Who is Lee Kang-in?
Lee Kang-in was born on February 19, 2001, in Incheon, South Korea. From an early age, he displayed extraordinary football talent and quickly attracted attention from European scouts.
At just 10 years old, Lee joined Valencia’s youth academy in Spain, beginning a football journey that would eventually lead him to PSG and international recognition.
His rise through European football has made him one of the most successful South Korean players of his generation, following in the footsteps of stars such as Son Heung-min.
Lee Kang-in’s Early Career
Lee’s football development began in South Korea before he moved to Spain to join Valencia’s academy.
His technical ability stood out immediately. Coaches praised his:
- Exceptional ball control
- Creativity in tight spaces
- Accurate passing
- Vision and awareness
- Powerful left foot
After progressing through Valencia’s youth system, Lee made his professional debut in 2018, becoming one of the youngest South Korean players to feature in European football.
Success at the FIFA U-20 World Cup
One of the biggest moments of Lee’s early career came at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
He led South Korea to the final and won the tournament’s Golden Ball as the best player. This achievement significantly boosted his global reputation and established him as one of football’s brightest young talents.
Lee Kang-in’s Move to PSG
When Did Lee Kang-in Join PSG?
Lee Kang-in officially joined Paris Saint-Germain on July 8, 2023, after impressing during his time at Mallorca in Spain. PSG signed him on a five-year contract.
His transfer marked an important step in his career because PSG is one of Europe’s elite clubs and regularly competes for domestic and continental titles.
Why PSG Signed Lee Kang-in
PSG saw several qualities in Lee:
- Technical excellence
- Versatility
- Creativity
- Ability to play multiple positions
- Commercial appeal in Asian markets
Head coaches have used him as:
- Attacking midfielder
- Right winger
- Left winger
- Central midfielder
His flexibility has made him a valuable squad member.
Lee Kang-in PSG Number
One of the most searched questions among football fans is: What number does Lee Kang-in wear for PSG?
Lee Kang-in wears the number 19 jersey for PSG. The number has become closely associated with him since arriving in Paris.
For South Korea, he has worn different numbers depending on tournament and squad registration requirements, including number 10 and number 17 in various competitions.
Lee Kang-in Stats
Statistics only tell part of the story, but they highlight his impact on the pitch.
Club Career Statistics
During the 2025-26 season, Lee contributed across multiple competitions for PSG:
- Ligue 1 appearances: 27
- Ligue 1 goals: 3
- Ligue 1 assists: 4
- Champions League appearances: 9
- UEFA Super Cup goals: 1
Across all competitions, he continued to demonstrate his value as a creative midfielder capable of producing goals and assists.
International Statistics
For South Korea’s senior national team, Lee has accumulated:
- More than 45 international caps
- 11 international goals
These numbers underline his importance to South Korea’s national team setup.
Playing Style
Lee Kang-in is widely regarded as one of Asia’s most technically gifted footballers.
Strengths
Vision
He consistently spots passing opportunities before defenders can react.
Passing
His passing range allows him to create chances from multiple areas of the pitch.
Dribbling
Lee excels in one-on-one situations and can navigate through tight defensive spaces.
Set Pieces
His left foot makes him a dangerous option from corners and free kicks.
Versatility
Managers appreciate his ability to operate in multiple attacking roles.
Comparisons
Many analysts compare aspects of Lee’s game to elite creative midfielders due to his:
- Close control
- Creativity
- Technical intelligence
- Playmaking ability
His unique style has helped him stand out among Asian footballers competing in Europe.
Lee Kang-in Contract Details
Current Contract
Lee Kang-in remains under contract with PSG until June 30, 2028. He signed the five-year agreement when joining the club in July 2023.
Salary
Reports indicate that Lee earns several million euros annually as a PSG player, reflecting his growing importance within the squad.
Future Contract Talks
There have been discussions and speculation regarding potential contract extensions due to his versatility and long-term value to PSG. While no official extension beyond 2028 has been confirmed, the club continues to view him as an important asset.
Lee Kang-in at the FIFA World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
South Korea qualified successfully for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lee Kang-in playing a major role throughout the qualification campaign.
His goals, assists, and creativity helped South Korea remain one of Asia’s strongest national teams.
2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Lee was selected as one of South Korea’s key players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad alongside Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae.
World Cup Performances
In South Korea’s opening 2026 World Cup match against Czechia, Lee delivered an impressive display and contributed creatively as South Korea secured a 2-1 comeback victory. Reports highlighted his assist and chance creation throughout the match.
His performances have reinforced his reputation as one of South Korea’s most influential players.
Major Achievements
Throughout his career, Lee Kang-in has collected numerous individual honors.
Notable Awards
- FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Ball (2019)
- FIFA U-20 World Cup Team of the Tournament
- Asian Young Footballer of the Year
- South Korean Young Footballer of the Year
- AFC International Player of the Year (2025)
Club Success
At PSG, Lee has competed for major trophies including:
- Ligue 1 titles
- Domestic cups
- UEFA Champions League honors
Playing alongside world-class teammates has accelerated his development.
Why Lee Kang-in Is Important for South Korean Football
South Korea has produced several notable footballers over the years, but Lee represents the next generation of talent.
He serves as:
- A creative leader
- A technical role model
- An inspiration for young players
His success in Europe demonstrates that South Korean footballers can thrive at the highest levels of the game.
With Son Heung-min entering the later stages of his career, many fans view Lee Kang-in as a future face of South Korean football.
Future Outlook
At just 25 years old, Lee Kang-in still has many prime years ahead of him.
Several factors suggest an even brighter future:
- Experience in elite European competitions
- Continued development at PSG
- Growing leadership role for South Korea
- Strong technical foundation
If he continues progressing, he could become one of the greatest South Korean footballers in history.
Whether at PSG or with the national team, Lee remains a player capable of influencing matches through creativity, intelligence, and skill.
Conclusion
Lee Kang-in’s journey from a talented youngster in South Korea to a key player for PSG and the South Korean national team has been remarkable. Wearing PSG’s number 19 shirt, he has established himself as one of Asia’s premier football talents.
His contract with PSG runs until 2028, his statistics continue to improve, and his performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup demonstrate why he is regarded as a cornerstone of South Korea’s future.
As his career continues to evolve, football fans around the world will be watching closely to see how far this gifted playmaker can go.
FAQs
What number does Lee Kang-in wear at PSG?
Lee Kang-in wears the number 19 jersey for PSG.
When did Lee Kang-in join PSG?
He joined PSG on July 8, 2023, after transferring from Mallorca.
When does Lee Kang-in’s PSG contract expire?
His current contract expires on June 30, 2028.
How old is Lee Kang-in?
Lee Kang-in was born on February 19, 2001, making him 25 years old in 2026.
What position does Lee Kang-in play?
He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder but can also operate as a winger.
Has Lee Kang-in played in the FIFA World Cup?
Yes. He is part of South Korea’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad and has featured prominently in the tournament.
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