club’s sudden dissolution left many without closure or financial redress. While some high-profile players pursued legal action or public appeals, others faded from the spotlight, unable to secure justice. Yang’s latest appeal has reignited discussions about financial accountability in Chinese football. Fans and media alike are calling for greater transparency from corporate owners, especially those with multinational interests. His case underscores the human cost behind the glamour of professional sports, where employees at all levels often bear the brunt of corporate instability. As of now, Suning Group has not issued an official response to Yang’s post. However, the growing public attention may pressure the conglomerate to address these longstanding debts. Advocates for labor rights in sports emphasize that timely wage payments should be non-negotiable, regardless of a company’s financial challenges. The story of Yang Jiawei is more than just a personal struggle — it reflects systemic issues within Chinese football’s governance and ownership model. With increasing scrutiny on club finances and player welfare, stakeholders across the sport are urging reforms to prevent future collapses and protect athletes and staff from exploitation. While Yang may no longer wear the boots, his voice continues to play a crucial role in advocating for fairness and dignity in professional football.