As a player, he was a striker who represented Liaoning FC where he won six league titles and three Chinese FA Cups as well as the 1989–90 Asian Club Championship.
Ma Lin began his football career playing Liaoning FC where he would show excellent ball control, skill and shooting ability as well a threatening heading ability for his height at an early age, which would soon see him win his first league title in the 1985 league season.
[2] He wouldn't have to wait long before he was called up to the national team where he was included in the 1986 Asian Games and would establish himself as China's first choice striker throughout the tournament.
After a short period outside management Ma Lin returned to Liaoning after Werner Lorant was sacked and was brought in to help the team in their relegation battle during the 2008 league season.
Unable to achieve this the club stuck with Ma Lin and he immediately repaid their loyalty by winning the division title and re-promotion back to the top tier after only one season.