# Park Ji-Sung

> South Korean association football player

**Wikidata**: [Q50603](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q50603)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_Ji-sung)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/park-ji-sung

## Summary
Park Ji-Sung is a South Korean association football player known for his international career and contributions to both club and national team football. He is most notably recognized for his time with Manchester United, where he became the first Asian player to win the UEFA Champions League, and for his leadership in the South Korean national team that reached the semifinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 25, 1981
- **Nationality**: South Korean
- **Education**: Myongji University; Osaka University of Economics and Law
- **Known for**: Playing a pivotal role in South Korea’s 2002 FIFA World Cup run and being a key figure in Asian football representation in top European leagues
- **Employer(s)**: Manchester United (2005–2014), PSV Eindhoven, South Korean national football team
- **Field(s)**: Association football

## Contributions
Park Ji-Sung's contributions to football are multifaceted and significant:
- He played a central role in the **2002 FIFA World Cup**, where South Korea reached the semifinals — a historic achievement for Asian football.
- At **Manchester United**, he was instrumental in the club's **2007–2008 UEFA Champions League victory**, the first time an Asian player won the competition.
- He contributed to **PSV Eindhoven's** domestic successes in the Eredivisie during his tenure from 2003 to 2005.
- His presence in European football helped elevate the profile of Asian players, breaking new ground for international representation.
- He was a consistent performer for the **South Korean national team**, earning over 100 caps and becoming one of the most capped players in the country's history.

## FAQs
### Where did Park Ji-Sung play professionally?
Park Ji-Sung played for **PSV Eindhoven** from 2003 to 2005, then moved to **Manchester United**, where he played from 2005 to 2014. He also represented the **South Korean national football team** throughout his career.

### What is Park Ji-Sung's educational background?
Park Ji-Sung was educated at **Myongji University** in South Korea and later at **Osaka University of Economics and Law** in Japan.

### What major football achievements is Park Ji-Sung known for?
Park Ji-Sung is best known for his role in the **2002 FIFA World Cup**, where South Korea reached the semifinals, and for winning the **UEFA Champions League with Manchester United in 2008**.

### How did Park Ji-Sung influence Asian football?
Park Ji-Sung became a trailblazer for Asian players in top European leagues, especially through his tenure at Manchester United, where he was the **first Asian player to win the Champions League**. His success opened doors for future generations of Asian footballers.

### What teams did Park Ji-Sung represent during his career?
Park Ji-Sung played for **PSV Eindhoven**, **Manchester United**, and the **South Korean national football team**. He also had affiliations with **Myongji University** and **Osaka University of Economics and Law** during his studies.

## Why They Matter
Park Ji-Sung's impact on football is both symbolic and substantive. As the first Asian player to win the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United, he broke significant cultural and racial barriers in European football. His role in the **2002 World Cup** elevated South Korea's global football profile and inspired a generation of young Asian athletes. His career demonstrated that players from non-traditional footballing nations could succeed at the highest levels. His legacy continues to influence the development of football in Asia and the visibility of its players on the global stage.

## Notable For
- First Asian player to win the UEFA Champions League (2008)
- Member of the South Korean national team that reached the **2002 FIFA World Cup semifinals**
- Over 100 caps for the South Korean national team
- Key player for **Manchester United** from 2005 to 2014
- Played for **PSV Eindhoven** during successful Eredivisie campaigns
- Studied at **Myongji University** and **Osaka University of Economics and Law**
- Recognized for his work ethic, leadership, and tactical intelligence on the field

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Park Ji-Sung was born on **February 25, 1981**. He pursued higher education at **Myongji University** in Seoul, South Korea, and later at **Osaka University of Economics and Law** in Japan. These institutions provided him with a strong academic and cultural foundation that would later support his international career.

### Career
Park Ji-Sung began his professional football career with **PSV Eindhoven** in 2003, where he played a key role in the club's domestic successes in the **Eredivisie**. His performances in the Netherlands attracted attention from top European clubs, leading to his signing with **Manchester United** in 2005. At United, he became a vital part of the squad, known for his work rate, tactical intelligence, and leadership. He was instrumental in the team's **UEFA Champions League victory in 2008**, becoming the first Asian player to win the competition.

Park Ji-Sung also represented the **South Korean national team** consistently, earning over **100 caps** and becoming one of the most capped players in the country's history. His contributions were pivotal in South Korea's historic run to the **semifinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup**, a landmark event in Asian football.

### Contributions to Football
Park Ji-Sung's career has had a lasting impact on the sport, especially in Asia. His success at the highest levels of European football helped increase the visibility of Asian players. His time at **Manchester United** and with the **South Korean national team** not only brought him personal accolades but also inspired a generation of young athletes in Asia to pursue football careers.

### Legacy
Park Ji-Sung's legacy extends beyond statistics and trophies. He is remembered for his **work ethic**, **leadership**, and **cultural impact**. His career opened doors for other Asian players in top European leagues and demonstrated that talent and determination could transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. His influence is evident in the growing number of Asian players in major European football leagues today.

### Recognition and Impact
Park Ji-Sung is notable for:
- Being the **first Asian player to win the UEFA Champions League** (2008)
- His **consistent performances** in high-stakes matches
- His role in the **2002 FIFA World Cup**, where South Korea reached the semifinals
- His status as a **cultural icon** in both South Korea and the broader Asian football community
- His **academic background** at two institutions: **Myongji University** and **Osaka University of Economics and Law**

Park Ji-Sung's career is a testament to the power of perseverance, skill, and global ambition. His influence continues to resonate in football academies, youth programs, and national pride across Asia.

## References

1. [Source](https://sports.news.naver.com/news.nhn?oid=001&aid=0000188275)
2. [Source](https://100.daum.net/encyclopedia/view/33XXXXX32435)
3. Transfermarkt
4. Argentine Soccer Database
5. As
6. UEFA.com
7. FIFA.com
8. Library of Congress Control Number