The 2025 Korea Football Association (KFA) Awards, held on February 24, 2026, at Korea Football Park in Cheonan, delivered a night brimming with history, emotion, and a powerful sense of new beginnings for Korean football. For the first time in his career, midfielder Lee Kang-in—at just 25 years old and playing for Paris Saint-Germain—was crowned the KFA Male Player of the Year, breaking the long-standing dominance of Son Heung-min and marking a symbolic shift in the nation’s footballing landscape.
The KFA’s annual awards, established in 2010, are among the most prestigious honors in Korean football. The selection process is rigorous, combining 50% of the votes from seasoned journalists and 50% from the association’s panel of experts, including technical development and national team coaches. In this year’s voting, Lee Kang-in scored an impressive 31.4 points, outpacing Son Heung-min (now with LAFC), who finished with 29.2 points, and Lee Jae-sung of Mainz, who garnered 12.9 points. For context, Son Heung-min remains the most decorated recipient in the award’s history, having won it seven (or eight, according to some reports) times. But this year, Lee’s star shone brightest.
What propelled Lee Kang-in to the top? His on-field exploits were nothing short of sensational. As a key member of Paris Saint-Germain, Lee was instrumental in the club’s historic treble during the 2024-2025 season. PSG lifted the Ligue 1 trophy, conquered the French Cup, and, most notably, clinched the UEFA Champions League title. This Champions League triumph was particularly meaningful for Korean fans: Lee became the first Korean player to win the prestigious European tournament since Park Ji-sung’s victory with Manchester United back in 2008—a 17-year drought finally broken.
Lee’s impact wasn’t limited to club football. On the international stage, he continued to rack up attacking points and played a pivotal role in helping South Korea secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America. His consistency and flair have made him a central figure in the national team setup, and his influence is only expected to grow as the World Cup approaches.
In recognition of his stellar performances, Lee was also named the AFC International Player of the Year in October 2025, cementing his status as one of Asia’s most prominent footballers. Although he was unable to attend the KFA Awards ceremony in person, Lee sent a heartfelt video message. "I sincerely thank the teammates who gave their all on the field, the staff who supported us off it, and the fans who cheered for us no matter the situation," Lee said, expressing deep gratitude. He added, "2025 was a very meaningful year. With the World Cup coming up in 2026, I believe it will be even more special. I will do my best to show an even better performance at the World Cup."
But Lee wasn’t the only one making headlines. The Female Player of the Year award went to Jang Seul-gi, the 32-year-old stalwart from Gyeongju Hansuwon. This marked her third time winning the honor, having previously taken the title in 2018 and 2020. Jang’s contributions were pivotal as the Korean women’s team clinched the E-1 Championship (East Asian Cup) for the first time in 20 years, and her efforts were further recognized as she was named the tournament’s MVP. Jang tallied 18.4 points in the voting, beating out Ji So-yeon (15 points) and Jung Ji-yeon (12.5 points).
The coaching categories also spotlighted some of the brightest minds in Korean football. Lee Jung-hyo, now managing Suwon Samsung, was named Male Coach of the Year for his remarkable achievements with Gwangju FC. Last season, he led Gwangju to the AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinals—a first for a citizen club—and secured a seventh-place finish in K League 1. After the season, Lee took the helm at Suwon Samsung, where he faces the challenge of restoring the club’s former glory and leading a promotion push from K League 2.
On the women’s side, Kang Sun-mi of Hwacheon KSPO was honored as Female Coach of the Year. In her debut season, Kang orchestrated a clean sweep, guiding her team to victories in the National Women’s Football Championship, the National Sports Festival, and the WK League. Her leadership and tactical acumen have been widely praised, setting a high bar for future contenders.
The next generation of talent was also recognized. Kang Sang-yoon of Jeonbuk Hyundai and Kim Min-ji of Seoul City were awarded the Young Player of the Year honors in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. Kang played a crucial role in Jeonbuk’s K League 1 and Korea Cup triumphs and earned a call-up to the national team, while Kim was named to the WK League Best Eleven as a midfielder and contributed to the women’s E-1 Championship victory.
Referee excellence was acknowledged as well, with awards going to main referees Kim Dae-yong and Oh Hyun-jung, and assistant referees Bang Ki-yeol and Jung Eun-joo. The Club of the Year distinction was handed to Seoul Yangcheon-gu TNTFC, champions of the K5 Division League. In a moving tribute, special merit awards were posthumously presented to former KFA officials Lee Jong-hwan and Jang Won-jik, honoring their lifelong dedication to Korean football.
The 2025 KFA Awards were not just about trophies and accolades; they were a celebration of the sport’s evolution in Korea. The event highlighted the emergence of new heroes, the enduring excellence of established stars, and the promise of future generations. For Lee Kang-in, this recognition is both a culmination of years of hard work and a springboard to even greater heights—especially with the 2026 World Cup looming large on the horizon. As fans look ahead, the sense of anticipation is palpable: Can Lee and his cohort carry Korean football to new international glory?
With the spotlight now firmly on the nation’s brightest talents and most dedicated leaders, Korean football stands poised for an exciting chapter. The echoes of the 2025 KFA Awards will surely resonate as the countdown to the World Cup intensifies and a new era of ambition and achievement takes hold.