Ji Dong-won, a former national team forward who played a pivotal role in South Korea's bronze medal win at the 2012 London Olympics, is retiring from professional soccer after 16 years on the field.
On September 7, Ji announced his retirement via social media, stating, "I am concluding my happy journey as a soccer player that began in 2010."
He added, "I will cherish the countless unforgettable moments from my time in various countries and teams, as well as my glorious experiences with the national team. I will carry the excitement and passion I felt when I first started playing soccer into my future life."
Ji expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported and loved him throughout his career, saying, "I sincerely thank all those who have been with me for a long time. I ask for your continued support as I embark on a new life, no longer as soccer player Ji Dong-won."
Standing at 188 cm, Ji showcased his versatility as both a forward and attacking midfielder. He gained recognition early in his career, being selected for the Korea Football Association's overseas training program in 2007, where he honed his skills at Reading in the English Premier League (EPL) for a year. While attending Gwangyang Jecheol High School, he won the scoring title in the high school challenge league in 2009, netting 17 goals in 14 matches.
Ji made his professional debut in 2010 with Jeonnam Dragons, where he had a successful first year, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists in 22 matches. In June 2011, he transferred to Sunderland in the EPL, setting a record as the youngest South Korean player to enter the league at that time. Notably, he scored a dramatic last-minute goal against Manchester City in January 2012, a moment still fondly remembered by fans.
After moving to Germany, Ji continued his career in Europe for nearly a decade, playing for several Bundesliga clubs, including Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund, Darmstadt, Mainz, and Braunschweig. He returned to the K League in July 2021 by joining FC Seoul, and after a stint with Suwon FC in 2024, he joined Macarthur FC in the Australian A-League last August. With his contract ending in Australia, he decided to retire instead of seeking a new team.
Ji's international career was also notable. He made his debut for the senior national team in December 2010 in a friendly against Syria and went on to play 55 matches, scoring 11 goals until March 2019. His most significant achievement came during the London Olympics, where he scored the opening goal against Great Britain in the quarterfinals, contributing to South Korea's historic first Olympic bronze medal in soccer.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.