Chan Yong-kyu, president of the Korea Football Association, sent a congratulatory message to Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain), who reached the top of the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

On the 1st (Korean time), Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final for the 2024-2025 season held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

With this victory, PSG achieved its dream by winning the big ears (the UCL trophy) for the first time in 55 years since its founding in 1970. This follows their victories in Ligue 1, the Trophée des Champions, and the Coupe de France, leading to a historic quadruple.

It was a one-sided match. PSG took the lead with Achraf Hakimi's opening goal, assisted perfectly by Désiré Doué, just 12 minutes into the match. Additionally, Doué's shot, received from Dembélé, deflected off the defense and led to a consolidation.

There were no twists in the second half either. Instead, PSG expanded the score difference to five goals with consecutive goals from Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu, defeating Inter. The match ended with PSG's historic 5-0 victory.

On this day, unfortunately, Lee Kang-in remained on the bench until the end. Coach Luis Enrique utilized all five substitute cards but chose 2006-born promising player Mayulu over Lee Kang-in. This repeated the pattern of Lee being completely sidelined in the competition for a starting position.

Nevertheless, Lee Kang-in was a proud member of PSG's championship team. Although he did not play much in the UCL tournament this season, he contributed by participating in 11 matches, including the group stages, and enjoyed the glory of victory with the team.

After receiving the championship medal, Lee Kang-in took his place right next to captain Marquinhos on the podium. He cheered alongside Marquinhos with a bright expression at the moment Marquinhos lifted the trophy.

With this victory, Lee Kang-in became the second player in the history of Korean football to win the UCL. Until now, the only player with this honor was Park Ji-sung, who won the UCL while wearing the Manchester United jersey in the 2007-2008 season. Though Son Heung-min reached the finals in the 2018-2019 season, he was blocked by Liverpool and failed. Lee Kang-in has followed in Park Ji-sung's footsteps after 17 years.

Chan Yong-kyu also welcomed the triumph of Korean football. He said on social media on the 1st, "I sincerely congratulate PSG on winning the UCL for the 2024-2025 season," adding, "This season, following victories in Ligue 1 and the French Cup, Lee Kang-in has become the first Asian player to achieve a 'treble' in European football by winning the top European tournament, the UCL."

He further noted, "Although he did not step on the field for the final, we know that the valuable result of winning is a reflection of the support and hopes of all players, coaches, staff, and fans, both inside and outside the ground."

He also mentioned the late coach Yoo Sang-chul, who was Lee Kang-in's mentor during his 'shooting boy' days. Chan Yong-kyu reflected, "Seeing Lee Kang-in lifting the trophy with his teammates brings me deep emotion and reminds me of the face of the late coach Yoo Sang-chul. I believe he would be very proud of us from above. Despite his young age, the history he is creating is a new pride and hope for Korean football."

"I thank you for bringing great joy and pride to the people who love football. I hope this momentum continues into the upcoming national team matches and next year's World Cup. I look forward to you continuing to write a new history for Korean football," he added. Earlier, Chan Yong-kyu also sent similar congratulations to national team captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham) for his victory in the UEFA Europa League.

Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in, who has successfully completed his season, will now don the national team jersey. The South Korean national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will face Iraq in the B group of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers on the 6th. Afterward, they will play their final qualifier match against Kuwait at the Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 10th.

Unlike other teammates, Lee Kang-in plans to move directly from France. He will fly to Iraq on the 3rd to join the national team and then return home with the team on a chartered flight.

Currently, the Hong Myung-bo team is at the top of Group B (4 wins, 4 draws, 16 points). Jordan is in second place (13 points), and Iraq is in third place (12 points). They can secure their qualification for the finals with just one more point from the remaining two matches. A draw in the match against Iraq would suffice.

[Photo] Chan Yong-kyu, Lee Kang-in, Le Parisien social media.

[OSEN]