1. Overview
Danny Seung-Joo Choi (최승주Choi Seung-JooKorean) is a South Korean professional footballer born on December 6, 1994. He primarily plays as a winger and is currently with Blacktown City. His career has seen him play in both Australian and Portuguese leagues, marked by notable achievements including a remarkable 230 ft (70 m) goal in the 2016 FFA Cup.
2. Early Life
Choi was raised in Suwon, South Korea. During his childhood, he moved to Australia when he was in fifth grade and spent five years living there. After this period, he returned to South Korea to join the youth team of Daejeon Citizen. Three years later, Choi decided to return to Australia, where his family still resided. He cited his belief that his particular footballing style was better suited and adapted to the Australian competition environment.
3. Club Career
Danny Choi's professional football journey began in Australia, leading him through various clubs in Australia and Portugal before returning to his current club.
3.1. Early Career
Choi's first senior club in Australia was Parramatta FC. He quickly made an impact, being recognized as the club's Player of the Year in 2013 for his strong performances.
3.2. Blacktown City (First Stint)
Choi later joined Blacktown City. On July 27, 2016, he gained significant attention for scoring an extraordinary 230 ft (70 m) goal. This memorable goal, struck from inside his own half in extra time, helped Blacktown City secure a crucial victory over Sydney United in the Round of 32 of the 2016 FFA Cup.
3.3. Adelaide United
In October 2016, Choi signed with A-League club Adelaide United. His signing was on an injury replacement contract, covering for midfielder Marcelo Carrusca. Choi made his debut with Adelaide United later that same month, during which he nearly scored, hitting the post with a late shot in a match against Melbourne Victory that ended in a loss for his team. His short-term contract concluded when Carrusca recovered and returned to the squad. Additionally, Choi himself suffered a stress fracture in his foot, which led to his departure from Adelaide United, facing a recovery period of approximately 12 weeks.
3.4. Portuguese Leagues and Return to Blacktown City
Following his stint in Australia, Danny Choi embarked on a period playing in Portugal. From 2018 to 2022, he played for a total of six different clubs within the Portuguese football leagues. After his experience in Portugal, Choi eventually returned to Blacktown City, rejoining his former club.
4. Honours
Throughout his career, Danny Choi has accumulated several significant team and individual honors.
4.1. Club
- National Premier Leagues: 2015 (with Blacktown City)
- National Premier Leagues NSW Championship: 2014, 2016 (with Blacktown City)
- National Premier Leagues NSW Premiership: 2014 (with Blacktown City)
- Waratah Cup: 2014 (with Blacktown City)
4.2. Individual
- Parramatta FC Player of the Year: 2013