Yao Ming: A Comprehensive Biography, Age, Height, Figure, and Net Worth Guide

Yao Ming, a legendary Chinese basketball player, is known for his towering height, unparalleled skills on the court, and his philanthropic work both in his home country and internationally. He was born on September 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China to prosperous basketball players, who both stood at an impressive height of over 6 feet.

Yao Ming quickly followed in his parent's footsteps, exhibiting a natural talent for basketball at a young age. By the time he was 13, he was already being selected for China's national basketball team, which helped establish him as a future basketball star.

As he continued to refine his skills, Yao Ming quickly became an unstoppable force in the sport and competed both in his home country and internationally. In this article, we’ll delve into Yao's biography, his age, height, figure, and net worth. We’ll also take a more in-depth look at Yao’s storied career and the impact he made both on and off the court.

Early Life and Career

Yao Ming, a famous retired Chinese basketball player, was born on September 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China. He was the only child of two professional basketball players. His father, Yao Zhiyuan, was a five-time Chinese Basketball Association champion, and his mother, Fang Fengdi, was a basketball player and coach.

Yao Ming started playing basketball at a young age and eventually joined the Shanghai Sharks, the Chinese Basketball Association team where his father also played. He made his debut at the age of 17 and quickly became a rising star in China.

In 2002, Yao Ming was drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets in the NBA draft, becoming the first international player to earn the honor. He quickly adapted to the NBA and became one of the league's most dominant centers. He earned several All-Star honors and helped lead the Rockets to multiple playoff appearances.

Off the court, Yao Ming has also been an important figure in promoting basketball and improving the game in China. He is considered a national hero in China and has used his fame and wealth to support causes such as education, wildlife conservation, and disaster relief.

Success with the Houston Rockets

After being drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2002, Yao quickly became one of the team's key players. His combination of height, skill, and athleticism made him a formidable opponent on the court. In his rookie year, he averaged 13.5 points per game and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Over the years, Yao's performance on the court only improved. He became a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team twice and the All-NBA Third Team three times. He also became known for his excellent defensive skills, blocking an average of 1.9 shots per game.

Yao's success with the Rockets helped to raise the team's profile and popularity both in the United States and in China. In fact, his popularity in China was so great that it was estimated that more than 200 million people in the country watched his 2007 playoff game against the Utah Jazz.

• Won two NBA playoff series with Rockets
• Named to the NBA All-Star team for seven consecutive years
• Named one of the 100 Greatest Chinese Athletes of the 20th Century
• Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016

Injuries and Retirement

Despite his impressive career in basketball, Yao Ming faced several injuries that affected his performance on the court. In 2005, he suffered a fracture on his left foot that kept him out of the game for the majority of the season. Later in 2007, he had to undergo surgery to fix a stress fracture in his left foot, and in 2008, he experienced an injury on his right foot that required another surgery.

In 2010, Yao Ming announced his retirement from basketball due to persistent injuries that made it difficult for him to continue playing at a high level. This news shocked fans around the world, who had come to admire his remarkable talent and skill as a basketball player.

Since his retirement, Yao Ming has remained involved in the sport, serving as the president of the Chinese Basketball Association and as an active supporter of various charitable organizations that use sports to help youth development.

Life After Basketball

After retiring from professional basketball in 2011, Yao became very active in various business ventures and philanthropy. He established Yao Ming Foundation, which focuses on supplying schools in China with better facilities and equipment, and promoting sports programs for children.

Yao also became the owner of the Shanghai Sharks, the team he played for before joining the NBA. He invested in various other businesses, including wine-making and a new restaurant in Houston.

Yao has been heavily involved in philanthropic work since his retirement. He works with the Special Olympics and serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, working to combat wildlife trafficking and promote environmental conservation.

He has been recognized for his charitable efforts, including being named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2009.

Yao is married to Ye Li, a former professional basketball player in China, and they have two children together. He is known for his love of animals and has spoken out against the illegal ivory trade and shark fin soup.

Yao's height, which was once a disadvantage on the basketball court, has now become an asset in his post-retirement life. He often uses his 7'6" height to draw attention to important causes and raise awareness for charity events.

Yao Ming's Net Worth and Philanthropy

Yao Ming's successful basketball career has earned him a significant net worth. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Yao Ming's net worth is approximately $120 million.

Despite his wealth, Yao Ming has remained committed to giving back to his community. He established the Yao Foundation in 2008, which focuses on improving the lives of underprivileged children in China through education and sports. The foundation has built schools, provided scholarships, and offered vocational training programs.

In addition to his foundation work, Yao Ming has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including earthquake relief efforts and the fight against wildlife trafficking.

Yao Ming's dedication to philanthropy has earned him recognition and awards, including the inaugural Mann International Award for Charity and the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.

FAQ

What is Yao Ming's age?

Yao Ming was born on September 12, 1980, which makes him 41 years old as of 2021.

How tall is Yao Ming?

Yao Ming is a towering 7 feet 6 inches tall (or 2.29 meters).

What is Yao Ming's figure?

Yao Ming had a massive figure, with a reported weight of 310 pounds (or 141 kilograms) during his playing days. He was also known for his enormous hand size.

What is Yao Ming's net worth?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Yao Ming's net worth is estimated to be around $120 million. He made a significant amount of money during his career as a basketball player, and he has also been involved in various business ventures and endorsements.

Can you give me some details about Yao Ming's early life?

Yao Ming was born in Shanghai, China, to basketball-playing parents. His father, Yao Zhiyuan, was a 6'7" basketball player, and his mother, Fang Fengdi, was a 6'3" basketball player and coach. Yao Ming began playing basketball at a young age and was discovered by a scout who saw him playing in a local tournament. He eventually joined the Shanghai Sharks, a professional basketball team, and became a star player in China before being drafted into the NBA.