Lee Kang-in started and played 72 minutes in the men's soccer final against Japan at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games held at the Huanglong Sports Center in Hangzhou, China on the 7th. Although he had no offensive points, he contributed to the team's 2-1 win with his signature pressure, sharp left foot kick, and active defense.
Lee Kang-in is now a star of Korean soccer in name and reality. He is one of the players playing for prestigious European teams, along with Son Heung-min (Tottenham) and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich). A member of the Valencia youth team in Spain, he has always played on the Spanish stage and took the opportunity to take on the challenge this season. That is Paris Saint-Germain, the most prestigious team in France's Ligue 1. Although Neymar (Al Hilal) left the team, it is a big club where Kylian Mbappe is still holding on. This is a team that will not only win League 1 but also challenge for the UEFA Champions League.
For Lee Kang-in, this Asian Games was important. This is because the issue of military service is at stake. For Europeans, the issue of military service is important. Son Heung-min also received military service benefits after winning a gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta/Palembang Games five years ago. He successfully renewed his long-term contract with his team, Tottenham, and is continuing his life in Europe without problems.
Lee Kang-in's will to participate in the Asian Games was stronger than anyone else. Despite Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique's dissuasion, Lee Kang-in's will could not be broken. Lee Kang-in only joined the national team on the 21st of last month, much later than his teammates. The first and second group matches were skipped. Paris Saint-Germain wanted to be called up later than this, but even this was aborted. Lee Kang-in was so ‘serious’ about the Asian Games that he moved to the team’s dormitory as soon as he arrived in China.
He warmed up by playing 36 minutes as a starter in the third match of the group stage, and gradually improved his physical condition. Starting in the round of 16, he was given consistent playing time. And he even won the long-awaited gold medal. Lee Kang-in, born in 2001, is about two years younger than the current national team member, born in 1999. Nevertheless, there is no player who can surpass him in terms of his skills. That's why his nickname is 'the youngest brother'. He is old enough to participate in next year's Paris Olympics and the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games. Lee Kang-in, who received special exemption from military service, will be able to convey his experience without hesitation from the next competition and will stand tall as someone who can play a key role.
The same goes for his life in Europe. Lee Kang-in is already an outstanding midfielder recognized in Europe. More clubs beyond Paris Saint-Germain may send love calls to Lee Kang-in. As the road to success opens up, his price may skyrocket.
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