1. Overview
Hong Yun-sang (홍윤상Korean) is a South Korean professional footballer who primarily plays as a winger, capable of playing on both the left and right flanks. Born on March 19, 2002, he began his career in the youth academy of Pohang Steelers in South Korea. After signing his first professional contract with Pohang, he embarked on a series of loan spells in Europe, playing for German club VfL Wolfsburg, Austrian club SKN St. Pölten, and German club 1. FC Nürnberg II. Following his European experience, he returned to Pohang Steelers, where he has since contributed to the team's success, including multiple Korea Cup victories.
2. Early Life and Background
Hong Yun-sang was born on March 19, 2002, in South Korea.
3. Career
Hong Yun-sang's football career began in his native South Korea, progressing through a prominent youth academy before moving to Europe for a period of development and then returning to his home club.
3.1. Youth Career
Hong Yun-sang developed his skills within the youth academy of Pohang Steelers, a renowned South Korean football club. During his youth career, he received several notable individual accolades for his outstanding performances. In 2014, he was recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Gyeongbuk region during the first half of the National Elementary League. The same year, he also earned the MVP award at the Hwarangdae National Youth Football Tournament. His promising talent was further acknowledged in 2015 when he received the 27th Cha Bum-kun Football Award, an honor named after the legendary South Korean footballer.
3.2. Professional Career
Hong Yun-sang's professional journey commenced with a move to Europe, followed by a return to his formative club in South Korea.
3.2.1. VfL Wolfsburg
Before the second half of the 2020-21 season, Hong Yun-sang signed his first professional contract with Pohang Steelers. Immediately following this, he was loaned to German Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg. This move marked his initial foray into European football, providing him with experience in a top-tier European league environment.
3.2.2. SKN St. Pölten
In 2021, Hong Yun-sang was sent on a loan spell to Austrian club SKN St. Pölten. He made his professional debut for St. Pölten on July 30, 2021. The match resulted in a 1-2 loss for St. Pölten against FC Liefering. This period in Austria allowed him to gain further competitive experience in a European league setting.
3.2.3. 1. FC Nürnberg II
On June 24, 2022, Hong Yun-sang moved to 1. FC Nürnberg II in Germany on a two-year loan agreement. This transfer provided him with continued opportunities for development and play in the German football system, specifically within the reserve team of 1. FC Nürnberg.
3.2.4. Return to Pohang Steelers
Following his various loan spells in Europe, Hong Yun-sang returned to his home club, Pohang Steelers, during the summer transfer window of the 2023 season. His return marked a significant moment as he rejoined the club where he had spent his youth development years, re-establishing himself within the K League.
4. Awards and Achievements
Hong Yun-sang has accumulated several individual and club honors throughout his career.
4.1. Individual Awards
- 2014 National Elementary League First Half Most Valuable Player (Gyeongbuk region)
- 2014 Hwarangdae National Youth Football Tournament Most Valuable Player
- 2015 27th Cha Bum-kun Football Award
4.2. Club Awards
- Korea Cup Winner: 2023, 2024 (with Pohang Steelers)