Paris Saint-Germain’s dominant 4-0 victory over OGC Nice at the Allianz Riviera on March 22, 2026, was a night to remember for the defending French Ligue 1 champions. But for Lee Kang-in, PSG’s rising South Korean star, the match was nearly overshadowed by a moment of genuine danger—a brutal tackle that left fans and teammates holding their breath.
PSG entered the fixture riding high atop the Ligue 1 table. With 19 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, the Parisian giants had amassed 60 points, holding a commanding lead in the title race. The trip to Nice was expected to be a stern test, but few could have anticipated the drama that would unfold midway through the second half.
The game was already tilting in PSG’s favor, with the visitors leading 2-0 as the clock ticked past the hour mark. Then, in the 58th minute, a shocking incident occurred. Lee Kang-in, PSG’s creative midfielder and a linchpin for both club and country, found himself on the receiving end of a dangerous challenge. Nice’s Youssouf Ndayishimiye, desperate to win back possession, lunged in from behind and caught Lee’s left ankle with his studs. The impact sent Lee sprawling to the turf, writhing in pain—a sight no football fan wants to see, let alone PSG supporters who have come to rely on his vision and energy in midfield.
According to eyewitness accounts and match reports, Lee remained on the ground for an extended period, clutching his ankle and grimacing. Even after being helped to his feet, he was visibly limping, clearly affected by the force of the tackle. The referee, recognizing the severity of the foul, blew his whistle immediately. After a brief consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR), the official brandished a straight red card to Ndayishimiye, sending the Nice midfielder off and reducing the hosts to ten men.
The mood in the stadium shifted as concern for Lee’s wellbeing spread among players and fans alike. PSG’s medical staff rushed onto the pitch, assessing the extent of the injury. Remarkably, Lee soldiered on for about three more minutes, but it was evident he could not continue. In the 61st minute, manager Luis Enrique made the call, substituting Lee for Ousmane Dembélé. Lee limped off to a rousing ovation from the traveling supporters, who were relieved to see him walk unaided but anxious about his condition ahead of a critical stretch in the season.
“It was a terrible tackle. I was really worried for Lee Kang-in,” said a PSG teammate after the match, echoing the sentiments of many. The red card was, by all accounts, a necessary decision, and it gave PSG the numerical advantage to see out the rest of the contest with authority.
Despite the scare, PSG’s performance was nothing short of clinical. The team showcased its attacking depth, with goals coming from across the frontline. Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were among the scorers, and Lee himself played a pivotal role in orchestrating play before his substitution. The win further solidified PSG’s grip on first place, reinforcing their status as favorites to reclaim the Ligue 1 crown.
For Lee Kang-in, the night was a testament to both his resilience and importance to the squad. Having already made 21 league appearances this season, tallying 2 goals and 3 assists, Lee has established himself as a key figure in the PSG midfield. His journey hasn’t been without setbacks—he suffered an injury in December 2025 that sidelined him for several weeks. Yet, his commitment to rehabilitation and determination to return stronger have paid dividends. Since his comeback, Lee has been in sparkling form, adding a creative spark that has helped PSG navigate a crowded fixture list.
Lee’s influence extends beyond the Parisian club. He is a central figure for the South Korean national team, managed by Hong Myung-bo. As the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup draws near, expectations are mounting for Lee to lead his country on the global stage. Coach Hong, who recently met with Lee during a European tour to check in on his overseas players, has made it clear that Lee is integral to South Korea’s plans. “Lee Kang-in is at the heart of what we’re building for the World Cup,” Hong stated during a recent press availability.
The national team’s preparations are ramping up, with two high-profile friendlies on the horizon: a clash against Ivory Coast on March 28 at 11:00 PM KST, followed by a matchup with Austria on April 1 at 3:45 AM KST. These matches are being billed as crucial tune-ups for the World Cup, offering Hong’s squad a chance to test themselves against diverse opposition. Lee’s availability and fitness will be closely monitored, with fans hoping he can shake off the effects of the Nice tackle in time to feature.
For South Korea, Lee’s presence is more than just a tactical asset; it’s a symbol of the country’s growing footballing ambitions. Since breaking into the senior national team, Lee has been at the forefront of a new generation of Korean talent, blending technical skill with a fierce competitive drive. His performances for PSG have only heightened his profile, making him a household name both at home and abroad.
Back in Paris, the mood is cautiously optimistic. The medical team’s initial assessment suggests that Lee avoided serious injury, a huge relief given the nature of the challenge. With PSG targeting domestic and European glory, keeping their midfield maestro healthy will be paramount. As for Lee, the focus now shifts to recovery and preparation for both club and country.
The incident at Allianz Riviera serves as a stark reminder of the physical risks that come with elite football. Yet, it also highlighted Lee Kang-in’s resilience and the high regard in which he is held by teammates and fans alike. With the season entering its decisive phase and the World Cup looming, all eyes will be on Lee as he looks to bounce back and continue his ascent on the world stage.
As PSG celebrate a convincing win and South Korea finalize their World Cup preparations, the spotlight remains firmly on Lee Kang-in—an emerging star whose journey is only just beginning. Supporters will be hoping that his latest injury scare is nothing more than a brief setback on what promises to be an exciting road ahead.