Lee Kang-in Wins 2025 South Korea Player of the Year

Midfielder Lee Kang-in has been named the Korea Football Association (KFA) Men’s Player of the Year for 2025, marking the first time the Paris Saint-Germain star has received the nation’s top individual football honor.

The award was presented during the 2025 KFA Awards ceremony held at Korea Football Park in Cheonan. The annual award recognizes the best South Korean footballer based on votes from media members and football officials.

Lee Kang-in Edges Out Son Heung-min

Lee finished with 31.4 voting points, narrowly beating longtime national team star Son Heung-min, who earned 29.2 points and finished second. Son had previously dominated the award, winning it seven times, the most in its history.

The result represents a symbolic shift in South Korean football, with Lee emerging as one of the national team’s leading players heading toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A Breakout Year in Europe

Lee’s performances for Paris Saint-Germain played a major role in securing the award. During the 2024-25 season, he helped PSG achieve a historic campaign that included winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League.

The Champions League triumph was particularly significant for Korean football. Lee became the first South Korean player to win Europe’s top club competition since Park Ji-sung lifted the trophy with Manchester United in 2008.

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

In a message to fans during the awards ceremony, Lee said the upcoming year carries even greater meaning as South Korea prepares for the World Cup.

He thanked teammates, coaches, and supporters for their support and expressed his determination to deliver strong performances for the national team on football’s biggest stage.

With stars such as Lee, Son, and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae forming the core of the squad, the South Korea men’s national football team hopes to make a strong impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For Lee Kang-in, the Player of the Year award confirms his growing role as one of the new leaders of Korean football as the tournament approaches.