Discover Lee Kang In Soccer Journey and His Rise to Stardom in European Football

I still remember the first time I saw Lee Kang In play—it was during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and even then, his technical ability and vision stood out like a beacon. Fast forward to today, and he’s become one of the most exciting Asian talents in European football. His journey from Valencia’s youth academy to starring at Mallorca and now making waves at Paris Saint-Germain is nothing short of remarkable. But what truly fascinates me is how his story mirrors the broader rise of Asian players in top European leagues—a trend I’ve been closely tracking for years as both a football analyst and an avid fan.

When Lee Kang In moved to Valencia’s youth setup at just 10 years old, he was already displaying the kind of close control and creativity that you can’t really teach. I’ve always believed that technical proficiency, especially in tight spaces, separates good players from great ones, and Lee embodies that. Watching him progress through the ranks reminded me of how Luka Modrić developed—both aren’t physically imposing, but their intelligence and ball manipulation make them indispensable. Lee’s decision to join Mallorca in 2021 was a pivotal moment. Some critics questioned whether he’d get enough playing time, but I saw it as a smart move. At a mid-table La Liga side, he wasn’t under the same intense scrutiny as at a giant like Valencia, which gave him the freedom to grow. And grow he did—by the 2022-23 season, he was directly involved in 14 goals across all competitions, a number that caught the attention of PSG’s scouts.

Now, let’s talk about his style. Lee Kang In is what I’d call a modern playmaker—comfortable drifting inside from the wings, linking up play, and taking on defenders. His dribbling success rate last season was around 68%, which, in my view, is elite for a player his age. But what I admire most is his fearlessness. Whether he’s facing seasoned defenders or playing in high-stakes matches, he never shies away from demanding the ball. That mentality is something you can’t quantify with stats, but it’s crucial for succeeding in Europe. I’ve spoken with a few coaches who’ve worked with him, and they all highlight his work ethic off the ball—something that often goes unnoticed by casual fans.

Of course, no discussion about Lee would be complete without mentioning his performances in Ligue 1. Since joining PSG, he’s had to adapt to a faster, more physical league, and honestly, I think he’s handled it brilliantly. In his first 12 appearances, he contributed 3 assists and created over 20 chances—numbers that might not scream "superstar" yet, but show his steady influence. What’s more, he’s playing alongside global icons like Kylian Mbappé, and he doesn’t look out of place. That, to me, speaks volumes about his quality and mental toughness.

Looking back at his trajectory, it’s clear that Lee Kang In’s rise isn’t accidental. He’s part of a new generation of Asian footballers who are technically polished and mentally prepared for Europe’s demands. I’d even argue that he’s paving the way for others, much like Son Heung-min did before him. As he continues to develop, I’m excited to see how far he can go. Will he become a Ballon d’Or contender? Maybe not tomorrow, but if he maintains this trajectory, I wouldn’t bet against him. For now, though, let’s just enjoy watching one of football’s most promising talents shine on the big stage.