Lee Kang-in wins the 'Player of the Year' award by surpassing Son Heung-min, while Jang Seul-gi is named the female player of the year
Lee Kang-in has been awarded the 'Player of the Year' by the Korean Football Association, surpassing previous winner Son Heung-min, with Jang Seul-gi being recognized as the female player of the year.
Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as the 'Player of the Year' in South Korean football for the first time, as announced by the Korea Football Association during the 2025 KFA Awards held in Cheonan. He scored a total of 31.4 points in the voting, outpacing seven-time award winner Son Heung-min, who garnered 29.2 points. This achievement comes after Lee played a significant role in PSG's success in the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League, marking a landmark year for both him and South Korean football.
Leeβs contributions to his club were not only highlighted by the UEFA Champions League win but also by his participation in the domestic Ligue 1 and the French Cup, helping his team clinch multiple titles in the current season. His performance earned him additional recognition as the 'Asian International Player of the Year' from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) last October. In his acceptance speech, Lee expressed optimism and determination for 2026, which will feature the World Cup, emphasizing his commitment to enhance his performance on the international stage.
In women's football, Jang Seul-gi was awarded the Female Player of the Year with 18.4 points, marking her second win since 2018. Her performance was praised for contributing to the South Korean women's national team's first E-1 Championship title in 20 years, where she also received the MVP award. The awards also recognized young talents and coaching achievements, demonstrating a significant year for football in South Korea, with a focus on both men's and women's developments in the sport.