*This content was translated by AI.
Masa (31, Japan) of Daejeon Hana Citizen, who delivered a standout performance with one goal and one assist during Ulsan HD's away match but was diagnosed with a transverse process fracture of the spine after colliding with an opponent, has been selected as the best performer of K League 1 Round 10.
The Korea Professional Football League announced on the 28th that Masa was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 10.
On the 26th, during Ulsan's away match at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Masa assisted Rubikson's first-half 16th-minute goal and then scored directly with a left-footed shot in the 7th minute of the second half, leading his team to a 4-1 victory. The league evaluated Masa's performance that day, stating, "He led his team to victory with his characteristic aggressiveness and passing ability."
However, Masa collapsed after colliding with Cho Hyun-taek in the added time of the second half, was carried off on a stretcher, and was immediately taken to a hospital by ambulance. Diagnosed with a transverse process fracture of the spine, he will require about a month of treatment, making it difficult for him to participate in the remaining five matches before the mid-month World Cup break next month.
Masa also stated via social media (SNS), "I don't think it's a serious injury, so please don't worry. I sincerely thank everyone who expressed concern." He added, "I received multiple apologies directly from the opposing player (Cho Hyun-taek), so I kindly ask everyone to refrain from criticizing on SNS."
Amid Masa's performance, Daejeon, which decisively defeated Ulsan 4-1, was selected for the Round 10 Best Team. On this day, Daejeon defeated Ulsan, who scored one goal through Lee Dong-kyung, thanks to relay goals from Rubikson, Jung Jae-hee, Diogo, and Masa.
The Round 10 Best Match was selected as the game between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Pohang Steelers, which ended with a "Pelé Score." The matchup between the two teams held on the 26th at Jeonju World Cup Stadium saw Jeonbuk take the lead while Pohang chased, with the score tied 2-2 until the final moments of the second half. However, Jeonbuk secured a 3-2 victory thanks to Kang Sang-yoon's dramatic late winner.
The K League 2 Round 9 MVP was selected as Kim Min-woo, who recorded one goal and two assists, leading Yongin FC to the club's first-ever victory.
On the 26th, during the Gimhae FC match at Yongin Mir Stadium, Kim Min-woo assisted two goals by Seok Hyun-joon and, in the 36th minute of the first half during a corner kick situation, scored with a non-stop shot to lead his team to a 4-1 victory. With this win, Yongin, which achieved its first victory in eight opening matches, was also selected for the Best Team. The Round 9 Best Match was the game between Suwon Samsung and Suwon, which ended with a 3-2 victory for Suwon against Busan IPark.
Meanwhile, the K League Round Best 11 and MVP are selected through quantitative and qualitative evaluations by the Technical Research Group (TRG) under the league's Technical Committee. TRG members select the Best 11 and the best player of each match, and then, through the TRG Match Evaluation Meeting, the Best 11 for each round is determined byly evaluating TRG member scores and opinions along with data from K League's official supplementary data provider, "Vipro."
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*This content was translated by AI.
