In 2006, Zhang Xiaoyu started his professional footballer career with Liaoning Whowin in the Chinese Super League.
[1] He made his league debut for Liaoning on 4 October 2007 in a game against Wuhan Guanggu, coming on as a substitute for Yang Shilin in the 46th minute.
[2] In January 2013, Zhang was loaned to China League Two side Lijiang Jiayunhao until 31 June.
In July 2014, Zhang was loaned to China League Two side Nanjing Qianbao until 31 December.
In March 2017, Zhang transferred to League Two side Jilin Baijia.