According to 90phut Ki Sung-yueng, one of South Korea’s finest midfielders, has become an icon in the football world, not only domestically but also internationally. With his intelligent and creative play style, along with his superb ability to control the game, Ki has won over many major clubs in Europe and Asia. He currently plays for FC Seoul in the K-League 1. Throughout his eventful career, Ki Sung-yueng has worn various jersey numbers, most notably number 18 and number 8. Let’s delve into these numbers and their significance in his career journey.
A Career Turning Point at Celtic with Jersey Number 18
In 2009, after making a strong impression with the South Korean national team and FC Seoul, Ki Sung-yueng made a significant move to Celtic, one of Scotland’s top clubs. This pivotal decision propelled his career to new heights. The deal was finalized on December 13, 2009, after Ki passed a medical and secured a work permit to play in Europe. Although he had received an offer from Premier League club Portsmouth, Ki chose Celtic, feeling it was a more suitable environment for his development.
At Celtic, Ki Sung-yueng wore jersey number 18 and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents. He debuted for Celtic in a 1-1 draw against Falkirk on January 16, 2010, immediately impressing and being named Man of the Match by the club’s official website. However, in his first season, Ki had limited playing time, appearing in only one of the remaining four matches, but he began to make a name for himself in Europe.
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Peak Performance at Swansea City with Jersey Number 16
Following his success at Celtic, Ki Sung-yueng continued his career in the Premier League, joining Swansea City in 2012. At the Welsh club, Ki wore jersey number 16, a number associated with central midfielders known for their playmaking and intelligent defensive roles. At Swansea, Ki became a key player, thanks to his game control and exceptional passing skills.
Ki was not only a crucial player in midfield but also contributed significantly to Swansea’s notable achievements. In the 2012–2013 season, Ki helped the team win the League Cup, the first major trophy in the club’s history. With his tactical importance and versatile play, Ki Sung-yueng became one of the league’s top midfielders.
Furthermore, in the 2014–2015 season, Ki continued to shine, becoming Swansea City’s top scorer with several crucial goals. This showcased Ki’s impressive attacking ability and proved his versatility as a midfielder capable of both defending and attacking.
Return to South Korea and Association with Jersey Number 8 at FC Seoul
After years in Europe, Ki Sung-yueng decided to return to South Korea in 2020, rejoining FC Seoul, the club where he began his career. This time, Ki chose to wear jersey number 8, a number significant for playmaking midfielders, typically given to players who control tempo and connect the team’s lines.
At FC Seoul, Ki Sung-yueng continued to demonstrate his class as a midfield maestro. He not only played a vital role in the team’s style but also served as a mentor for younger players. Ki’s return provided stability to FC Seoul’s midfield and helped the team achieve positive results in the K-League 1.
Jersey Number 16 with the South Korean National Team
On the international stage, Ki Sung-yueng is one of South Korea’s most influential and outstanding players. Throughout his international career, he primarily wore jersey number 16, a number associated with South Korea’s successes in major tournaments.
Ki Sung-yueng represented South Korea in multiple World Cups and Asian Cups, playing a crucial role in the team. Notably, at the 2015 Asian Cup, he was a key player in South Korea’s journey to the runner-up position. Beyond his technical skills, Ki is known for his leadership, guiding the team with his experience and excellent game reading.
Conclusion
Throughout his career, Ki Sung-yueng’s jersey numbers have symbolized significant stages in his journey. From number 18 at Celtic, marking his European debut, to number 16 at Swansea City and the South Korean national team, and number 8 at FC Seoul, each number reflects his tactical role and influence on the field. With his talent, dedication, and class, Ki Sung-yueng has become an icon of South Korean football and a source of pride for fans.