[SPORTALKOREA] Reporter Kim Gyeong-tae = As Lee Kang-in‘s growth background was reexamined, local French fans also showed a warm response.
On the 19th (Korean time), French media ‘DAZN‘ uploaded a video through social networking service (SNS) highlighting Lee Kang-in’s growth story from his days as a ‘Fly Shooter’ to his current time at Paris Saint-Germain FC (PSG).
The host said, “Who would have imagined that this 6-year-old boy would later become the UEFA Champions League winner? But that has become a reality for PSG’s Lee Kang-in.”
He continued, “In 2007, he participated in a popular Korean soccer audition program and immediately attracted attention. Based on his excellent skills and dribbling, he showed overwhelming talent to the point where he could carry out missions even while blindfolded, and he quickly took on the captain’s armband and led the team.”
He added, “He won the season title with skills that surprised even the coaches, and as a reward, he went on to shoot a commercial with Manchester United FC legend Park Ji-sung and recreated the goal scene from the 2002 World Cup. This experience was a decisive turning point in his career.”
Furthermore, he said, “Lee Kang-in later moved to Valencia, Spain, at the age of 10 and a half through Incheon, and is currently active as a rotation resource at PSG,” and added, “It may be time to give him a bigger role.”
Lee Kang-in grew up in the spotlight with his extraordinary talent from an early age. Recognized for his potential, he moved to Spain at a young age to take an elite course, and quickly showed his presence in the Valencia youth team. Afterwards, he made his professional debut at the age of 17 in a match against CD Ebro in October 2018 and made his name known in earnest.
He was impressive with his creative play, accurate passing, stable ball keeping, and ability to release pressure, and was evaluated as a genius for his confident game management.
He proved his potential by appearing in 62 games over three seasons at Valencia, but wanting more opportunities to play, he left the team he had been with for 10 years and moved to RCD Mallorca in August 2021.
Lee Kang-in has clearly established himself in Mallorca. He has established himself as a key resource for the team by increasing his influence in the game through consistent appearances, and based on these performances, he joined PSG in July 2023 and has been performing consistently to this day.
In particular, his role in the team is increasing this season. He is gaining the trust and love of local fans at the same time by effectively filling in the gaps left by injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Desiree Due at the beginning of the season.
Local fans also responded enthusiastically to this growth story. One fan said, “I really like this player. He always has a good attitude and is a gem of a player who plays a decisive role at every important moment.” Another fan expressed his opinion, saying, “He is a great player whose love for the team can be felt. Although he is a rotation resource, he exerts influence every time he is deployed.”
One fan praised him, saying, “He is a humble and unobtrusive player, but he always does his job.” Another said, “He deserves to be a starter in League 1 at least. Looking at his fighting spirit and dedication, he should be given more opportunities.”
Photo = League 1, DAZN, Getty Images Korea
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