Lee Kang-in (24), who belongs to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), made a striking impression by scoring a late goal just 20 minutes after coming on as a substitute during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This tournament marked the first Club World Cup expanded to 32 teams, and Lee became the first South Korean player to score on this stage.

On the 16th (Korean time), PSG defeated Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the first group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California.

Lee Kang-in was substituted in for Fabian Ruiz in the 27th minute of the second half and calmly finished a penalty kick in stoppage time, recording the team’s fourth goal.

Although Lee's playing time was only about 20 minutes, his impact was significant. After coming on as a substitute, he displayed stable passing and linking play, contributing defensively with a committed tackle. Particularly, just before the end of the game, Lee took the penalty kick that PSG earned and scored by shooting the ball in the opposite direction of Atletico's goalkeeper Jan Oblak, sealing the team's commanding victory.

The European football statistics media 'Footmob' gave Lee a rating of 7.6, and 'WhoScored.com' also recognized his commendable performance with a score of 6.89, despite coming on as a substitute.

PSG had already completed a treble by winning Ligue 1 and the French Cup, including the UEFA Champions League title in the 2024-2025 season. This tournament was the first hurdle in continuing that upward momentum.

Coach Luis Enrique adopted a 4-3-3 formation for the match. He placed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Gonçalo Ramos, and Désiré Doue in the front, with Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and João Neves in the midfield. Lee started on the bench.

PSG opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a long-range shot from Fabian Ruiz and made it 2-0 with a stunning individual effort from Vitinha in stoppage time of the first half. In the 32nd minute of the second half, Atletico defender Clément Lenglet was sent off, giving PSG a numerical advantage, and after extending their lead with an additional goal from Senny Mayulhu in the 42nd minute, the game concluded with Lee's penalty kick goal just before the end.

Lee recorded 6 goals and 6 assists in a total of 30 matches during the 2024-2025 season, but most of them were as a substitute. At the beginning of the season, he received consistent opportunities as a starter, but as the season progressed with the rise of competitors like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, his chances to start diminished. In the Champions League, he started in only 4 out of 11 matches.

In this context, Lee is now embroiled in transfer rumors. Reports suggest that Italy's Serie A club SSC Napoli is actively seeking him, and he has also been linked with Premier League clubs. In particular, local Italian media such as 'Area Napoli' reported that Napoli's Director General Giovanni Manna is in negotiations with PSG for Lee's transfer.

Although Napoli has already signed Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City, they are considering Lee as an additional reinforcement. Lee's versatility to play both midfielder and winger is evaluated as a highly attractive asset for Napoli.

This Club World Cup is the first tournament in which FIFA expanded the number of teams from 7 to 32. Lee is recorded as the player who scored first among the 27 Koreans participating, including Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Kim Gi-hee (Seattle Sounders), Park Yong-woo (Al Ain), and the Ulsan HD squad.

Lee's late goal holds significance beyond just scoring. It represents an opportunity to re-establish his position within PSG and serves as a scene for proving his value in the summer transfer market. Although he started on the bench, Lee’s impactful play left a deep impression on PSG fans and clubs that are now closely watching him.

Now PSG will attempt to secure two consecutive wins in their second group stage match of the Club World Cup against South American champions Botafogo RJ. There is keen interest in whether Lee will play and what role he will take.

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