Securing 19 trophies throughout his professional career, Park Ji-Sung remains a standout figure in Asian football. The South Korean midfielder became the first player from his continent to win the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Known for remarkable stamina, he earned the enduring nickname Three-Lung Park for his constant movement and work ethic.
Early Development in Korea
Born in Seoul in 1981, Park grew up in Suwon. He initiated his football training in the fourth grade, despite early physical concerns regarding his slight build. Throughout his schooling at Suwon Technical High School, his development was carefully managed by coach Lee Hak-jong to ensure his growth remained on track. By 1998, he contributed to his team winning the high-school division of the 79th Korean National Sports Festival. Park later attended Myongji University, where he secured admission through an athletic vacancy originally intended for the tennis program.
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Park commenced his professional career in 2000 at age 19 with Kyoto Purple Sanga. His recruitment followed observation by J.League scouts during a practice match. After an initial season resulting in relegation, he helped the club secure the J2 title in 2001. Playing primarily as a holding midfielder, he benefited from the guidance of teammate Kazuyoshi Miura. By 2002, a tactical shift by manager Gert Engels to utilize him on the right side of a front three proved successful, leading to a golden goal against Vissel Kobe.
European Success with PSV and Manchester United
Following his move to the Netherlands, Park played for PSV Eindhoven under manager Guus Hiddink. He captured two Eredivisie titles, a KNVB Cup, and a Johan Cruyff Shield. His performance during the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League semi-finals prompted Manchester United to sign him for approximately £4 million in July 2005. During seven years in England, he won 11 trophies, including four Premier League titles. After a stint at Queens Park Rangers starting in 2012, he returned to PSV on loan for the 2013–14 season before retiring due to a knee injury.
International Representation
Park earned 100 caps for the South Korea national team, netting 13 goals. He participated in the 2002, 2006, and 2010 FIFA World Cup tournaments. Across his World Cup appearances, he was awarded man of the match four times, the highest total for an Asian player. He shares the status of South Korea's joint all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with three goals alongside Ahn Jung-hwan and Son Heung-min.
Fast facts
- Born: 1981, Seoul, South Korea
- Primary Position: Midfielder
- Professional debut: 2000
- Total caps for South Korea: 100
- Career trophies: 19
- Retirement cause: Knee injury
- Education: Myongji University and Osaka University of Economics and Law
Questions readers ask
Why was Park Ji-Sung called Three-Lung Park?
The nickname stemmed from his exceptional endurance levels, fitness, and constant off-the-ball movement on the pitch.
Which teams did Park play for in Europe?
He played for PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, and Queens Park Rangers.
