Seol Young-woo Grabs Opening-Day Assist as Crvena zvezda Begin Title Defence in Style

South Korean full-back Seol Young-woo got his 2025–26 campaign off to a perfect start, registering an assist in Crvena zvezda’s dominant 4-0 victory over FK Javor in the opening round of the Serbian SuperLiga.

Starting at right-back, Seol played the full 90 minutes at the Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade and made an immediate impact. In just the sixth minute, he received a forward pass inside the penalty area and delivered a precise right-footed ball to Mirko Ivanić, who rifled a low shot into the far corner to give Zvezda an early lead.

Confident Start to the Season for the Champions

The reigning champions, who secured both the league and cup titles last season, showed their intent to retain the crown with an emphatic performance. Rade Krunić doubled the advantage before the break, Ivanić completed his brace in the 57th minute, and Bruno Duarte converted a penalty in the 77th to seal a comfortable win.

Seol, 26, was a key contributor throughout. Building on a strong 2024–25 season in which he tallied six goals and eight assists in 43 matches across all competitions, the Korean international once again demonstrated his attacking instincts and reliability on the ball.

He finished the match with a 93% pass completion rate (40 out of 43), two chances created, three interceptions, and six ball recoveries. According to statistics outlet FotMob, Seol earned a match rating of 8.2 – the second highest in the squad behind Ivanić (9.0).

Transfer Interest Grows, but Zvezda Hold Firm

Seol’s performances have not gone unnoticed. English Championship side Sheffield United are reportedly among the clubs monitoring the Korean defender, who has emerged as one of Crvena zvezda’s most consistent performers over the past year.

However, sources close to the club indicate that Zvezda have no intention of sanctioning a move until their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign concludes. With the Serbian giants eyeing a return to the group stage of Europe’s top competition, Seol is seen as a crucial part of their early-season plans.

A Promising Start for Seol and Zvezda

Crvena zvezda, chasing a record-extending 12th SuperLiga title, will be encouraged by their sharp attacking display and solid defensive performance. For Seol, the early assist is a clear statement of intent as he continues to build momentum and attract attention at home and abroad.