Retired South Korean midfielder Park Ji-sung career and achievements

• He is a former South Korean professional footballer
• He won four Premier League titles, one Champions League title and three League Cups with Manchester United
• He was the first Asian to win the UEFA Champions League 

Park Ji-sung is a former South Korean professional footballer who played as a midfielder and was the first Asian footballer to have won the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup. He played for several clubs throughout his career and the most notable club is Manchester United where he played for seven seasons. 

During his tenure with Manchester, he won four Premier League titles, one Champions League title and the League Cups, where he became a cult hero among his fans for his tireless time with the club. 

He also played for several other clubs like the Kyoto Purple Sanga in Japan, and PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands where he played for three seasons and helped the club get to the semi-finals of the Champions League. He then joined Manchester United for seven seasons where he left an incredible mark and then to the Queens Park Rangers in England for one season.

Park was also a key player for the South Korean national team and was part of the team that finished fourth at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and also represented his nation at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

The former midfielder can be described with lots of credits for the teams he played for as he achieved so much in his professional career during his active playing years. Park retired from professional football in 2014 and has since become a businessman and commentator.

Early and Personal Life of Park Ji-Sung

The former midfielder was born in March 1981, in Seoul, South Korea to Park Sung-jong, a trader who worked as a butcher, specifically to support his training and diet. The player attended Anyang Middle School and Suwon Technical High School, balancing academics with football training.

Park Ji-sung. Photo/Sky Sports

Despite his growing fame and talent, he is known for his humility and work ethic. Sung became a Buddhist due to his parents’ influence. He is married to Kim Min-ji and they have two children together, a son and a daughter.

As a pioneer representing Korean football internationally, he faced immense pressure but proved his capabilities by excelling at top clubs like PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United. He retired from professional football in 2014 at the age of 33 and remains a national hero in South Korea.

Park Ji-Sung Career Journey, Retirement and Achievements

His career journey began in his elementary school despite doubts about his small stature. However, his family stood by his side to support his talent. While attending Anyang Middle School and Suwon Technical High School, he tried balancing his academics and football training and made an international debut at the age of 18, where he became a key player for the South Korean U-23 team.

Sung made his senior debut for the South Korean team and began his professional career in Japan with Kyoto Purple Sanga where he established himself as a talented midfielder. He then moved to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands where he played for three seasons and helped the team reach the Champions League semi-finals.

He secured a place with Manchester United, making him the first Korean player to play for the club. The midfielder became a vital cog in the United’s midfield while he contributed to four Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, one FIFA Club World Cup title and three League Cups. Playing for United for seven seasons.

Park ji-Sung. Photo/Park Ji-sung

After seven years of success with Manchester United, the player signed with the Queens Park Rangers in England for one season before returning to Asia. He retired at the age of 33 in 2014 after a decorated career. After his retirement, Sung founded a sports agency known as JS Corporation that represents athletes in Korea and Southeast Asia.

He also lends his expertise as a football commentator for Korean media outlets and also participates in initiatives which promote youth development through sports.