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"Like Maradona and Messi": 16 Million-View Soccer Prodigy Kim Ye-geon's Growth Over 7 Years

Jinhyeong Park

Published : Jul 14, 2026 6:13 PM

Video

Kim Ye-geon, who was introduced as a soccer prodigy by Sports Mug seven years ago, has once again made a name for himself on the K League 1 stage.
After being substituted into the match against Ulsan HD on July 11, Kim scored his debut goal with a powerful left-footed long-range shot, becoming the first player born in 2008 to score in the K League 1.
Jeonbuk Hyundai announced the official transition of Kim Ye-geon to a professional contract on July 13. Kim is the first player in the club's history to transition from a semi-pro to a professional contract while still enrolled in high school.
Sports Mug met with Kim Ye-geon again after seven years to hear about his growth process and the dreams he hopes to achieve in the future.

Reported by Lee Jeong-chan | Produced and Edited by Jinhyeong Park | Video by Yang Doo-won | Produced by Sports News Department