.Yao Ming Biography: Yao Ming born September 12, 1980) is a Chinese basketball executive and former professional player. He played for both the Shanghai Sharks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Yao was an eight-time NBA All-Star as a starter for the Western Conference and was selected to the All-NBA Team five times. At 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters), he was the tallest active player in the NBA during his final season. Born in Shanghai, Yao began playing for the Shanghai Sharks as a teenager and spent five seasons with their senior team, winning a CBA championship in his final year. After working out a release agreement with the Sharks and the CBA, he was chosen as the first overall pick by the Houston Rockets in the 2002 NBA Draft. .
Yao Ming Biography
Yao Ming was born on September 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China. In addition to his basketball career, he is known for his work as an actor, with appearances in Seola’s Journal, Amazing (2013), and Yao Ming and Children Affected by HIV/AIDS (2005). He married former basketball player Ye Li on August 6, 2007, and together they have one child.
Yao Ming Biography 2025 Details
| Born | September 12, 1980 Shanghai, China |
|---|---|
| Spouse |
Ye Li
(m. 2007) |
| Children | 1 |
| Occupation | Basketball player / administrator |
| Category | Football Biographies |
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About Yao Ming
Yao Ming is a Chinese basketball executive and former professional player. He played for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association and the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association.
Yao Ming Achievements
Yao became a well-known figure on the internet after a photo of him laughing during a post-game press conference in May 2009 was turned into a widely circulated meme. He comes from a family of athletes—his father, Yao Zhiyuan, stands 6’7″, and his mother, Fang Fengdi, is 6’3″ and was once the captain of the Chinese national women’s basketball team. In Chinese naming customs, the family name comes first, followed by the given name. So, “Yao” is his family name, and his full name, “Yao Ming.
Yao Ming Wiki
- Born: 12 September 1980 (age 44 years), Shanghai, China
- Height: 2.29 m
- Career end: 2011
- Dates joined: 2002 (Houston Rockets), 2000 (China men’s national basketball team), 1997 (Shanghai Sharks)
- Shoe size: 18
- Spouse: Ye Li (m. 2007)
- Parents: Fang Fengdi, Yao Zhiyuan
Early Life
Yao Ming was born on September 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China. He is the only child of Yao Zhiyuan, who stands 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m), and Fang Fengdi, who is 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m); both parents were former professional basketball players. At birth, Yao weighed 11 pounds (5.0 kg), more than double the average weight of a newborn in China. Yao began playing basketball at the age of nine and soon enrolled in a junior sports school to develop his skills. By age ten, he had already grown to 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m). After being assessed by sports doctors, it was predicted that he would eventually reach a height of 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m).
Yao Ming Facts
Where does Yao Ming live? And how much money does Yao Ming earn?
| Birth Date | 12-9-1980 |
| Heritage/origin | Chinese |
| Ethnicity | Asian |
| Religion – believes in God? | Non-religious |
| Residence | He owns a house in Shanghai, China. |
Yao Ming Net Worth 2025
Yao Ming was an eight time All Star during his NBA career. He scored 9,247 points, had 4,494 rebounds and 920 blocks. His highest career salary came in his final season when the Rockets paid him $17.6 million.
| Estimated Net Worth | 160 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Product Endorsements | Nike, Reebok & Coca-Cola |
| Colleagues | Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard & James Harden |
Houses
Yao Ming own a house in Houston with 12,000 square feet of living space. The house features six bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
- Houston, TX house ($3.99 million) (Swimming Pool • )
Cars
Yao Ming used to drive around in Range Rover. There are not much choices when come to the car he drives as not many car would fit his size.
- – manufactured by Range Rover
- 7 series Special Edition- manufactured by BMW
Yao Ming: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
Yao Ming first met Chinese female basketball player Ye Li when he was 17 years old. The couple got married in 2007 and she is the only woman Yao has ever dated.
| Relationship status | Married |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Wife of Yao Ming | Ye Li |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | |
| Has any kids? | Yes, father of: Yao Qinlei |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Yao Zhiyuan (Father)
- Fang Fengdi (Mother)
- Yao Qinlei (Daughter)
Friends
- Steve Francis
- Jeremy Lin
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool basketball player originating from Shanghai, China has a tall body & square face type.
| Hair color | Black |
| Hairstyle | simple |
| Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Height | 229 cm |
| Weight | 141 kilo |
| Feet size | 18 |
| Does Yao Ming smoke? | No, never |
| Does Yao Ming have a tattoo? | No |
| Fitness, workout and diet | Yao Ming does not have a strict diet even as a NBA player. He avoid unhealthy food such as fried food and ice cream. |
FAQs
Where was Yao Ming born and raised?
Yao Ming was born and raised in Shanghai, China. He began playing basketball at a young age and was guided early on by his parents, both of whom were former professional basketball players.
How tall are Yao Ming’s parents?
Yao Ming’s father, Yao Zhiyuan, is 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m), and his mother, Fang Fengdi, is 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m). Both played basketball professionally in China.
What kind of car does Yao Ming drive?
Due to his extraordinary height, Yao Ming drives larger vehicles that can accommodate his size, such as a Range Rover. He has also been associated with a BMW 7 Series Special Edition.
How did Yao Ming meet his wife Ye Li?
Yao Ming met Ye Li, a fellow basketball player from China, when he was 17 years old. The couple married in 2007 and have one daughter together.
What kind of home does Yao Ming own in Houston?
Yao Ming owns a luxurious home in Houston, Texas, that spans 12,000 square feet. The property includes six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and features such as a swimming pool.
What are some of Yao Ming’s major endorsement deals?
During and after his NBA career, Yao Ming secured endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, Reebok, and Coca-Cola, contributing significantly to his overall net worth.