South KoreanFootballerFootball ManagerPohang Steelers

Lee Kil-yong (footballer, born 1959)

Lee Kil-Yong is a South Korean former footballer who played as a forward for POSCO Atoms and the national team, later becoming a coach.

1. Personal Life

Lee Kil-Yong was born on September 29, 1959, in South Korea.

2. Playing Career

Lee Kil-Yong had a notable professional football career spanning both club and national team levels, primarily as a forward known for his scoring ability and contributions to team play.

2.1. Club Career

Lee Kil-Yong started his professional football career with POSCO Atoms (now known as Pohang Steelers) in 1983. In his debut year, his impressive performance earned him a selection to the K League Best 11 for the 1983 season. Throughout his K League career, including both regular league and league cup matches, he made a total of 92 appearances, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists.

2.2. National Team Career

Lee Kil-Yong was an active member of the South Korean national team at various levels. He was part of the South Korea national under-20 football team that participated in the 1979 FIFA World Youth Championship. The squad for this tournament included:

  • Goalkeepers:** Oh Yeon-kyo, Seo Seok-beom
  • Field Players:** Kim Myung-kwan, Kim Young-cheol, Song Young-seok, Park Bok-jun, Jung Yong-hwan, Jeon Cha-sik, Lee Tae-ho, Lee Kil-Yong, Kim Hak-cheol, Hwang Seok-geun, Kim Seok-won, Lee Sang-yong, Park Yoon-ki, Kim Man-soo, Kim Yong-se, Choi Soon-ho
  • Coach:** Kim Chan-gi

He made his senior national team debut in March 1983 in a friendly match against the Japanese national team. Following his debut, he participated in the 1983 President's Cup International Football Tournament. During this tournament, on August 3, 1983, he scored a consolation goal against the Guatemalan national team just 13 minutes before the end of the match. Lee also found success in the Los Angeles Olympics final qualifiers, where he scored a goal against the Saudi Arabian national team. He was later called up for the 1984 President's Cup International Football Tournament, where he played one match.

3. Coaching Career

After concluding his playing career, Lee Kil-Yong transitioned into football coaching. In 2000, he was appointed as the head coach of the Shinhan High School football team. Under his guidance, the team achieved a notable third-place finish in the 10th Baekrokgi National High School Football Tournament in 2002, demonstrating his ability to develop young talent and lead a team to success.

4. Assessment

Lee Kil-Yong's career reflects a significant contribution to South Korean football, both as a player and as a coach. As a forward for POSCO Atoms, his selection to the K League Best 11 in 1983 underscored his individual skill and impact on the domestic league. His participation in national team tournaments, including the FIFA U-20 World Championship and various President's Cup competitions, highlights his commitment to representing his country. Beyond his playing days, his successful tenure as a high school coach further solidified his legacy by fostering the next generation of footballers and achieving competitive results.