Lee Kang-in (24·PSG) stood at the center of glory as a member of the team that reached the pinnacle of Europe without participating in the final.

PSG defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League final held on Nov. 1 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, claiming the title of European champion for the first time in club history.

Lee was included in the substitute list that day, but he did not get an opportunity to play during the match. However, he stood front and center during the award ceremony. When captain Marquinhos lifted the 'Big Ear' trophy, Lee cheered with his fist clenched, and his expression was brighter than anyone else's. His prominent presence was highlighted in the group photo taken at the center.

With this victory, Lee has been recorded as the second Korean to reach the top of the UEFA Champions League, following Park Ji-sung (former Manchester United). Similar to when Park was excluded from the final roster during Manchester United's championship season in 2007-2008, Lee also did not play in the final but was able to wear a gold medal alongside his team.

Lee's position has diminished since the middle of the season. He performed as a regular player in the early league matches, but the emergence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dejie Due in the attacking lineup changed the competitive landscape. Lee recorded only a brief playing time in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League tournament and remained on the bench for the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.

Of course, Lee made a clear mark by participating in 45 matches this season, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists. He achieved a domestic treble, winning Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the Super Cup in two consecutive seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, and triumphed in Europe, securing a valuable 'quadruple.' Lee's total championship wins in his professional career have now reached 8.

The three goals he set during a program he participated in as a child were 'national representative,' 'good soccer player,' and 'UCL champion.' Now, Lee has achieved all three. Images capturing his childhood statements are circulating again on social media.

In the final, manager Luis Enrique deployed Ousmane Dembélé, Due, and Kvaratskhelia at the front. This combination emphasized strong pressure and fast transitions, contrasting with Lee's style, which is known for build-up play and precise dribbling. The existing regulars also maintained their positions in midfield.

The UEFA Super Cup will be held on Aug. 13 in Udine, Italy. PSG is set to face UEFA Europa League champion Tottenham, but Lee's future at PSG remains uncertain. Local reports indicate that Arsenal, Manchester United, and Napoli have continuously shown interest in Lee, and there is speculation about a change in his status during the summer transfer market.

Although he did not play in the final, Lee's season has certainly been successful. At just 24 years old, he has already built a reputation as a 'winner' on the European stage. The eyes of fans worldwide are focused on where his next step will lead him.

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