Ma first appeared internationally in 2006, where he won gold with the team at the World Table Tennis Championships. In 2007 he apperead more internationally in appearance, which he rose in the world rankings. After good performences in the year, Ma won the Kuwait and Qatar Open as well as the World Tour Grand Finals. Nevertheless, he wasn't nominated for the 2008 Olympic Games. In 2009 he took part in World Championships for the first time, where he lost in the semifinal and bronze won. In 2010 Ma Long with the Chinese Team won gold at the World Championship. In the final they beat Germany 3:1. In 2011 took part in World Championships again, where he lost to Wang Hao in the semifinal again. So he won bronze again.