‘Next Goal: World Cup Win’ – Lee Kang-in’s Bold Mission After UCL Glory

2025-08-02 HAN, June

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JUNE 10: Lee Kangin of South Korea speaks after the FIFA World Cup Asian Third Qualifier Group B match between South Korea and Kuwait at Seoul World Cup Stadium on June 10, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Lee Kang-in, fresh off a historic treble-winning campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, has declared that his next ambition lies on the international stage: winning the FIFA World Cup with South Korea.

Speaking at a fan event held in Seoul on August 2, the 23-year-old midfielder reflected on the highs of last season and shared his growing aspirations for national team success.

“Lifting the Champions League trophy was the happiest moment of my career so far. It was heavier than I expected!” Lee told fans with a smile, recalling PSG’s long-awaited UEFA Champions League triumph. “When I saw it on TV growing up, I never imagined how big it would be. Holding it alone for a photo was a challenge.”

Although Lee did not feature in the final itself, he described the occasion as the most meaningful match of his season, if not his life. “It was a dream come true. Celebrating with my teammates and being part of that moment meant everything,” he said. “Next time, I want to play in the final and contribute directly. That’s my motivation now.”

MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 31: Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain reacts as he walks past the UEFA Champions League trophy after collecting his winners medal after defeating FC Internazionale, to secure Paris Saint-Germain's first ever UEFA Champions League title in the club's history and a record UEFA Champions League Final winning scoreline of 5-0, following the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Lee, once hailed as a prodigious talent from his youth days at Valencia, had publicly set Champions League glory as a major career target. Now that he’s achieved it, the bar has risen.

“My next goal is to win the World Cup with Korea,” he said, shifting focus to the 2026 tournament in North America. “I don’t know if it’s possible, but I’ll prepare with everything I’ve got. If the team, coaching staff, and the whole federation work together towards the same goal, our chances will increase.”

Lee made his World Cup debut at the 2022 Qatar edition, earning praise as a game-changer off the bench. Reflecting on that experience, he remarked: “I can’t believe it’s already been three years since Qatar. There’s only one year left until the next one, so I’ll do everything to be in peak condition and make the nation proud.”

The PSG star was speaking at the “Adidas KANG IN MADE ME DO IT” event held in central Seoul, where he signed autographs, posed for photos, and interacted with hundreds of enthusiastic fans.

With domestic and continental silverware now in his collection, Lee Kang-in has set his eyes firmly on the one prize that continues to elude Asian football: the World Cup. And if his words are anything to go by, he intends to chase it with everything he’s got.