A goal in the 91st minute against Germany during the 2018 FIFA World Cup propelled Kim Young-gwon into the spotlight, helping to eliminate the defending champions from the tournament. This performance marked a significant turnaround for the Jeonju-born defender, who had previously faced intense criticism for his defensive struggles during the 2014 campaign.
Early Development and Futsal Influence
Born in Jeonju on 27 February 1990, Kim attended Jeonju Technical High School from 2005 to 2008. During his youth, coaches overlooked him due to his slender physique. However, a visit from national youth team manager Hong Myung-bo helped solidify his ambition to turn professional. While attending Jeonju University, he honed his technical skills in the Futsal League of the Korea Football Association. In 2009, he achieved recognition as both the league champion and the top scorer, later representing South Korea in the 2009 Asian Indoor Games.
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Kim launched his professional career in 2010 with J1 League side FC Tokyo, where he recorded his first senior goal via a free kick in the J.League Cup against Kyoto Sanga FC. Following the club's relegation, he moved to Omiya Ardija before joining Guangzhou Evergrande in 2012. His tenure in China proved highly decorated, featuring four consecutive Chinese Super League titles from 2013 to 2016 and two AFC Champions League trophies. He was named to the CSL Team of the Year annually during this peak period. In recent years, he has found success domestically with Ulsan HD, securing K League 1 titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and earning the league's Most Valuable Player award in 2023.
International Milestones
A veteran of the national setup, Kim was a core member of the squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Beyond the 2018 heroics, he played a crucial role in the 2022 World Cup, scoring against Portugal to help South Korea advance to the round of 16. During that match against Brazil, he earned his 100th international cap. His individual honors with the national team include being named Best Defender at the 2015 EAFF Championship and Korean FA Player of the Year in 2015.
Fast facts
- Born: 27 February 1990, Jeonju
- Professional debut: 2010, FC Tokyo
- 2012 Olympic achievement: Bronze medal
- K League 1 titles: 2022, 2023, 2024
- Spouse: Park Se-jin
- International milestone: 100th cap in 2022
- 2023 individual award: K League 1 MVP
- Education: Jeonju University
Questions readers ask
Did Kim Young-gwon play in the 2012 London Olympics?
Yes, he was a member of the South Korean team that won the bronze medal.
Has Kim Young-gwon appeared on television outside of football?
He has made guest appearances with two of his children on the reality series The Return of Superman.
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