Looking at Park Ji-Sung’s stats, achievements, and trophies

Looking at Park Ji-Sung’s stats, achievements, and trophies

Claudia Kogi
updated at January 1, 2024 at 4:36 AM
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Park Ji-sung is a retired professional footballer from South Korea who played as a midfielder. Hailing from Seoul, Park is recognised as the best Asian football player of all time and is one of the most successful Asian athletes in football history. Read on for more information about Park Ji-sung's stats, achievements, and more.

How good was park Ji-sung?
Ji-sung Park speaks during the FIFA Fan Festival on 16 November 2022, in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Mohamed Farag (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Aside from being the first Asian player to play in a UEFA Champions League final and win the competition, he is also the first Asian football player to win the FIFA Club World Cup. Park was praised for his outstanding work ethic, discipline, fitness, and off-the-ball mobility. He was known as Three-Lung Park following his extraordinary endurance.

Park Ji-sung's profile summary

Full name

Park Ji-sung

Date of birth

30 March 1981

Age

42 years of age as of January 2024

Place of birth

Seoul, South Korea

Nationality

Korean

Ethnicity

Mixed

Religion

Buddhist

Zodiac sign

Aries

Education

Student at Myongji University

Height

5 feet 9 inches or 175 centimetres

Weight

161 pounds or 73 kilograms

Hair colour

Dark brown

Eye colour

Dark brown

Parents

Park Sung-jong and Jang Myung-ja

Relationship status

Married

Spouse

Kim Min-ji

Occupation

Former professional soccer player

Clubs

Kyoto Purple Sanga (2002), PSV Eindhoven (2003), Manchester United (2005)

Head coach(es

Sir Alex Ferguson

Active years

2002-2014

Net worth

$15 million

Social media presence

Instagram

Park Ji-sung's career stats

Under the direction of his fellow countryman and well-known coach Guus Hiddink, Park Ji Sung's career took off, greatly influencing his growth as a player. He recorded 154 appearances, 19 goals, 21 assists, and four titles.

The midfield player made history at Old Trafford by becoming the first Asian to win the Premier League and UEFA Champions League in consecutive seasons. His perseverance won him over fans worldwide throughout his 154 games for Queens Park Rangers and Manchester United.

Park Ji-sung at Manchester United

Park decided to sign for Manchester United, owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, in July 2005. Park agreed to terms with the Premier League club for $4 million, subject to a medical and work permit. During one of the most exciting times in Manchester United's history, he signed as the second East Asian player to play for the club, following Fangzhuo.

During his seven seasons with the team, the legendary icon made 205 appearances, scored 27 goals, and played a crucial role in four Premier League championships and one Champions League victory. Reds everywhere still adore him as a cult icon, and they continue singing the terrace chants he inspired.

Park Ji-sung's achievements

The renowned South Korean football player gained recognition on the pitch for his extraordinary abilities and unyielding will.

As Manchester United's first Asian captain, the professional player made history by demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to the club. He was an essential South Korean national squad member and contributed significantly to their winning runs in the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup.

He won the prestigious Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award in 2011 due to his outstanding achievements for Manchester United.

Upon his induction into the Asian Football Hall of Fame, the Korean athlete cemented his place among the greatest Asian football players ever.

By showing Korean players' skills and talent on a worldwide platform, Park played a pivotal role in promoting Korean football internationally.

Park Ji-sung's trophies and awards

The former footballer is considered the best Asian football player of all time. He is one of the most successful Asian players in football history, having won 19 awards during his career. He is the first Asian football player to win the FIFA Club World Cup, participate in a UEFA Champions League final, and win the UEFA Champions League. Take a look at his trophies;

How good was Park Ji-sung?

The name Park Ji-sung has a solid emotional connection with football enthusiasts worldwide. He was a great football player from South Korea who had a significant influence both on and off the field. With his remarkable abilities, steadfast work ethic, and endearing demeanour, he rose to prominence in football.

when did park Ji-sung retire?
Park poses during the FIFA Fan Festival on 16 November 2022, in Doha, Qatar. Photo by Mohamed Farag
Source: Getty Images

Park's rise to prominence began in 2002 when he assisted South Korea in making it to the World Cup semifinals. And he influenced Guus Hiddink so much that Park went with him when he quit his position managing the national team to rejoin PSV's club squad.

After relocating to England, the football player joined a Manchester United team trying to rebuild after Jose Mourinho's takeover at Chelsea. His performances fundamentally changed how the media perceived him, and his boundless enthusiasm, astute outlook, and unwavering will to recover the ball rapidly won people over.

The midfielder personified what every football fan desires to see in a player: someone willing to forgo his prospects of success and recognition to improve his team's chances of winning. Park's remarkable work rate and ability to sprint for 90 minutes of every game earned him the nickname "Three Lung Park" from United supporters.

What is Park Ji-sung's net worth?

The South Korean professional soccer player has an estimated net worth of $15 million, according to Celebrity Net worth.

When did Park Ji-sung retire?

Shortly after the season ended, Park announced his retirement on 14 May 2014, citing knee problems. He stated,

I am leaving with no regrets. I enjoyed playing football. And I have accomplished more than I anticipated. I sincerely appreciate all the help I have gotten, and I will spend the rest of my life considering ways to give back.

Frequently asked questions

Park's accomplishments gave Asian players, such as Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur, the highest-scoring Asian in Premier League history, hope that they would one day become stars in England. Here are frequently asked questions about him.

1. Where was Park Ji-sung born?

The renowned professional football player was born on 25 February 1981, in Goheung, South Korea.

2. Which football clubs did Park Ji-sung play for?

Park Ji-sung's trophies and awards
Park in action during the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Barcelona at the Old Trafford, on 29 April 2008, in Manchester, England. Photo: Etsuo Hara
Source: Getty Images

He played for several notable football clubs, including PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands and Manchester United in England.

3. What position did Park Ji-sung play?

He was a versatile player who could play in various positions, but he was most commonly deployed as a midfielder or a winger.

4. What are some of Park Ji-sung's notable achievements?

The former player won numerous titles throughout his career, including four Premier League titles with Manchester United and a UEFA Champions League title in the 2007-2008 season.

5. Did Park Ji-sung participate in international tournaments?

Yes, he represented South Korea in multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup.

6. Is Park Ji-sung involved in any philanthropic activities?

He is actively involved in various charitable initiatives, mainly promoting youth football development in South Korea.

Final word

Unquestionably, Park Ji-Sung is one of the most enigmatic people in sports. The renowned former footballer has made a lasting impression on the football world, from his modest upbringing in South Korea to his brilliant career playing for elite teams like Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven.

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Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.