Happy birthday! Yao Ming turns 45 today

  • By Lori Macatee
  • Beijing
  • Last updated on

The iconic and legendary basketball player turns 45 on Friday, Sep. 12, 2025.
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Yao Ming is celebrating his 45th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed basketball players of his generation.

Popular basketball player Yao Ming has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 45th birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

Yao, a cultural icon

Born in Shanghai on September 12, 1980, Yao Ming's career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in Chinese history. Yao's not just a great basketball player, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Ming hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Yao Ming as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 45.

Happy Birthday, Ming, you're the best!

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