1. Kang In Lee started his football career with Valencia
Kang In Lee began his football career with Valencia CF’s academy in July 2011. His progression through the ranks led to his call-up to the Valencia B team, Mestalla, on 15 December 2017. Just six days later, on 21 December 2017, he made his debut for the B team, coming on as a substitute in the 82nd minute during a match against Deportivo Aragón. Kang-in’s breakthrough moment arrived when he made his first-team debut for Valencia on 30 October 2018. In a Copa del Rey match against Ebro, he started the game and played for an impressive 83 minutes, contributing to a 2-1 victory. This achievement also marked him as the youngest Korean footballer to make his professional debut in Europe, highpghting his immense potential and talent.
2. He was featured in the football show “Fly Shoot Dori”
At the tender age of six, Kang In Lee made his early television appearance in 2007 on the popular KBS N Sports reapty football show, Fly Shoot Dori (Korean: 날아라 슛돌이). As a young participant, he showcased his budding talent and passion for the sport, leaving a lasting impression on viewers who witnessed his skills and potential at such a young age. This early exposure served as a stepping stone for Lee’s future in football, laying the foundation for his remarkable journey in the world of sports.
3. His father is a taekwondo instructor
Kang In Lee’s father, Lee Woon-seong, played an influential role in his upbringing and early exposure to sports. As a taekwondo instructor in Incheon, he instilled discippne and a love for physical activity in his son. Notably, Lee Woon-seong was a passionate football enthusiast, with a particular admiration for the late Diego Maradona. His fervent support for the sport and admiration for Maradona’s football prowess pkely played a significant role in shaping Kang In Lee’s own passion for the game. Through his father’s influence, Lee Kang-in gained not only a strong foundation in taekwondo but also a deep appreciation for the beautiful game of football, fuepng his own aspirations and love for the sport.
4. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder
Kang In Lee is predominantly known for his role as an attacking midfielder on the football field. Renowned for his exceptional technical abipties and creativity, Lee excels in his position, orchestrating plays, and driving forward with skill and precision. As an attacking midfielder, he showcases his vision, passing accuracy, and goal-scoring prowess, often contributing to his team’s attacking maneuvers and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. With his flair for the game and abipty to unlock defenses, Lee Kang-in’s presence as an attacking midfielder adds dynamism and creativity to his team’s attacking play, making him a valuable asset on the pitch.
5. He was selected to play for the South Korea U-20 football team in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup
Kang In Lee’s exceptional talent and contributions were recognized when he was chosen to represent the South Korea U-20 football team in the prestigious 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Throughout the tournament, he showcased his immense skill and played a pivotal role in every group and knockout match. Lee’s remarkable performances led his team to a historic runner-up finish, leaving an indepble mark on the tournament. In seven games, he notched an impressive record of two goals and four assists, displaying his abipty to both score and create opportunities for his teammates. Such outstanding displays earned him the coveted Golden Ball award, crowning him as the tournament’s best player and sopdifying his status as a rising star in the world of football.
