Lee Yong-rae

1.1. Early Life and Education

Lee Yong-rae was born on 17 April 1986, in Daejeon, South Korea. He attended Yuseong Bio-Science Technology High School and later Korea University.

1.2. Youth Club and University Career

In 2002, Lee was selected for the KFA's Overseas Player Exchange Project, leading him to join the youth team of FC Metz in France. He spent approximately eight months in France, but ultimately did not secure a professional contract and returned to South Korea.

Upon his return, Lee continued to play for Yuseong Bio-Science Technology High School. He played a pivotal role in leading his team, which had been founded only two years and two months prior, to win the President's Gold Cup National High School Football Championship in 2004. For his exceptional performance in this tournament, Lee was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title.

Following his high school career, Lee enrolled at Korea University. During his time there, he led his team to the final of the National Spring 1st and 2nd Year University Football Tournament. Although they were defeated by Myongji University in the final, Lee showcased his scoring prowess by netting four goals in the tournament, earning him the top scorer award.

2.1. Gyeongnam FC

In his final year at Korea University, Lee Yong-rae entered the K League rookie draft and was signed by Gyeongnam FC as an undrafted player. His initial annual salary was 12.00 M KRW, which was approximately 880.00 K JPY. Lee made his professional debut on March 8, 2009, in the opening match of the 2009 season against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. He scored his first professional goal on April 5, 2009, in a match against Jeju United FC. Despite being a rookie, Lee quickly became a crucial player for Gyeongnam, playing a key role in the team's strong performance towards the end of the season. In 2009, he made 26 appearances and scored 6 goals. The following year, he further solidified his position as a core player for Gyeongnam, featuring in 27 matches and scoring 4 goals.

2.2. Suwon Samsung Bluewings

On December 10, 2010, Lee Yong-rae transferred to Suwon Samsung Bluewings on a three-year contract, with a transfer fee of 600.00 M KRW. He made his debut for Suwon on March 6, 2011, in the opening match against FC Seoul. Lee established himself as a regular central midfielder for Suwon but initially struggled to score. His first goal for the club came on July 27, 2011, when he scored the winning goal in the Korean FA Cup quarter-final against Jeonnam Dragons.

In August 2012, Suwon Samsung Bluewings announced Lee's transfer to Al Jazira Club in the United Arab Emirates. However, the transfer was delayed after a medical examination revealed a heart condition. Ultimately, the move was cancelled, and Shin Hyung-min joined Al Jazira instead. Lee remained with Suwon for the rest of the season but sustained an Achilles tendon injury on September 23, 2012, in a match against Jeju United, which ended his season prematurely. He continued to play for Suwon until 2017.

2.3. Ansan Police FC (Military Service)

From 2014 to 2015, Lee Yong-rae fulfilled his mandatory military service by playing for Ansan Police FC (now Ansan Greeners FC) in the K League 2.

2.4. Chiangrai United

In December 2017, Lee Yong-rae transferred to Chiangrai United in Thailand. During his tenure with the club, he contributed significantly to their success, helping them win the Thai League 1 in 2019, the Thai FA Cup in 2018, the Thai League Cup in 2018, and the Thailand Champions Cup in both 2018 and 2020. He played for Chiangrai United until 2020.

2.5. Daegu FC

Before the 2021 season, Lee Yong-rae returned to South Korea, transferring to Daegu FC in the K League 1. At Daegu FC, he has taken on a dual role, serving as both a player and a player-coach.

2.6. Club Statistics

3.1. Youth National Teams

In 2003, Lee Yong-rae represented the South Korea U-17 national team at a four-nation international youth football tournament. Three months later, he was also selected for the squad participating in the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship. He started in the opening match against the United States, which resulted in a 1-6 defeat. After another loss to Spain, Lee scored a crucial goal in the 78th minute of the final group stage match against Sierra Leone, contributing to a 2-2 draw.

In March 2005, Lee was called up to the South Korea U-20 national team for the Suwon Cup tournament. On March 24, he scored his first goal for the U-20 team in a group stage match against the United States, leading to a 1-0 victory. Later that year, on May 7, he was named to the 30-man preliminary squad for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. However, he was unfortunately withdrawn from the squad on May 20 due to a right ankle fracture, preventing his participation in the tournament.

3.2. Senior National Team

In December 2010, Lee Yong-rae received his first call-up to the senior national team as part of the preliminary squad for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. His inclusion in the final 24-man roster was confirmed on December 24. Lee made his senior national team debut six days later, on December 30, in a friendly match against the Syrian national team. During the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, Lee played in every match. His outstanding performance in the quarter-final against the Iranian national team earned him the Man of the Match award for that game.

5.1. Club Honours

• Suwon Samsung Bluewings
  • FA Cup: 2016
• Chiangrai United
  • Thai League 1: 2019
  • Thai FA Cup: 2018
  • Thai League Cup: 2018
  • Thailand Champions Cup: 2018, 2020

5.2. Individual Honours

• National High School Football Championship: 2004 (Winner of 37th edition)
• 2011 AFC Asian Cup Man of the Match: vs. Iran (Quarter-finals)
• K League 2 Best XI: 2014 (Midfield Division)