Lee Seung-woo

2.1. Early Life and Development

Lee Seung-woo was born on January 6, 1998, in Suwon, South Korea. From a very young age, he demonstrated remarkable footballing prowess. As a member of Seoul Daedong Elementary School, he participated in a youth football tournament in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, where he earned both the top scorer and assist king awards. This early recognition also included the prestigious Cha Bum-kun Football Award, highlighting his status as a standout youth player. In the 2010 Danone Nations Cup, a globally recognized youth football tournament held in South Africa, Lee led his team, Daedong Elementary School, to a runner-up finish and secured the top scorer title with 12 goals. Following this impressive performance, he briefly joined Kwangsung Middle School, which serves as the U-15 team for Incheon United FC.

2.2. FC Barcelona Youth Academy (La Masia)

In early 2011, Lee Seung-woo's talent caught the eye of FC Barcelona scouts, leading to his transfer to the club's renowned youth academy, La Masia, later that year. During his time at Barcelona's Infatil A team in the 2011-12 season, he recorded an impressive 38 goals in 26 appearances, clinching the top scorer title for the league. In the 2012-13 season with Cadete B, he scored 21 goals in 12 matches, finishing as the second-highest scorer. He also earned the Best Player award in several youth tournaments, including Torneo Canillas, Memorial Gaetano Scirea, Trofeo San Bonifacio, and the Gabala Cup. His exceptional skill and playing style, which often mirrored that of Lionel Messi, earned him the popular nickname "Korean Messi." He even broke a scoring record previously set by Messi for the U13 team in 2000, having scored 39 goals in just 29 matches for the U13 squad. At La Masia, Lee trained alongside other notable young talents such as Takefusa Kubo, André Onana, Wilfrid Kaptoum, Ian Poveda, Bobby Adekanye, and Matías Lacava.

2.3. FIFA Transfer Ban and Professional Debut

Lee Seung-woo's promising career at Barcelona faced a significant hurdle in February 2013 when FIFA imposed a transfer ban on Barcelona's youth teams, including Lee, due to violations of FIFA Article 19, which prohibits the international transfer of players under the age of 18. This ruling meant that Lee was prohibited from playing in official matches until his 18th birthday on January 6, 2016, as his parents were not engaged in football-related work in Spain, which would have granted an exception. Barcelona's appeal against the ban was rejected, leaving Lee unable to participate in competitive games for nearly three years.

After turning 18, the transfer ban was lifted. On January 16, 2016, Lee made his return to competitive play, featuring as a full-time starter for Barcelona's Juvenil A (U-19) team in their 8th round match against UE Cornellà, wearing the number 9 jersey. On February 28, 2016, he scored a dramatic late winning goal in the UEFA Youth League Round of 16 match, helping his team advance to the quarter-finals. During the 2016-17 season, he scored 10 goals in 30 appearances for Juvenil A and contributed 1 goal and 2 assists in 7 Youth Champions League matches. His senior team debut for FC Barcelona B occurred on March 13, 2016, when he came on as a substitute in an away game against UE Lleida in the Segunda División B.

3.1. Hellas Verona

On August 31, 2017, Lee Seung-woo transferred to Hellas Verona F.C., a club that had recently been promoted to Serie A, signing a four-year deal for a fee of 1.50 M EUR. Barcelona retained a buy-back option for Lee until 2019 for an undisclosed fee. He was initially assigned the number 21 jersey, which was later changed to number 9, then 16.

Lee made his Serie A debut for Verona on September 24, 2017, coming on as a substitute in the second half of a match against S.S. Lazio. Despite his limited time on the field, he earned favorable ratings from the team. His first professional goal in Serie A came on May 6, 2018, in an away match against A.C. Milan. This goal made him the first Korean player to score in Serie A in 5,943 days. However, Verona ultimately lost the match 4-1. At the end of the 2017-18 season, Hellas Verona was relegated to Serie B.

During the 2018-19 Serie B season, Lee made 27 appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists. Verona managed to secure promotion back to Serie A by winning the promotion play-offs. Despite the team's return to the top flight, Lee was reportedly excluded from Verona's plans for the upcoming season, indicating a challenging period for the young player.

3.2. Sint-Truiden and Portimonense

On August 30, 2019, Lee Seung-woo moved to Sint-Truidense V.V. (STVV) in the Belgian First Division A, seeking more playing opportunities. He joined the club alongside Vietnamese player Nguyễn Công Phượng. However, his time at Sint-Truiden proved difficult, as he was excluded from the squad for 12 consecutive matches during the first half of the season, a situation that sparked considerable controversy in South Korea. While the initial reason cited was issues with his work permit, reports from Belgium also suggested that a "star attitude" contributed to his exclusion, with some sources claiming he was even dismissed from a training session by the coaching staff.

He finally appeared on the squad list for the first time on November 29 against K.R.C. Genk, though he did not play. His Belgian league debut came on December 26, 2019, against Waasland-Beveren. Due to the early termination of the Belgian league caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lee finished his first season with only four appearances. On September 13, 2020, he scored his first two goals for Sint-Truiden in a match against Royal Antwerp, but his team ultimately lost 3-2. Despite this brace, he failed to score in his subsequent six starts, and the team did not secure a victory in those matches. As he continued to be excluded from the squad, some South Korean journalists began to recommend a return to play in South Korea.

On February 1, 2021, Lee joined Portimonense S.C. in the Primeira Liga on a six-month loan deal, which included an option to buy. However, he struggled to make a significant impression at the Portuguese club. After the loan spell concluded, he returned to Sint-Truiden. On November 23, 2021, his contract with STVV was terminated, marking the end of his career in European football. During his time at Sint-Truiden, some criticisms even suggested that his performance was below that of Nguyễn Công Phượng, who had also struggled to gain a foothold at the club.

3.3. Suwon FC

In December 2021, Lee Seung-woo returned to his hometown of Suwon, signing a multi-year deal with K League 1 side Suwon FC. He completed his medical test on December 2 and officially joined the team. He made his K League debut on February 19, 2022, in the league opener against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. On March 20, 2022, he scored his first K League goal against Daegu FC.

While some critics noted that his physical strength, pace, and defensive skills remained areas for improvement, issues that had been highlighted during his time in Italy and Belgium, his accurate shots and intelligent off-the-ball movements became prominent strengths in the K League. In his first K League 1 season, Lee emerged as the third-highest scorer without penalties and was nominated as one of the four best left wingers for the K League Best XI.

In his second season (2023), Lee faced some challenges as opponents adapted to his playing style. Nevertheless, he was the team's top scorer, playing a crucial role in helping Suwon FC avoid relegation. Midway through the season, he received an offer from Serie A club Frosinone Calcio, but he approached the prospect of returning to Europe with caution, mindful of the difficulties he had experienced at Sint-Truiden. His strong performances in 2023 also earned him the K League Player of the Month award in August.

His third season with Suwon FC, the first half of the 2024 season, saw Lee dominate the league, quickly reaching double-digit goals. His exceptional form led to a significant offer from another K League 1 club, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, which reportedly offered him the highest salary in the league during the summer transfer window.

3.4. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

On July 24, 2024, Lee Seung-woo officially joined Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, signing a four-and-a-half year deal. This move marked a significant step in his career, as he transferred to one of the most successful clubs in K League history, aiming to further solidify his impact in South Korean football.

4.1. Youth National Teams

Lee Seung-woo's international career began with the South Korea U-16 team in the 2014 AFC U-16 Championship qualification. During the qualifiers, he scored four goals against Laos.

In the main 2014 AFC U-16 Championship held in Thailand, Lee delivered overwhelming performances, leading South Korea to the final. He scored winning goals against Malaysia and Thailand in the group stage. His most memorable performance came in the quarter-finals against Japan, where he scored both goals in a 2-0 victory. His second goal was particularly notable, as he dismantled Japan's defense with a solo dribble covering approximately 164 ft ^{(50 m)}. In the semi-finals against Syria, he contributed one goal and four assists. Although South Korea ultimately lost the final to North Korea, Lee was recognized as both the tournament's Most Valuable Player and its top goalscorer. Earlier in April 2014, he was also part of the U-16 team that finished as runner-up in the Montaigu tournament, where he was named to the tournament's best XI.

Lee continued to feature for South Korea in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He played a key role in victories against Brazil and Guinea in the group stage, helping the team advance to the Round of 16. However, in the Round of 16 match against Belgium, Lee unfortunately missed a crucial penalty, and the team ultimately lost 2-0 and was eliminated.

In 2017, Lee participated in the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted by South Korea. He scored the winning goal and provided an assist in the opening group match against Guinea. In the second group match against Argentina, he scored the opening goal after a solo dribble of about 131 ft ^{(40 m)}. His goals helped the team reach the Round of 16, where South Korea was eliminated by Portugal.

4.2. Senior National Team

Lee Seung-woo received his first call-up to the South Korea senior national football team in May 2018, as part of the provisional 28-player squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He made his senior international debut on May 28, 2018, starting in a friendly match against Honduras in Daegu. He delivered an impressive performance, including an assist for Son Heung-min, playing a vital role in South Korea's 2-0 victory.

He was ultimately selected for the final 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, making two substitute appearances in group stage matches against Sweden and Mexico. However, his performance in the Sweden match was critically evaluated, with some observers noting he did not perform adequately, contributing to the team's numerical disadvantage and subsequent defeat. Reports from inside the team even suggested issues with his fitness and attitude, including a last-place finish in a shuttle run during training, which drew criticism from then-coach Shin Tae-yong.

Following the 2018 World Cup and a change in coaching staff, Lee was largely excluded from the national team under head coach Paulo Bento after 2020. This exclusion continued through the 2022 FIFA World Cup, for which he was not selected; instead, he served as a football commentator for SBS. Criticisms from this period suggested that Lee's performance level was not sufficient for the national team, especially given the strong competition in his position, with some comparing his abilities unfavorably even to players like Nguyễn Công Phượng and highlighting the significant quality of players like Hwang Hee-chan. Paulo Bento's decision to exclude him was based on a pragmatic assessment of player quality, leading to the national team's successful progression to the Round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup without Lee.

After an absence of five years and four months, Lee Seung-woo was recalled to the South Korea national team roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches in October 2024. This call-up came as a replacement due to injuries to key players like Hwang Hee-chan and Eom Ji-sung. Given the urgency of his inclusion, he reportedly traveled by standing room on a train to join the training camp, underscoring his eagerness to return to the national squad.

4.3. Asian Games and Military Exemption

Shortly after the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Lee Seung-woo was named to the South Korea U-23 squad for the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia. In the Round of 16 match against Iran, he scored his first goal of the tournament, contributing to a 2-0 victory.

His significant contributions continued in the semi-finals against Vietnam, led by coach Park Hang-seo, where he scored two goals and provided an assist, leading South Korea to a 3-1 win and their second consecutive Asian Games final. In the final against Japan, played in extra time, Lee scored the crucial opening goal, securing a 2-1 victory for South Korea. This gold medal victory at the Asian Games was particularly significant as it resulted in military service exemption for Lee Seung-woo and his teammates, a highly coveted benefit for South Korean male athletes. His goal celebration, where he climbed onto a Toyota advertising board, also became a widely discussed moment. Following his performance, he was included in FOX Sports Asia's Best XI for the tournament.

Lee was later a late addition to the 23-man squad for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup as a replacement for the injured Na Sang-ho, though he did not make any appearances in the tournament.

5.1. Club Statistics

5.2. International Statistics

6.1. Team Honours

• AFC U-16 Championship runner-up: 2014
• Asian Games gold medal: 2018

6.2. Individual Honours

• AFC U-16 Championship Most Valuable Player: 2014
• AFC U-16 Championship top goalscorer: 2014
• AFC Youth Player of the Year: 2017
• Korean FA Goal of the Year: 2017
• K League All-Star: 2022, 2023, 2024
• K League Player of the Month: June 2022, August 2023, May 2024

7.1. Nicknames and Public Perception

From a young age, Lee Seung-woo garnered significant attention and was widely nicknamed the "Korean Messi" due to his prodigious talent and playing style, which drew comparisons to Lionel Messi. This nickname, while highlighting his exceptional skill, also created immense expectations for his professional career. Public perception often held him as the future star of Korean football, anticipating a seamless transition to the highest levels of the sport. His energetic play and charismatic personality further contributed to his popularity. One notable moment that captured public attention was his "Gal-kka-mal-kka" (go or not go) celebration after scoring in a friendly match for the U-20 national team against England, which later even became part of a commercial advertisement.

7.2. Criticism and Controversies

Despite his early promise, Lee Seung-woo has also faced significant criticism and controversies throughout his career. Some critics have pointed to his persistent weaknesses in physical strength, pace, and defensive contributions, issues that were evident during his stints in Italy and Belgium. These aspects reportedly limited his effectiveness in more physically demanding European leagues.

Off-field attitude has also been a subject of scrutiny. Reports from his time at Sint-Truiden suggested he displayed a "star attitude" and was even disciplined during training sessions, which contributed to his lack of playing time. This narrative contrasted sharply with the high professionalism expected at elite levels of football. During the training camp for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Lee reportedly finished last in a shuttle run test, prompting a stern rebuke from then-coach Shin Tae-yong and a public admonishment from teammate Son Heung-min regarding his work ethic. Such incidents raised questions about his commitment and seriousness in a highly competitive environment.

His repeated exclusions from the national team under coach Paulo Bento after 2020 further fueled debate. Bento's rationale was pragmatic: he believed that despite Lee's talent, there were objectively better players in his position, making his selection unnecessary. This included comparisons to other national team players like Hwang Hee-chan and even a critical assessment against Nguyễn Công Phượng during their shared time in Belgium, implying that Lee's performance in Europe was not sufficient to warrant a place in the national squad. Critics have often highlighted his career trajectory, noting a gradual decrease in the competitive level of the leagues he has played in, moving from Spain to Italy, then Belgium, Portugal, and finally back to South Korea. This contrasts sharply with other 1998-born footballers such as Kylian Mbappé and Alexis Mac Allister, both of whom have achieved FIFA World Cup titles, emphasizing the gap between his early potential and later achievements.