Kang In Lee is a South Korean footballer who is currently representing Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the South Korea national team. His playing position is attacking midfielder or winger. His shirt number is #19. He joined Paris Saint-Germain on a historic 5-year contract, making him the first South Korean to play for the club. The transfer involved a fee of €22 million paid to RCD Mallorca after Lee successfully completed his medical examination in June. In 2019, he was honored as the Asian Football Confederation's Asian Young Footballer of the Year and was awarded the Golden Ball at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, where his team achieved a remarkable runner-up finish. Adding to his achievements, Lee also had the privilege of lifting the Copa del Rey trophy with Valencia during the same season.
Kang In Lee, a South Korean footballer, represents PSG and the South Korean national team as an attacking midfielder or winger. He made history by joining PSG on a 5-year contract, becoming the first South Korean to play for the club. The transfer involved a €22 million fee paid to RCD Mallorca. Previously, he has played for Incheon United, Flyings FC, and Valencia. He made his first team debut on 30 October 2018 for Valencia, starting and playing 83 minutes in a 2–1 win over Ebro in the Copa del Rey, becoming the youngest Korean footballer to debut professionally in Europe.
Kang In Lee, born on 19 February 2001 in Incheon, South Korea, comes from a family with a strong passion for football. His father, Lee Woon-seong, worked as a taekwondo instructor in Incheon and was a dedicated football fan, particularly admiring the late Diego Maradona. Kang Sung-mi is the name of his mother. Kang In Lee is of South Korean nationality and belongs to the South Korean-Asian ethnicity. As the youngest of three children, with two older sisters, he grew up in a household that fostered his love for football. From a young age, Kang In Lee showed interest in the sport, starting to play before he even turned five. In 2007, at the age of six, he gained recognition when he appeared on the third season of the KBS N Sports reality football show called Fly Shoot Dori, showcasing his talent. Subsequently, he joined Yoo Sang-chul's youth academy and in 2009 became a member of the Incheon United FC U-12 youth team. Kang In Lee attended Seokjeong Elementary School in Incheon and played for Flyings FC. In January 2011, he traveled to Spain under the recommendation of his youth team coach and participated in trials for the Villarreal CF and Valencia CF youth teams.
In July 2011, Kang In Lee became a part of Valencia's esteemed academy, marking the beginning of his journey with the club. Later, on 15 December 2017, he received a well-deserved call-up to Valencia B (Mestalla), a significant milestone in his career progression. His debut match for Valencia B took place on 21 December 2017 against Deportivo Aragón, where he showcased his skills as a substitute, entering the game in the 82nd minute. Lee continued to make strides in his development, securing his first assist on 17 February 2018 during a match against Llagostera. In that game, he made a crucial impact as a substitute, coming on in the 76th minute and providing an assist in extra time. As his progress persisted, he achieved yet another milestone on 6 May 2018, scoring his first goal while starting a match against Sabadell.
On 30 October 2018, Lee made his debut for Valencia's first team in a Copa del Rey match against Ebro, starting and playing for 83 minutes, making him the youngest Korean footballer to debut professionally in Europe. He then made his La Liga debut on 12 January 2019, becoming the second-youngest player in the league that season and the youngest non-Spanish player and Asian debutant in Valencia's history. He officially joined Valencia's first team on 30 January 2019, wearing jersey number 16.
On 17 September 2019, Lee made his debut in the UEFA Champions League as a substitute for Valencia in their 1-0 win against Chelsea, becoming the youngest Korean player to debut in the competition at the age of 18 years and 6 months. He also became the 5th youngest player to debut for Valencia in the Champions League. On 25 September 2019, he scored his first goal in La Liga in a 3-3 draw against Getafe, becoming the youngest non-Spanish player to score for Valencia at the age of 18 years and 219 days, breaking a previous record held by Mohamed Sissoko. In the 2020-21 season, Lee achieved another milestone by becoming the youngest player in the 21st century to assist two goals in a La Liga match, breaking Juan Mata's previous record. Despite rejecting contract renewal offers, Lee continued to feature regularly for Valencia under Javi Gracia. However, he terminated his contract with the club on 29 August 2021 after being on the transfer list during the pre-season.
Lee completed a move to Mallorca on a free transfer on 30 August 2021, with the La Liga club announcing his signing on a four-year contract. He made an impact early on, scoring his first goal for Mallorca on 22 September 2021, although it came in a 6-1 loss to Real Madrid in La Liga. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) officially announced the acquisition of Lee on 8 July 2023, securing the South Korean player's services with a 5-year contract that extends until 2028. This landmark signing makes Lee the first-ever South Korean to join the prestigious club. Prior to the announcement, PSG completed the transfer by paying a transfer fee of €22 million to RCD Mallorca, following Lee's successful medical examination at the beginning of June.
Lee showcased his talent on the international stage when he represented the South Korea U-20 football team in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He played a crucial role in his team's impressive run, contributing two goals and four assists in seven matches, ultimately helping South Korea secure a historic runner-up finish. Lee's outstanding performances earned him the prestigious Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player.
Following his remarkable U-20 World Cup campaign, Lee's talent did not go unnoticed, and he received his first call-up to the senior South Korea national football team in March 2019. Making his international debut as a starter in a friendly match against Georgia on 5 September 2019, Lee became the seventh youngest player to don the South Korea national team jersey. His development and contributions on both ends of the pitch in La Liga earned him a call-up for friendlies just before the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Although he did not feature in the friendly matches, his impressive performances during training sessions led to his inclusion in the 26-man World Cup squad. Lee's skills were on full display during the World Cup as he provided an accurate cross for Cho Gue-sung's header in the team's second-group match against Ghana.
Valencia
South Korea U20
Individual
Kang In Lee, the promising footballer representing both Paris Saint-Germain and the South Korea national team, has amassed considerable wealth throughout his career. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, with a substantial portion derived from his salary and wages. It is believed that his current team provides him with a salary ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. Additionally, Lee has secured lucrative endorsement deals, further bolstering his financial status. Embracing his success, he enjoys a comfortable lifestyle, residing in a spacious residence and indulging in a collection of luxury cars.
Kang In Lee is still to get married and he is not dating anyone at present. He maintains a private and low-key personal life. There is no information available regarding his relationship status or dating history, as he prefers to keep such matters confidential. He remains tight-lipped about his personal life, and there are no rumors or news surrounding his past or current relationships. It is evident that Lee's main focus is on his professional career and achieving success in the field. He embraces a single life happily, and his sexual orientation is identified as straight.
Kang In Lee, the handsome footballer, stands at a height of 1.73 m or 5 feet 8 inches, exuding a cool presence on the field. With a body weight of 66 kg, he maintains an athletic physique that complements his charming smile and radiant face. His striking brown eyes and dark brown hair further enhance his overall appeal. Lee takes great care of his health and fitness, ensuring his body remains in optimal condition, reflecting his dedication and commitment to his craft. He has got a healthy body as of now.
Kang In Lee began his football career with Valencia CF's academy in July 2011. His progression through the ranks led to his call-up to the Valencia B team, Mestalla, on 15 December 2017. Just six days later, on 21 December 2017, he made his debut for the B team, coming on as a substitute in the 82nd minute during a match against Deportivo Aragón. Kang-in's breakthrough moment arrived when he made his first-team debut for Valencia on 30 October 2018. In a Copa del Rey match against Ebro, he started the game and played for an impressive 83 minutes, contributing to a 2-1 victory. This achievement also marked him as the youngest Korean footballer to make his professional debut in Europe, highlighting his immense potential and talent.
At the tender age of six, Kang In Lee made his early television appearance in 2007 on the popular KBS N Sports reality football show, Fly Shoot Dori (Korean: 날아라 슛돌이). As a young participant, he showcased his budding talent and passion for the sport, leaving a lasting impression on viewers who witnessed his skills and potential at such a young age. This early exposure served as a stepping stone for Lee's future in football, laying the foundation for his remarkable journey in the world of sports.
Kang In Lee's father, Lee Woon-seong, played an influential role in his upbringing and early exposure to sports. As a taekwondo instructor in Incheon, he instilled discipline and a love for physical activity in his son. Notably, Lee Woon-seong was a passionate football enthusiast, with a particular admiration for the late Diego Maradona. His fervent support for the sport and admiration for Maradona's football prowess likely played a significant role in shaping Kang In Lee's own passion for the game. Through his father's influence, Lee Kang-in gained not only a strong foundation in taekwondo but also a deep appreciation for the beautiful game of football, fueling his own aspirations and love for the sport.
Kang In Lee is predominantly known for his role as an attacking midfielder on the football field. Renowned for his exceptional technical abilities and creativity, Lee excels in his position, orchestrating plays, and driving forward with skill and precision. As an attacking midfielder, he showcases his vision, passing accuracy, and goal-scoring prowess, often contributing to his team's attacking maneuvers and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. With his flair for the game and ability to unlock defenses, Lee Kang-in's presence as an attacking midfielder adds dynamism and creativity to his team's attacking play, making him a valuable asset on the pitch.
Kang In Lee's exceptional talent and contributions were recognized when he was chosen to represent the South Korea U-20 football team in the prestigious 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Throughout the tournament, he showcased his immense skill and played a pivotal role in every group and knockout match. Lee's remarkable performances led his team to a historic runner-up finish, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament. In seven games, he notched an impressive record of two goals and four assists, displaying his ability to both score and create opportunities for his teammates. Such outstanding displays earned him the coveted Golden Ball award, crowning him as the tournament's best player and solidifying his status as a rising star in the world of football.