PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lee Kang-in (이강인) |
| Date of Birth | 19 February 2001 (Age: 25) |
| Place of Birth | Incheon, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 1.73 m |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder / Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #7 (Atlético Madrid) |
| Current Club | Atlético Madrid |
| Previous Clubs | Valencia, Mallorca, Paris Saint-Germain |
| International Caps | 50 |
| International Goals | 11 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul. August 9, 2026. A friendly against Manchester City. For 90 minutes, Lee Kang-in gave the Korean faithful a glimpse of what was to come. Wearing the Atlético Madrid shirt for the first time in front of his home crowd, he showcased the flair, vision, and technical ability that had made him one of Asia’s most coveted footballers.
The moment was significant for another reason. Administrative delays had kept him from traveling to Spain, so he had been training in Korea, preparing for his new chapter. The friendly was his unofficial debut—a preview of the player who would soon inherit Antoine Griezmann’s iconic number 7 shirt at the Metropolitano.
But the moment that truly defined Lee’s status as a global star came in 2025. At the UEFA Champions League final, he was part of the Paris Saint-Germain squad that lifted the trophy for the second consecutive season, completing an unprecedented European treble. He had become the first Asian player to achieve such a feat.
The boy from Incheon, who grew up in his father’s taekwondo gym with a ball always by his side, had conquered Europe.
Origins
Lee Kang-in was born on 19 February 2001 in Incheon, South Korea, near Seoul. His early life was shaped by his father’s taekwondo gym. “I was raised in a taekwondo gym until I was eight,” he recalled. “There were many students of my father there. It’s a very special city for me.”
From the moment he could walk, football was his obsession. “Since I was born, I always loved the ball. My toy was keeping the ball near me,” he said. “I enjoyed playing football a lot with my friends and also alone. That desire to play football made me better.”
At the age of 10, he made the life-changing move to Spain, joining Valencia CF’s academy in 2011. It was a complete culture shock—new country, new language, new friends—but he had always dreamed of playing in Europe. “It was a change to a completely different country. A new culture, language, school, friends—everything was new,” he later reflected.
The Professional Forge
Valencia CF (2018-2021)
Lee made his professional debut for Valencia in 2018 at just 17 years old in a Copa del Rey match. It was a dream come true. “Debut with the first team at 17 in a Copa del Rey match—it was a dream since I debuted in Spain,” he said.
He was part of the Valencia squad that won the 2019 Copa del Rey, lifting his first senior trophy. He played 62 matches for Valencia across all competitions, scoring three goals.
RCD Mallorca (2021-2023)
In the summer of 2021, Lee signed for RCD Mallorca. His time on the Balearic Islands proved transformative. In his first season, he helped the club avoid relegation. “It was very special in the first year to achieve the goal of not being relegated. The year I proved I was a player who could help the team a lot,” he said.
His second season was his breakout. He featured in 39 matches across all competitions, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists. His performances caught the attention of Europe’s elite.
Paris Saint-Germain (2023-2026)
Lee joined Paris Saint-Germain in July 2023. In three seasons at the Parc des Princes, he made 124 appearances, scored 16 goals, and provided 16 assists. He won an astonishing 12 trophies, including three consecutive Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France trophies, two Trophée des Champions, two UEFA Champions League titles (2025, 2026), a UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The 2024-25 season was particularly memorable. He played 49 matches across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 6 assists, playing a key role in PSG’s first-ever Champions League triumph.
He was not a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique but was an important squad player. “I find myself in the position of the challenger,” he once reflected. His fine performances earned him the Asian International Player of the Year award in 2025.
Atlético Madrid (2026-Present)
In July 2026, Lee signed for Atlético Madrid for a fee of approximately €40 million. He signed a five-year contract running to June 2031. He inherited the number 7 shirt, previously worn by club legend Antoine Griezmann, who had left for Orlando.
His official debut is scheduled for 20 August 2026 against Málaga at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the opening match of the 2026-27 La Liga season.
The Anatomy of His Game
Lee is known for his technical excellence, creative vision, and versatility across attacking positions.
In Possession
Lee possesses a precise left foot, excellent ball control, and the ability to unlock defences with passes and dribbles. His time in La Liga and Ligue 1 has refined his ability to operate in tight spaces. He is comfortable on the wings or in a more central playmaking role.
Out of Possession
His movement off the ball creates space for teammates. At PSG, his pressing was effective, though he was not a defensive specialist. His contributions were most valued when PSG had possession.
Versatility
Lee’s adaptability is one of his greatest assets. He can play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder. His time at Mallorca under Luis García Plaza saw him become a crucial first-team player, capable of drifting inside to link play.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: PSG Career Snapshot (2023-2026)
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists | Trophies Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 36+ | — | — | Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions |
| 2024-25 | 49 | 7 | 6 | Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League, Trophée des Champions |
| 2025-26 | 39 | 4 | 5 | Ligue 1, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup |
| Total | 124 | 16 | 16 | 12 trophies |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valencia | 2018-2021 | 62 | 3 |
| Mallorca | 2021-2023 | 70+ | 6+ |
| PSG | 2023-2026 | 124 | 16 |
| Atlético Madrid | 2026-Present | — | — |
| Total | 2018-Present | 256+ | 25+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U-20 World Cup 2019 | — | — |
| World Cup 2022 | — | — |
| World Cup 2026 | — | — |
| Senior Career | 50 | 11 |
TABLE D: Major Honours
| Honour | Year(s) | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Copa del Rey | 2019 | Valencia |
| Ligue 1 | 2024, 2025, 2026 | PSG |
| Coupe de France | 2024, 2025 | PSG |
| Trophée des Champions | 2024, 2025 | PSG |
| UEFA Champions League | 2025, 2026 | PSG |
| UEFA Super Cup | 2025 | PSG |
| FIFA Intercontinental Cup | 2025 | PSG |
What These Figures Reveal
Lee has won trophies at every club he has played for—a Copa del Rey with Valencia, and an extraordinary 12 trophies in three seasons at PSG, including back-to-back Champions League titles. At just 25, he is already one of the most decorated Asian players in history.
The Present Tense
Lee Kang-in is 25 years old and at the peak of his career. He is a key player for Atlético Madrid and a cornerstone of the South Korea national team.
The Atlético Madrid Story
Lee joined Atlético Madrid in July 2026 for approximately €40 million, inheriting the number 7 shirt previously worn by club legend Antoine Griezmann. He signed a five-year contract.
His debut was delayed by administrative issues, preventing him from traveling to Spain immediately. He trained in Korea and played an unofficial debut match against Manchester City in Seoul on 9 August 2026. He finally traveled to Madrid on 10 August and began training at the Majadahonda facilities.
His official debut is scheduled for 20 August 2026 against Málaga at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the La Liga season opener.
The Management Partnership
In August 2026, Lee signed a management contract with The Black Label, a prominent K-pop entertainment agency representing artists including Taeyang, Rosé, and Park Bo-gum. The agency stated: “Lee Kang-in, who has proven his presence on the world stage, is a player with great potential due to his outstanding skills and diligent attitude. As a strong partner always accompanying Lee Kang-in’s new challenges, we will provide generous support for his future endeavours.”
The International Career
Lee has been a South Korean international since 2019, making his senior debut that year. He has earned 50 caps, scoring 11 goals. He featured in all of South Korea’s matches at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups.
He was the standout player at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, leading South Korea to the final and winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Lee is known for his charismatic personality. His nickname in Korea reflects his larger-than-life character.
His management contract with The Black Label is a significant off-pitch development. The agency, founded by producer Teddy Park, represents some of the biggest names in K-pop. The partnership signals Lee’s ambitions beyond football, potentially opening doors in entertainment and commercial ventures.
At the end of his time at PSG, only two players left the club that summer: Lee and Gonçalo Ramos. His departure was noted as a significant loss for the Parisian club’s brand development in the Asian market.
Transfer Speculation
Lee is under contract with Atlético Madrid until 2031. No transfer speculation surrounds him at present. He has just begun a new chapter in his career.
The Verdict from the Camp
The Black Label Official Statement:
“Lee Kang-in, who has proven his presence on the world stage, is a player with great potential due to his outstanding skills and diligent attitude. As a strong partner always accompanying Lee Kang-in’s new challenges, we will provide generous support for his future endeavours.”
Lee Kang-in on His Roots:
“Since I was born, I always loved the ball. My toy was keeping the ball near me. I enjoyed playing football a lot with my friends and also alone. That desire to play football made me better.”
Lee Kang-in on Mallorca:
“It was very special in the first year to achieve the goal of not being relegated. The year I proved I was a player who could help the team a lot. It’s a club I have to thank until I die.”
PSG Official Statement:
PSG thanked Lee warmly for his role in their European triumphs, including the historic back-to-back Champions League victories.
Media Reports:
Diario AS noted that with the sale of Lee to Atlético, PSG lost a figure “especially key in its development as a brand in the Asian market.”
Where Next?
Lee Kang-in is 25 years old and entering the prime of his career. He has already achieved more than most players dream of—back-to-back Champions League titles, a European treble, and a Copa del Rey crown. Now he begins a new chapter at Atlético Madrid.
The Atlético Madrid Situation
Lee is under contract until 2031 and has inherited the number 7 shirt. He will be aiming to establish himself as a key player in Diego Simeone’s system. His technical ability and versatility make him an ideal fit for Atlético’s style.
The International Picture
With 50 caps and appearances at two World Cups, Lee is a cornerstone of the South Korea national team. He will be looking to lead his country at future tournaments and cement his legacy as one of Korea’s greatest ever players.
Legacy
From the taekwondo gym in Incheon to the Parc des Princes, from Valencia’s academy to the Champions League final, Lee Kang-in’s journey is one of extraordinary achievement. He is the first Asian player to win the European treble, the first to win back-to-back Champions League titles.
He is not just South Korea’s most gifted player of his generation—he is one of the most decorated Asian footballers in history. And at 25, his story is far from complete. The boy who always had a ball at his feet is now writing the next chapter in the red and white of Atlético Madrid.
