Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) did not make the top 100 world-class players.
ESPN selected and announced 100 world-class football players based on performances from the 2024-25 season. The best players were chosen by position: center forward, winger, attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, center back, full back, and goalkeeper.
Unfortunately, none of the Korean players made it into the top 100 world-class players. The most likely candidate, Son Heung-min, was also not listed among the top 20 wingers. Kim Min-jae did not make it onto the list of 10 center backs either. Champions League champion Lee Kang-in was also absent. Lee Kang-in did not play even one second in the final.
The top center back is Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool, who played a key role in their victory. This selection has no dissent. William Saliba of Arsenal secured second place. Antonio Rüdiger, a star from Real Madrid, also made the top three.
Gabriel (Arsenal), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), and 2007-born Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona) ranked 4th to 6th.
Marquinhos, who contributed to PSG's treble alongside Lee Kang-in, ranked 7th. Also, Liverpool key player Ibrahima Konaté secured 8th place. Nottingham Forest sensation Murillo ranked 9th, while Dean Henderson (Bournemouth), at the age of 20, also made it into the world-class list.
Kim Min-jae helped reclaim Bayern Munich's Bundesliga championship while enduring injuries last season. However, a critical mistake in the quarter-final match against Inter Milan hindered his performance.
Bayern Munich is open to selling Kim Min-jae this summer if a reasonable offer comes in. Various teams interested in Kim Min-jae are beginning to take shape.
British 'Caught Offside' reported on the 6th (Korean time) that "Liverpool is eager to acquire the star Kim Min-jae for 35 million euros (about 54.3 billion won). Newcastle is also in talks with Kim Min-jae. Liverpool is one of the clubs exploring the possibility of signing Bayern's center back Kim Min-jae this summer."
If Kim Min-jae's transfer to Liverpool occurs, there is a possibility he will partner with his idol Virgil van Dijk.
According to this media outlet, Kim Min-jae's value has dropped from 50 million euros (about 77.5 billion won) to 35 million euros (about 54.3 billion won). It is also reported that if Kim Min-jae transfers, he prefers a Premier League team.
[OSEN]