Ji Dong-won Retires at 35: "Concluding My Football Journey"

Forward Ji Dong-won, who was part of the squad that wrote a historic myth by winning the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and played in the English and German leagues, has announced his retirement, bringing a 16-year professional career to a close.

Ji shared on his social media, "I am now looking to conclude my happy journey as a football player, which began in 2010."

He emphasized, "Countless unforgettable moments flash through my mind, including my time in various countries and teams, as well as my glorious experiences with the national team. I will live the rest of my life cherishing the excitement and burning passion I felt when I first started football and stepped onto the pitch."

He added, "I sincerely thank everyone who has been with me, supported me, and loved me for a long time. I ask for your continued support for Ji Dong-won as he begins a new life, rather than Ji Dong-won the football player."

A graduate of Gwangyang Jecheol High School and standing at 188 cm, Ji played as both a center forward and shadow striker, capturing fans' attention from a young age with his exceptional goal-scoring ability.

Selected for the Korea Football Association's elite player overseas study program, Ji trained at English Premier League club Reading for a year starting in 2007. In 2009, he scored 17 goals in 14 matches in the SBS High School Challenge League, winning the top scorer award.

Noticing his performance, the K League's Jeonnam Dragons selected him as a priority draft pick in November 2009, and he began his professional career by joining Jeonnam in 2010.

After an impressive debut season in the K League with 7 goals and 3 assists in 22 appearances, and adding 3 goals and 1 assist in 11 matches in 2011, Ji joined English Premier League side Sunderland in June of that year, setting a record as the youngest South Korean player ever to play in the Premier League.

In particular, a scene where a home fan kissed Ji after he scored a stoppage-time winning goal against Manchester City in January 2012 has been talked about for years.

Ji later played for German Bundesliga club Augsburg on loan, as well as Borussia Dortmund, Darmstadt, Mainz, and Eintracht Braunschweig. He returned to the K League in July 2021 by wearing the FC Seoul uniform, and subsequently transferred to Suwon FC in 2024.

He moved to Australian A-League side Macarthur FC in August of last year, and upon the expiration of his contract, chose to retire from professional football.

Donning the Taegeuk mark, Ji scored 11 goals in 55 "A" international matches. He also found the back of the net in the quarterfinals of the 2012 London Olympics, contributing to South Korean football's historic first-ever Olympic medal achievement.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.