'Failed to reach UCL final for two consecutive years': Lee Kang-in watches the championship from the bench again... Europe's 11th trophy

*This content was translated by AI.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured the European title and achieved a historic feat, but South Korean national team midfielder Lee Kang-in (24) was unable to play in the final. Following last year, he could not step onto the pitch for the final this year either, leaving him with the regret of missing the final for two consecutive seasons.

On the 31st (Korea time), PSG defeated Arsenal in a penalty shootout (1-1, PSO 4-3) in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final held at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.

As a result, Lee Kang-in's final statistics for the 2025-2026 Champions League season ended with 10 appearances and one assist. Lee Kang-in came on as a substitute in the first and second legs of the Round of 16 against Chelsea, but his playing time dropped sharply after appearing for only 12 minutes in the first leg of the quarterfinals against Liverpool. Lee Kang-in, who remained on the bench throughout the entire semi-final, ultimately did not get to play even on the most important final stage.

Despite this, Lee Kang-in added an overwhelming championship career with this victory. Since joining PSG in 2023, Lee Kang-in has achieved three consecutive Ligue 1 titles from the 2023-2024 season to the current season (2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026). He also lifted the Champions League trophy for two consecutive years (2024-2025, 2025-2026), and reached the summit in the UEFA Super Cup (2025-2026) and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup (2025-2026). Including two Coupe de France titles (2023-2024, 2024-2025) and two Trophée des Champions (2023-2024, 2024-2025), along with the Copa del Rey title he won during his time at Valencia (2018-2019), he has firmly established himself as a true championship specialist.

The second Champions League final was more intense than ever. Arsenal took the lead in the 6th minute of the first half with a powerful left-footed shot by Kai Havertz, but PSG, which continued its offensive pressure in the second half, managed to level the score. In the 17th minute of the second half, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was tackled by Cristian Mosquera while breaking through inside the box, earning a penalty kick. In the 20th minute of the second half, kicker Ousmane Dembélé perfectly deceived goalkeeper David Raya with a right-footed shot, restoring the balance.

After extra time began, PSG coach Luis Enrique brought on Warren Zaïre-Emery, Ilya Zabarnyi, and Luka Beraldo, using even his last card, but Lee Kang-in was never given a chance to play. Ultimately, both teams proceeded to a penalty shootout, and with Arsenal's Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhães missing their kicks, PSG secured the championship.

Having completed all his European schedule, Lee Kang-in is set to immediately join the South Korean national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo. Following Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), who had already returned to the country after finishing their club duties and are waiting for the national team call-up, Lee Kang-in has now joined Hong's squad as the final piece. With all top overseas-based players now assembled, the national team will enter the World Cup as a complete lineup.

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*This content was translated by AI.