Lee Kang-in became the first Asian footballer to secure multiple UEFA Champions League titles, winning back-to-back trophies in 2025 and 2026. A product of the Valencia youth academy, the South Korean midfielder transitioned from a record-breaking La Liga prospect to a pivotal contributor for Paris Saint-Germain before transferring to Atlético Madrid in 2026.
Early Development and La Liga
Born in Incheon in 2001, Lee joined Valencia’s youth system in July 2011. He made his professional debut with Valencia B in December 2017. By October 2018, he debuted for the first team in the Copa del Rey, establishing himself as the youngest South Korean to play professionally in Europe. In January 2019, he officially joined the senior squad. His time at Valencia included becoming the youngest non-Spanish goalscorer for the club in 2019 and the youngest player in the 21st century to record two assists in a single La Liga match. He concluded his tenure at the club in August 2021.
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Lee signed a four-year contract with Mallorca in August 2021. During the 2022–23 season, he gained recognition as one of the most effective dribblers across the major European leagues. In July 2023, Paris Saint-Germain secured his services for €22 million on a five-year deal. He became the first South Korean to represent the Parisian club, contributing to a continental treble in 2025. His performance in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, where he scored a goal and a penalty in a shootout, highlighted his role in high-stakes European competition.
International and Recent Career
Lee earned the Golden Ball at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he led South Korea to a runner-up finish. He received the Asian Young Footballer of the Year award the same year. Having made his senior national team debut in September 2019, he has since represented his nation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, and the 2026 World Cup. In July 2026, he moved to Atlético Madrid on a five-year contract valued at €40 million, scoring in his debut match against Málaga.
Fast facts
- Born: 19 February 2001, Incheon
- Professional debut: 2017
- 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Ball winner
- First Asian player to win multiple UEFA Champions League titles
- Former clubs: Valencia, Mallorca, Paris Saint-Germain
- Current club: Atlético Madrid
- Joined Atlético Madrid: 25 July 2026
- Citizenship: South Korea
Questions readers ask
What major trophies did Lee win with PSG?
He won three Ligue 1 titles, two Coupes de France, and two UEFA Champions League titles.
Which international tournament awards did Lee receive?
He was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and was named the Asian Young Footballer of the Year in 2019.
