South Korean · Gwangju, South Korea · Born 24 January 1989Ki Sung-yueng is a South Korean footballer and former national team captain who won trophies with Celtic and Swansea City, renowned for his vision and long-range passing.
Ki Sung-yueng won the EFL Cup with Swansea City in 2013 and earned 110 caps for South Korea across three World Cups, captaining the national team through the 2018 tournament in Russia and helping the side claim an Olympic bronze medal at London 2012 — a decade of international service that places him among the most decorated South Korean players of his generation. He gained wider recognition at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, and became a regular for the senior South Korea national team from 2008, representing the country at the Beijing Olympics that year. Ki moved to Scotland's Celtic in 2009, winning the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup, before a club-record transfer to Swansea City in 2012. He spent six years at Swansea, including a loan at Sunderland, winning the EFL Cup in 2013 and being voted the club's Player of the Year in 2015 after scoring eight goals in 33 appearances. He went on to play for Newcastle United and Mallorca before returning to South Korea with FC Seoul and later Pohang Steelers. Internationally, Ki earned 110 caps for South Korea between 2008 and 2019, captaining the side through three World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018) and two Asian Cups, finishing runner-up in 2015. He won an Olympic bronze medal at the 2012 London Games, and retired from international football in 2019 to focus on his club career, finishing among the most capped and decorated South Korean players of his generation.
Captaining South Korea and winning trophies with Celtic and Swansea City in Britain
How They Played
Technically gifted central midfielder known for vision, long-range passing and shooting, and set-piece delivery
Lasting Impact
One of South Korea's most capped and decorated midfielders, renowned for his vision, passing range, and leadership
Career Honours
- Olympic bronze (2012)
- Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup winner (Celtic)
- EFL Cup winner (2013, Swansea City)
- AFC Asian Cup runner-up (2015, captain)
- South Korea national team captain
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| FC Seoul | 2006–2009 | 60 |
| Celtic | 2010–2012 | 66 |
| Swansea City | 2012–2018 | 139 |
| Sunderland | 2013–2014 | 27 |
| Newcastle United | 2018–2020 | 21 |
| Mallorca | 2020–2020 | 1 |
| FC Seoul | 2020–2025 | 138 |
| Pohang Steelers | 2025–present | — |
South Korean Athletes