She previously captained the China national team and the Atlanta Beat of the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA).

[9] Sun played for the Atlanta Beat of the Women's United Soccer Association from 2001 to 2002.

She then notched the Beat's third goal in the Founders Cup, helping the team to an eventual 3–3 tie during regulation.

The San Jose CyberRays won the title in a penalty kick shootout.

[13] Sun announced her retirement from the WUSA in January 2003 to return to China in preparation for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup.

[15] In 1999, she had 10 goals in her World Cup career, leaving her tied for second place on an all-time scoring list.

[16] Sun led China to a silver medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Athens, Georgia.

[17] Due to injury reasons, Sun retired again after winning AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2006.

Sun played 28 matches and scored 16 goals in 4 world cup tournaments and 2 Olympics: China 1991, Sweden 1995, Atlanta 1996,

Sun Wen, with her China teams, won a silver medal at Atlanta 1996 Olympics, and finished second at USA 1999 world cup.

A strong striker with great skills and passing abilities, Sun won both the Golden Boot (which she shared with Sissi, of Brazil) and the Golden Ball for the 1999 Women's World Cup, and became the first woman to be nominated for the Asian Football Confederation player of the year award.

While the overall award was won by American Michelle Akers, Sun received the most internet votes on the FIFA-website.

[18] After her retirement, Sun Wen worked in the Chinese media, advertising and education.