Cho Yu-min

1.1. Birth and childhood

Cho Yu-min was born on November 17, 1996, in Dalseo-gu, Daegu, South Korea. He began playing football in the sixth grade while attending Daegu Sinheung Elementary School, marking the start of his journey in the sport.

1.2. Youth football and education

After graduating from Daeseo Middle School, Cho Yu-min initially enrolled at Jeonju Yeongsaeng High School, known for its affiliation with the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors youth team. However, he transferred to Cheongju Daeseong High School after struggling to secure a regular starting position on the team. At Cheongju Daeseong High School, he successfully established himself as a key player. Following his high school graduation, he continued his academic and athletic career at Chung-Ang University.

2.1. Youth career

Before making his professional debut, Cho Yu-min honed his skills playing for the university team during his time at Chung-Ang University. His performances at the university level helped prepare him for the demands of professional football.

2.2. Professional debut and Suwon FC

In 2018, after graduating from Chung-Ang University, Cho Yu-min joined K League 2 side Suwon FC, marking his professional debut. He made his first professional appearance on March 4 against Seoul E-Land in a home match. He quickly became an integral part of the team, and by 2019, he was named the team's vice-captain. In the 2020 season, Cho Yu-min played a pivotal role in helping Suwon FC achieve promotion to K League 1, the top tier of South Korean football. He continued to play for Suwon FC in the 2021 K League 1 season.

2.3. Daejeon Hana Citizen and promotion

In January 2022, prior to the start of the season, Cho Yu-min transferred from Suwon FC to Daejeon Hana Citizen, another team in the K League 2, for a fee of 600.00 K EUR. Upon joining Daejeon, he was named the team captain for the season. As captain, he made significant contributions, including 2 appearances and 1 goal in the K League promotion-relegation playoffs, leading the team to secure promotion to K League 1 once again. His leadership and performance were crucial in Daejeon's return to the top flight.

2.4. Transfer to Sharjah FC

In 2024, Cho Yu-min made his first move to an overseas league, transferring to Sharjah FC in the UAE Pro League. This move marked a new chapter in his career, providing him with experience in international club football.

3.1. Youth and U-23 national teams

While studying at Chung-Ang University, Cho Yu-min participated in the football event at the 2017 Summer Universiade held in Taipei, Taiwan. In 2018, he was selected to represent South Korea in football at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. He played an important role in the team's success, contributing to South Korea's gold medal victory in the tournament.

3.2. Senior national team

In May 2022, Cho Yu-min received his first call-up to the senior national team by then-manager Paulo Bento. He made his international A-match debut in July of the same year during the 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship in the opening match against China.

In December 2022, Cho Yu-min was included in South Korea's final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, notably being the only player from the K League 2 to be selected for the tournament. Although he did not feature in the first two group stage matches against Uruguay and Ghana, he made an appearance in the crucial third group stage match against Portugal. He came on as a substitute for Cho Gue-sung after Hwang Hee-chan scored the dramatic late winning goal, contributing to South Korea's advancement to the knockout stage.

4.1. Club statistics

As of November 5, 2024

4.2. International statistics

As of June 11, 2024

6.1. Team

• Asian Games Gold Medal: 2018 (with South Korea U-23)

6.2. Individual

• K League 2 Best XI: 2020, 2022