Li Yueru, the Dallas Wings center, has announced that she will not be participating in the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup due to the unfortunate loss of her passport. The tournament is set to take place from September 4 to 13 in Germany, and Yueru's absence is a significant blow to the Chinese national team.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Yueru expressed her disappointment regarding the situation. She revealed that despite her and her team's efforts to locate her missing passport, it remains unaccounted for. This news comes as a setback for Yueru, who previously led the Chinese team in scoring during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
“Maybe we were just a little short on luck this time,” Yueru wrote on Instagram, indicating her frustration with the circumstances. She also took the opportunity to thank her supporters and the Chinese Basketball Association for their ongoing encouragement throughout her career. Yueru emphasized her pride in representing China and her excitement for the opportunity to play for her national team.
“Unfortunately, my passport was lost in the mail and still hasn’t been found,” she stated. “Throughout this time, we’ve all been working hard together and exploring every possible solution, but maybe we were just a little short on luck this time.” Yueru’s sentiments reflect the emotional toll that such unforeseen events can have on athletes, especially when they are eager to compete on an international stage.
China has been drawn into Group D of the tournament, competing alongside powerhouse teams such as the United States, Italy, and Czechia. Their first match will be against the American squad, which boasts a roster filled with talent, including Paige Bueckers, Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese. This group stage is crucial for the Chinese team as they aim to improve upon their previous performance.
In the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup, China finished as the runner-up, marking a significant achievement in their basketball history. Yueru played a vital role in that campaign, averaging 10.1 points per game. The Chinese team has a strong legacy in women’s basketball, and their recent success has raised expectations for their performance in the upcoming tournament.
Li Yueru, who began her WNBA journey in 2022 with the Chicago Sky, has had an eventful career, including stints with the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm before joining the Wings in June 2025. Her experience and skills have made her a key player for both her club and the national team. As she looks forward to future opportunities, Yueru remains hopeful for her return to the world stage, stating, “Thank you for all the love and support. See you on the world stage next time!”
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