1. Early Life
Yoon Young-geul began her football journey in middle school, initially playing as a field player. This early experience as a field player would later influence her versatile career, though she eventually transitioned to the goalkeeper position.
2. Playing Career
Yoon Young-geul's playing career spanned over a decade, encompassing significant stints with South Korean clubs and extensive involvement with the national team at various levels. Her career is notable for her unique transitions between playing as a field player and a goalkeeper, adapting to team needs and personal circumstances.
2.1. Club Career
Yoon Young-geul's club career began in 2007 when she was selected as the first pick in the women's professional football rookie draft by Seoul City WFC. In her debut season, she played as a central defender and midfielder. However, a sudden knee injury in the 2009 season prevented her from continuing as a defender. At the recommendation of then-Seoul City manager Seo Jeong-ho, she switched her position to goalkeeper. After just one year, in 2010, she reverted to being a field player.
In 2012, Yoon transferred to Suwon FC WFC. She continued to play as a field player until injuries sidelined the team's goalkeepers, prompting her to once again don the goalkeeper's gloves. From that point until 2016, she became the team's main goalkeeper, playing a pivotal role in their achievements. These included finishing as runner-up in the 2014 National Women's Football Championship, securing third place in the 2015 WK League, and winning the Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival four times (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016).
In 2017, Yoon moved to the newly formed Gyeongju KHNP WFC. She remained the team's primary goalkeeper until 2021, leading them to notable successes such as finishing as runner-up in the 2018 WK League and third place in the 2019 WK League. Additionally, she helped the team achieve runner-up in the 2017 National Sports Festival and third place in the 2018 National Sports Festival.
In March 2022, Yoon Young-geul made history by transferring to Aarhus GF Women in the Danish Elitedivisionen, becoming the first South Korean female goalkeeper to play in a European league. Despite this groundbreaking move, her time at the club was brief, with only one substitute appearance before she was released at the end of the season.
2.2. National Team Career
Yoon Young-geul's international career began with the South Korea U-20 women's national team, where she participated as a defender in the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship.
She made her senior international debut for the South Korea women's national football team against Scotland in the final group stage match of the 2015 Cyprus Women's Cup. Later that year, she was named to the squad for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, where South Korea made history by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time. However, due to competition from other goalkeepers like Kim Jung-mi and Jeon Min-kyung, she did not make any appearances in the tournament.
In 2018, Yoon started all three group stage matches in the Algarve Cup, contributing to the team's joint seventh-place finish. She also played a crucial role in the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup, where her strong performances, including not conceding a single goal from open play throughout the tournament, helped South Korea qualify for their second consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup. In the same year, she played a significant part in the 2018 Asian Games, contributing to South Korea's third consecutive bronze medal in the event. However, five months before the 2019 Women's World Cup, she underwent knee surgery, and the lingering effects of the injury prevented her from participating in the tournament.
Yoon made her return to the national team after a 16-month absence at the 2019 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, which was held at home and marked her first call-up under new manager Colin Bell. She showcased her continued prowess by conceding only one penalty goal across three matches, leading the team to a runner-up finish.
She continued to be selected for the national squad but saw limited playing time due to the return of Kim Jung-mi. However, she started in the second match of the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers against Uzbekistan, securing a clean sheet and helping the team qualify for their 13th consecutive Women's Asian Cup finals. Unfortunately, she tested positive for COVID-19 just before the tournament, which forced her to miss the competition.
Yoon Young-geul was part of the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Although the team failed to advance past the group stage after losses to Colombia and Morocco, they achieved a notable 1-1 draw against football powerhouse Germany in their final group match. Following the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Yoon announced her retirement from the national team.
3. Awards and Achievements
3.1. Club
; Suwon FC WFC
- WK League: 3rd place (2015)
- National Women's Football Championship: Runner-up (2014)
- Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival: Winner (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016)
; Gyeongju KHNP WFC
- WK League: Runner-up (2018), 3rd place (2019)
- National Sports Festival: Runner-up (2017), 3rd place (2018)
3.2. National Team
; South Korea women's national football team
- Asian Games: Bronze Medal (2018)
- EAFF E-1 Football Championship: Runner-up (2019)
4. Retirement
Yoon Young-geul announced her retirement from the South Korea women's national football team following her participation in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
5. Evaluation and Impact
Yoon Young-geul's career stands as a testament to her dedication and versatility in South Korean women's football. Her unique journey, marked by multiple position changes from a field player to a goalkeeper and back, highlights her adaptability and commitment to the team's needs. She is particularly significant for breaking barriers as the first South Korean female goalkeeper to play in a European league, even if her stint was brief. This move paved the way for future South Korean female players seeking opportunities abroad.
Throughout her career, despite facing challenges such as injuries that led to position changes and missed tournaments, Yoon consistently demonstrated resilience and strong performances, especially during critical national team campaigns like the AFC Women's Asian Cup and Asian Games. Her contributions, including helping South Korea achieve its first Round of 16 appearance in a FIFA Women's World Cup and securing multiple medals in regional competitions, underscore her impact on the development and success of women's football in South Korea. Her career reflects not only individual achievement but also a pioneering spirit that inspired many within the sport.