Ranking the top 10 South Korean footballers | All Time

The world has seen many top talents hailing from South Korea in the last few decades. South Korean footballers are known for their disciplined nature and hardworking ethics. They may not have many trophies in their cabinet but still managed to produce some world-class footballers in recent years. South Korea has won two Asian Cups to their name and the last time they won was way back in 1960, but they have continued to remind everyone of their talents with their play and surprising moments in major tournaments.

From Park Ji-sung who played for Manchester United during their golden era during Sir Alex Ferguson to Spurs captain Son Heung-Min who has been continuing his fine form for his club for the past few years. In this article, we will discuss about the top 10 South Korean footballers of all time:

List of Top 10 South Korean Footballers of All Time

10. Seol Ki-hyeon

Seol Ki-hyeon has enjoyed a successful career as a winger for clubs he has been a part of. He made his international career for his nation in 2000 and has made over 82 appearances for his nation. He has been a part of two World Cup campaigns in 2002 and 2006. In 2002, he helped his team reach the semi-finals as a starter in the team. Seol Ki-hyeon has played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Reading, and Fulham in the Europe circuit. He is considered as one of the greatest South Korean footballers ever.

9. Hwang Sun Hong

Hwang Sun Hong is one of the traditional and classic strikers who made a name for himself and his nation over the years. He has made more than 100 caps internationally and scored 50 goals, making him the second most prolific goal-scorer in South Korean footballing history. He has played for Bayer Leverkusen, Pohang Steelers, and Cerezo Osaka in his entire career. He is considered as one of the greatest South Korean footballers to have ever played this game.

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8. Lee Dong-gook

Lee Dong-gook has been a fine forward his entire career for his nation and club. Dong-gook has worn South Korea’s jersey for more than 100 games and has appeared in more than 600 club appearances. Lee Dong-gook has scored more than 243 goals in his entire club career and 33 goals internationally. His career spanned from 1998 to 2017. He is nicknamed the ‘lazy genius’ by fans. He spent 11 whole years with Seongnam to rejuvenate his club career after a failed move to Middlesbrough. He is considered one of the greatest South Korean footballers and strikers.

7. Ki Sung-Yueng

Ki Sung-Yueng played and appeared in more than 531 games and made 110 appearances for his nation. He has played for several clubs in Europe like Celtic, Swansea, Sunderland, and Newcastle United in his footballing career. Ki Sung-Yueng was a part of the Swansea team when they won the League Cup in 2013. He played as a midfielder his entire career and is considered as one of the greatest South Korean footballers.

6. Lee Young-pyo

Lee Young-pyo made his debut on an international stage in 1999 and went on to represent his nation for more than a decade before retiring in 2011. Young-pyo was a versatile defender and played a pivotal role in the team’s success over a while. He has appeared in more than 417 club games and 127 caps for his country. He is the seventh player in South Korean history to cross 100 caps internationally. He has played for some of the top clubs in Europe like PSV and Tottenham Hotspurs. Lee Young-pyo is considered as one of the greatest South Korean footballers ever.

5. Myung-bo Hong

Myung bo-Hong spent was considered a stalwart defender due to his consistency and remarkable ability to defend. In 2004, legendary Pele praised him for his consistency and picked him in his FIFA 100 list of best players. Before retiring in 2004 at LA Galaxy, he spent his entire club career in Japan and South Korea. He was an icon for his nation and was given the nickname ‘Eternal Libero’. He became the first-ever Asian footballer to appear in four consecutive World Cups. He has made over 330 club appearances and 136 caps internationally. Myung bo-Hong is considered as one of the greatest South Korean footballers to ever play football.

4. Kim Min-jae

Kim Min-jae has been a key figure for the South Korean team in their defensive half. He has been considered one of the best defenders in Europe. Min-jae is currently playing for Bayern Munich and has been performing well for his team. He also played for Napoli in Italy for a brief time before moving to Germany. Kim Min-jae made his international debut for South Korea in 2017 and has been a leading figure in the defensive half. He has represented his nation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup where he played all three games. He was also a part of the gold medal-winning team in 2018 at the Asian Games. He has made over 250 appearances for clubs in his entire career as of now and has represented his nation in 63 games. He is considered as one of the greatest South Korean footballers ever.

3. Park Ji-sung

Park Ji-sung became one of the most prominent and consistent players in Europe during his early career at PSV. He moved to Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson where he won four Premier League titles and a Champions League in 2008. He was a clutch player for his nation during big games. He has represented his nation in three World Cups. He has made more than 400 club appearances and 100 caps for his nation, making him one of the greatest South Korean footballers.

2. Cha Bum-kun

Cha Bum-kun is the most capped South Korean footballer in their history. His international career spanned from 1972 to 1986, he wore his nation’s jersey in 136 games and scored 58 goals for his nation. Sir Alex Ferguson labeled him an ‘unstoppable player’ for his abilities and skills on the field. He is considered one of the greatest South Korean footballers to have ever played football in their nation’s history.

1. Son Heung-min

Son Heung-min is considered the best South Korean footballer to ever graze this game in their history. Heung-min is not only considered a global superstar but also adored and respected in his nation as well. Son Heung-min has been with Tottenham Hotspurs since 2015, he has appeared in more than 400 games for Spurs and has been handed the captaincy band. Not only Heung-min is highly skilled but he is also highly respected by his teammates and rivals as well due to his calm and helping nature. Song Heung-min has produced some of the most memorable moments in Tottenham Hotspurs’ history, his solo run goal against Burnley in the Premier League is a treat to watch. He has speed, dribbling, vision, and finishing in his arsenal.

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