The 2011 AFC Champions League semi-final between Al-Sadd and Suwon Samsung Bluewings saw Lee Jung-soo walk off the pitch during stoppage time. His departure followed a heated disagreement with teammates regarding an controversial goal scored by Mamadou Niang, which Lee openly described as unfair after an injury stoppage. He requested his manager Jorge Fossati replace him.
Early Career and Position Shift
Born in Gimhae on 8 January 1980, Lee Jung-soo pursued his education at Kyung Hee University. Upon graduating in 2002, he entered professional football with the Anyang LG Cheetahs, which transitioned into FC Seoul by 2004. Originally deployed as a forward, his development as a professional took a significant turn when manager Cho Kwang-rae advised him to shift to a defensive role. This tactical change defined his subsequent trajectory through the K League, where he featured for Incheon United and Suwon Samsung Bluewings, securing a league title with the latter in 2008.
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Lee expanded his professional profile by moving to the J1 League in 2009, joining Kyoto Sanga. During this season, he demonstrated notable scoring efficiency for a defender, recording five goals. His performance in the Jomo Cup, a contest between K League and J.League all-stars, earned him the Most Valuable Player award. He moved to Kashima Antlers in 2010. Nationally, Lee served as a critical component of the South Korean team that reached the knockout stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, contributing two set-piece goals during the tournament's group phase.
Tenure in Qatar and Transition to Coaching
Following the 2010 World Cup, Lee transferred to the Qatari club Al-Sadd. His time there included a 2011 AFC Champions League title victory, though the final required a penalty shootout in which Lee hit the crossbar. Amid persistent interest from other clubs, including a rejected approach from Guangzhou Evergrande in 2012, Lee extended his contract with Al-Sadd. Injuries to his hand and calf during the 2015–16 season hindered his playing time. Despite receiving an offer to transition into a coaching role, he initially declined to prioritize his playing career. He rejoined Suwon in 2016, retired the following year, and eventually moved into management, currently serving as the head coach for the Thai League 1 club Kanchanaburi Power.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 January 1980, Gimhae
- Citizenship: South Korea
- Education: Kyung Hee University
- Primary Position: Defender
- AFC Champions League Title: 2011
- K League Title: 2008
- Current Role: Head Coach, Kanchanaburi Power
Questions readers ask
Why did Lee Jung-soo leave the pitch during a 2011 match?
He protested an unfair goal scored by his teammate Mamadou Niang during an injury stoppage and requested to be substituted.
What position did Lee play during his professional career?
While he started as a forward, he transitioned to a defender early in his professional tenure at the advice of his manager.
