Ma Jinghui, a 21-year-old Chinese influencer, has taken the internet by storm with his uncanny resemblance to the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Within a mere ten days, Jinghui’s follower count on Douyin surged from a few thousand to a staggering 600,000, thanks to his impersonation of Bryant in livestreams, earning him an impressive 80,000 yuan (US$12,000).
Jinghui’s rise to fame involves donning Bryant’s iconic No. 24 jersey, seated against a white backdrop, accompanied by the poignant melody of “See You Again.” Addressing his fans in English with the phrase “Man, I’m back,” Jinghui has captivated audiences, attracting over 100,000 viewers per live session.
The journey to internet stardom began for Jinghui, formerly a game streamer, when a keen-eyed observer noticed his striking resemblance to Bryant and suggested he capitalize on it. Embracing the idea, Jinghui transformed his appearance, shaving his head, applying black makeup, and showcasing his basketball skills while live-streaming.
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Despite facing criticism from some corners of the internet for not resembling a typical basketball player, Jinghui remains undeterred. He has committed to honing his impersonation by learning English as a tribute to Bryant, with plans to expand his content to include live-streaming basketball games in the future.
Expressing his gratitude for his newfound popularity, Jinghui intends to use his earnings to support his family, including purchasing a new phone for his sister and a car for his father. While he faces detractors, Jinghui remains focused on his goal of reaching one million followers, fueled by love for the game and perseverance.
Bryant, revered as one of the greatest basketball players in history, continues to hold immense popularity in China, boasting roughly 10 million followers on Weibo. As Jinghui continues to emulate his idol, he embodies the enduring legacy and universal appeal of Bryant’s influence on basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
