Nothing is set in stone. Pele never played for a European team, the next "world's greatest player" could be Chinese and only play in China.
How can you be the best if you don't win a league stepped in tradition & prestige? Or the world cup?
Well, they shouldn't play for Arsenal then :P
So, China will never win the World Cup (they way England are going, they may win their first before England win their 2nd :P)... tradition doesn't mean much and what's prestiges changes. The FA Cup used to be the pinnacle of the English game, now coming 4th in the league is prioritised. Culture is not sacred, the world changes, nothing is set in stone.
You're starting to sound like Leggy, old beyond your years stuck in a time long ago not embracing the global nature of the sport.
Nailed it.
Europe may be the world power right now but when China decides to do something, they throw everything behind it, government, money, infrastructure and there may be 1 or 2 players who think "nope, greatness is more important that money" I'd warrant there'd be a lot more who think "I'm going to make the most of what is a short career. $300k per week vs $150k per week? where do I sign and who's hand can I shake?"
Don't get caught up in the romanticism of football, club and country.