Derrick Rose’s career was forged in Chicago’s white‑hot crucible—MVP at 22, sidelined by injury at 23. Yet it took a successful turn at the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017. But on May 1, 2025, in Shanghai, it was neither points nor playoffs that brought him to tears; it was a solitary fan’s devotion. In that split second, the legend met legacy: Rose, the once‑unstoppable force, humbled once again by the cross-border faith that follows him from the Bulls to the Bundesliga of fan worship.

Right now, Derrick Rose is in Shanghai, China, attending an event tied to a licensing deal between NBA China and Beijing Ruyi Jingxiu. Rose was a special guest, and unsurprisingly, fans in Shanghai couldn’t get enough of the former MVP. Reports claim Rose was also there to hype his Adidas-endorsed “D Rose” sneaker line, which remains insanely popular across China. Over 70 percent of his D Rose line’s global sales come from China. On May 1, Rose traveled to Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai for an exclusive fan event with GOAT Lab Basketball Academy.

In a recent Instagram post, Derrick Rose was spotted signing sneakers for fans during his visit to Shanghai, China, this week. One fan approached him and proudly showed off his famous howling Timberwolves tattoo alongside a Derrick Rose number-one jersey. To witness that unwavering loyalty years after his jersey retirement shook Rose to his core. He was visibly crying while signing those branded shoes, overwhelmed by the unwavering love his Chinese fans still show him that day. It’s moments like these that prove how passionate Chinese basketball fans are about the game and their favorite NBA icons.

After watching the video, if you think that this is the first time that fans made Derrick cry publicly, then you would be wrong. Because this wasn’t the first time Derrick Rose was moved to tears by the love pouring in from China.

Derrick Rose left Teary-Eyed after watching a sentimental fan-fueled tearjerker in China

Back in 2017, during a promotional tour in China, Derrick Rose was reminded how deeply his story resonated with international fans. Though his popularity stretched worldwide, China had long embraced the former MVP with unmatched loyalty and open-hearted admiration for years. At the time, Rose’s career had already faced several tough setbacks. With injuries cutting short what could’ve been an incredible prime.

Since capturing the MVP title in 2011, the explosive point guard struggled to maintain consistency due to multiple career-altering injuries. By that summer, Rose officially entered free agency for the first time. He signed a veteran’s minimum contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite the hardships, fans in China never wavered. They continue to show love and passion for the player they considered an icon.

Though no longer the explosive superstar from his early Chicago Bulls days. Derrick Rose still flashed brilliance during his New York Knicks stint. Many viewed his Cavaliers’ move as a fresh shot to silence doubters. While skeptics remained, Rose discovered a powerful reminder of his lasting impact thousands of miles away, deep in China’s basketball community. Chinese fans screened a tribute video that overwhelmed him. In those clips, fans shared touching stories about how Rose’s resilience helped them push through their own tough personal struggles.

The unexpected gesture caught Rose completely off guard. It left the veteran guard visibly emotional as he watched their love pour in. It was a rare public display of vulnerability from Derrick. And remember, he was a player famous for keeping his emotions tightly guarded over the years. That touching moment proved Derrick Rose’s legacy had evolved far beyond stat sheets. Now it lives in his people.