1. Overview
Choi Yung-keun (최영근Choe YeonggeunKorean; February 8, 1923 - July 20, 1994) was a prominent South Korean footballer and later a coach. He primarily played as a forward during his playing career and was a notable member of the South Korea national football team that participated in the 1954 FIFA World Cup. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, notably leading the national team during the 1974 Asian Games football tournament. His career spanned a significant period in South Korean football history, making contributions as both a player on the international stage and as a coach guiding the next generation of athletes.
2. Early Life and Background
Choi Yung-keun was born on February 8, 1923. Details regarding his childhood and family background are not widely documented, but his birth date marks the beginning of a life dedicated to football in South Korea.
3. Playing Career
Choi Yung-keun had a distinguished career as a football player, marked by his contributions at both the club level and on the international stage as a member of the South Korea national team.
3.1. Club Career
During his club career, Choi Yung-keun played for Seoul Football Club. Specific details about his statistics, achievements, or tenure with the club are not extensively documented in available sources, but his involvement with such a team indicates his standing as a professional player of his era.
3.2. International Career
Choi Yung-keun achieved significant recognition through his participation in the South Korea national football team. He was part of the squad that represented South Korea at the 1954 FIFA World Cup, which marked a historic moment as the nation's first appearance in the tournament. During this event, he played as a forward. He was listed as player number 18 in the 1954 World Cup squad, which was coached by Kim Yong-sik. This period represented a foundational era for South Korean football on the global stage.
4. Managerial Career
Following his retirement as a player, Choi Yung-keun transitioned into a coaching role, extending his contributions to South Korean football from the sidelines.
4.1. South Korea National Team
His most notable coaching appointment was as the head coach of the South Korea national football team. He held this position during the 1974 Asian Games football tournament. In this role, he was responsible for leading the national squad, which included players like Cha Bum-kun, Kim Jin-guk, and Lee Hoi-taek. His leadership as coach for the national team demonstrated his continued dedication to the development and success of Korean football.
5. Death
Choi Yung-keun passed away on July 20, 1994, at the age of 71. The circumstances surrounding his death are not detailed in the provided information.
6. Assessment and Legacy
Choi Yung-keun's legacy in South Korean football is rooted in his dual contributions as both a pioneering player and a national team coach. As a forward, he was part of the historic South Korea national team that made its debut at the 1954 FIFA World Cup, an achievement that paved the way for future generations of Korean footballers on the international stage. His transition to coaching further solidified his impact, particularly his role in guiding the national team during the 1974 Asian Games. Through his dedication and involvement as both a player and a coach, Choi Yung-keun played a role in the formative years of South Korean football, contributing to its growth and presence in Asian and global football.
7. External links
- [http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=70005/index.html FIFA profile]