Dilraba Dilmurat Rumoured to Be Women's Soccer Lead After All

Dilraba Dilmurat Filming Non-Stop for Women’s Soccer – Fans Convinced She’s the Real MVP

Rumours are heating up faster than a summer match in Guangzhou – and this time, it’s all eyes on Dilraba Dilmurat. Word on the street (and fan forums) is that the fan-favourite actress isn’t just swinging by for a cameo in Stephen Chow’s long-awaited Women’s Soccer, but might actually be leading the charge as the film’s heroine.

Let’s rewind for a sec: back in 2023, the comedy legend behind Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle announced he was cooking up a female version of his iconic sports comedy. 

Titled Women’s Soccer, the project instantly got fans buzzing, with a slew of actresses reportedly vying to join the team – all dreaming of being dubbed Chow’s next “Star Girl.”

At the time, whispers suggested Dilraba would make a blink-and-you-miss-it guest appearance, while Zhang Xiaofei – fresh off her post-Hi, Mom popularity – was pegged as the main lead. But fans weren’t buying it. “There’s no way she’s just a cameo,” one netizen posted. “If she’s in it, she’s the lead. Full stop.”

Now, those hunches are looking more and more spot on.

Recently, #Dilraba learned Cantonese while filming the movie "Women's Football" directed by Stephen Chow pic.twitter.com/3aQDzEB2DU

— best of dilraba dilmurat (@DNews91322) May 18, 2025

According to some very keen-eyed fans (you lot never miss a trick), Dilireba has been present throughout the filming process, from the very first clapboard to the upcoming final wrap-up scenes on June 6. That’s no cameo schedule. Word is she’s been shooting at major stadium locations in Shenzhen, Guangdong – massive-scale sets with cranes, tents, and full-on football field setups. Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaofei was last spotted in Qingdao, with her personal scenes apparently done months ago.

The implication? Zhang’s role might’ve wrapped early because it’s smaller than we thought.

What’s more, Stephen Chow’s long-time buddy and collaborator, Tin Kai-man, teased in an earlier interview that Dilraba’s character plays a crucial role in the story. Crucial doesn’t exactly scream “two-scene guest appearance,” does it?

But here’s where it gets a little murky – online platforms like Douban still list Dilraba third in the cast lineup, after Zhang Xiaofei and Lay Zhang Yixing. So fans are torn. Some reckon she’s playing the game-changing secret weapon – not quite lead, but unforgettable. Others think it’s just a classic Chow-style misdirect, and she’s the real heart of the film.

Of course, Team Dilraba is keeping things classy. While many are hyped over her potential comeback as a full-blown movie heroine, others are reminding everyone to “listen to rumours, but don’t take them as gospel.” Until the production team drops an official statement, it’s all guesswork – but very juicy guesswork at that.

Whether she’s centre-forward or surprise sub, one thing’s for sure: Dilraba’s comeback on the big screen is not going unnoticed. With her last major role over a year ago, fans are beyond ready for her return – and what better way than kicking goals under Stephen Chow’s legendary lens?

Stay tuned, folks. June 6 might be the wrap date, but this story’s still playing extra time.