"South Korea More Interested in 'Star Players' Than Football... Lee Kang-in to Wear AT Madrid Jersey More Than Tottenham" K-League Legend Foreign Investor Predicts 'Lee Kang-in Effect'

*This content was translated by AI.

Osma (38), a "K-League Living Legend" who joined the professional soccer K-League for the first time in 2014 and is now in his 12th season with Seoul E-Land, positively predicted the impact of Lee Kang-in's (25) move to Atletico (AT) Madrid.

In an interview published on the 27th (Korean time) through Spain's As, Osma, who is from Spain, said, "The effect of Atletico Madrid acquiring Lee Kang-in will be significant," but added, "However, we must not forget that Lee Kang-in has already experienced winning the UEFA Champions League twice. He already has a glamorous career and is highly regarded as a very important player for the South Korean national team."

Osma stated, "After Son Heung-min's decline, South Korea was looking for a new star. In fact, over the past 10 years, the country has consistently produced star-level players who have played in Europe, so it is also a nation familiar with such figures." He further added, "However, Korean fans do not want their national players to simply win titles at big clubs. They want to see them play regularly and take on important roles within their teams."

Having lived in South Korea for over 10 years, he explained, "South Korea is a country sensitive to trends. There is a tendency to follow what appears frequently on television or social media (SNS)." He continued, "Now, the recognition of AT Madrid will increase significantly. Broadcasts of matches will also increase, and you will see more red-and-white striped jerseys on the streets." He said, "Tottenham jerseys, which Son Heung-min wore, will gradually decrease, while AT Madrid jerseys will take their place."

Osma noted, "In fact, South Korea is not a country with extremely intense football enthusiasm. However, the national team receives very strong support." He added, "Moreover, people are more interested in star soccer players than football itself. Therefore, if Korean fans previously supported Tottenham (where Son Heung-min played), they will now follow AT Madrid."

Osma further said, "Lee Kang-in possesses the explosive power typical of Korean players, but since he learned football in Europe rather than Korea, he has likely mastered European tactical concepts much better." He stated, "Lee Kang-in clearly shows traces of growing up in Europe alongside the Korean DNA that relies on stamina and speed. Under coach Diego Simeone's system, he will strive to grow one step further and become a key player for the team."

Meanwhile, Osma joined FC Seoul in 2014 and played there for nine seasons, including a loan spell at Cerezo Osaka (Japan) in 2018. He later moved to Seoul E-Land in 2024 and is now in his third season with the club. Across the K-League, he has appeared in 357 matches—282 in K-League 1 (22 goals, 12 assists) and 71 in K-League 2 (12 goals, 2 assists)—recording a total of 35 goals and 14 assists.

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*This content was translated by AI.