Lee Young-pyo
Lee with Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2011.
Personal information
Full name Lee Young-pyo
Date of birth (1977-04-23) 23 April 1977 (age 46)
Place of birth Hongcheon, Gangwon, South Korea
Height 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)[1]
Position(s) Left-back
Youth career
1990–1992 Anyang Middle School
1993–1995 Anyang Technical High School [ko]
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1996–2000 Konkuk University [ko]
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2002 Anyang LG Cheetahs 60 (3)
2003–2005 PSV Eindhoven 81 (1)
2005–2008 Tottenham Hotspur 70 (0)
2008–2009 Borussia Dortmund 18 (0)
2009–2011 Al-Hilal 46 (0)
2012–2013 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 65 (1)
Total 340 (5)
International career
1999–2002 South Korea U23 23[α] (1)
1999–2011 South Korea 127 (5)
Medal record
Representing South Korea South Korea
Men's football
AFC Asian Cup
Bronze medal – third place 2000 Lebanon Team
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Qatar Team
Asian Games
Bronze medal – third place 2002 Busan Team
*Club domestic league appearances and goals
Lee Young-pyo
Hangul
이영표
Hanja
李榮杓
Revised RomanizationI Yeong-pyo
McCune–ReischauerI Yŏngp'yo

Lee Young-pyo (Korean: 이영표; Korean pronunciation: [i.jʌŋ.pʰjo]; born 23 April 1977) is a retired South Korean professional footballer who played as a right-footed left back. Lee was recognized for his speed and dribbling skills. His former manager Martin Jol once called him "the best left back in Holland".[2][3]

Prior to playing for PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham Hotspur, Lee started his professional career at FC Seoul, then known as Anyang LG Cheetahs in the Korean K League and then spent two years with PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands, earning high acclaim from PSV Coach Guus Hiddink, who had previously coached Lee and South Korea during the 2002 World Cup. Recognized as the best left-back in the Netherlands after the 2004–05 season, Tottenham signed him amidst heavy competition with several Serie A clubs. He transferred to Tottenham in August 2005.

On 19 November 2008, Lee became the seventh Korean player to earn 100 caps in a World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia. During the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, Lee captained the national team twice after the substitutions of the regular Korean captain, Park Ji-sung.

On January 1, 2021, he began his 2-year stint as the CEO of the first tier K League football team Gangwon FC.

Playing career

Anyang LG Cheetahs

Lee graduated from Konkuk University in Seoul, and began his professional career in a K League club Anyang LG Cheetahs, currently FC Seoul. He contributed to Anyang's K League title in 2000. His team also advanced to the Asian Club Championship final in the 2001–02 season, but failed to bring the title against Suwon Samsung Bluewings, another South Korean club. An impressive player in the league, Lee could play for the South Korean national team in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He assisted South Korea's winning goals against Portugal and Italy with crosses. He followed Guus Hiddink and teammate Park Ji-sung into PSV Eindhoven after finishing the World Cup in fourth place.

PSV Eindhoven

At PSV, Lee flourished under Hiddink's guidance and soon established himself in PSV's first team. Known for his endurance, technique, and ability in both defence and attack, Lee was widely regarded as the best left-back in the Dutch Eredivisie. Lee and his compatriot Park were instrumental in PSV Eindhoven's run to the 2005 UEFA Champions League semi-final, although, to their disappointment, they were knocked out by Milan. Despite PSV's persistent attempts to keep him, Lee moved to the English club Tottenham Hotspur in August 2005. During his PSV career, Lee scored 1 goal and assisted 13 goals.

Tottenham Hotspur

Lee pictured alongside a young fan in 2005

At Tottenham, Lee was an immediate hit and earned a spot on the Premier League's best eleven in his debut week. Tottenham coach Martin Jol, at the time of his signing on 31 August 2005, touted him as "the best left-back in Holland."[2][3] His form did however fluctuate in the 2005–06 season, despite being almost ever present in a defence which conceded the fourth lowest number of goals in that season.

In the beginning of 2006–07 season, Lee moved to right full-back due to Benoît Assou-Ekotto's impressive pre-season performance and an injury to regular right-back Paul Stalteri. Lee then faced increased competition when Tottenham signed French defender Pascal Chimbonda on the final day of the transfer period. Lee also suffered a knee injury and in August 2006, Tottenham offered his rights to Roma of Italy's Serie A, but he backed out at the last minute for "personal reasons". An Italian media report said religion played a part in his decision to reject the transfer offer. On 31 August 2006, Lee held a press conference in Korea and denied that religion was a factor in his decision. He said that moving to Roma would have been great for him in terms of football alone but he decided against it for personal reasons that he would not reveal, despite being pressed for answers by 50 attending reporters.[4]

Lee regained his place in the first team when Assou-Ekotto's form began to falter, most notably in a very poor performance against arch-rivals Arsenal. Lee came on as a half-time substitute in that match and was a notable improvement, and was again preferred by Jol for the starting eleven, until a season-ending knee injury sustained in a UEFA Cup Quarterfinal match against Sevilla on 5 April.[5]

On 9 August 2007, Tottenham manager Martin Jol announced that Lee would be "fit for selection" in "one or two weeks".[6] On 18 August 2007, Lee made his first start of the season against Derby County.[7] He continued to play regularly for Tottenham in the 2007–08 season, along with League Cup appearances against Blackpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. He missed the final but earned a medal for his contributions.[8]

Borussia Dortmund

On 27 August 2008, Lee transferred to a Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.[9] He consistently made appearances early in the season, and Borussia Dortmund announced that the period of Lee's contract was extended to two years in December.[10] However, he was benched after the vice-captain Dedé recovered from his injury.

Al-Hilal

On 10 July 2009, Lee left for a Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.[11] Known to be a devout Christian,[12] he decided to go to Saudi Arabia after hearing the word of God, although he didn't want to go there. He couldn't understand the will of God, but enjoyed his new life with Muslims. He told this interesting anecdote in his lecture after retirement.[13]

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Lee officially signed with Vancouver on 6 December 2011.[14] He scored his first MLS goal for Vancouver on 28 April 2012 off a free kick against the Columbus Crew. Lee was a crucial part to Vancouver's 2012 season and was played as a right back. He was considered one of their best players on the team that year. Lee was awarded with Vancouver's 2012 Player of the Year on 21 October 2012 after helping the team become the first Canadian team to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs.[15]

He played his final professional game on 27 October 2013 in Vancouver in 3–0 win against the Colorado Rapids. After scoring the first and eventual game-winning goal, 2013 MLS Golden Boot-winner Camilo Sanvezzo presented Lee with the ball during the goal celebration.[16]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Anyang LG Cheetahs 2000 K League 15 2 0 0 3 0 2 0 20 2
2001 K League 22 0 1 0 7 0 2 0 32 0
2002 K League 23 1 1 0 0 0 5 0 29 1
Total 60 3 2 0 10 0 9 0 81 3
PSV Eindhoven 2002–03 Eredivisie 15 0 2 0 — 0 0 17 0
2003–04 Eredivisie 32 0 2 0 — 12 0 46 0
2004–05 Eredivisie 31 1 4 0 — 14 0 49 1
2005–06 Eredivisie 3 0 0 0 — 0 0 3 0
Total 81 1 8 0 — 26 0 115 1
Tottenham Hotspur 2005–06 Premier League 31 0 0 0 1 0 — 32 0
2006–07 Premier League 21 0 5 0 1 0 4 0 31 0
2007–08 Premier League 18 0 2 0 4 0 6 0 30 0
Total 70 0 7 0 6 0 10 0 93 0
Borussia Dortmund 2008–09 Bundesliga 18 0 2 0 — 2 0 22 0
Al-Hilal 2009–10 Saudi Pro League 22 0 4 0 4 0 6 1 36 1
2010–11 Saudi Pro League 24 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 28 0
Total 46 0 4 0 4 0 10 1 64 1
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2012 Major League Soccer 33 1 2 0 — — 35 1
2013 Major League Soccer 32 0 2 0 — — 34 0
Total 65 1 4 0 — — 69 1
Career total 340 5 27 0 20 0 57 1 444 6

International

  • Appearances and goals by national team and year[17]
    National team Year Apps Goals
    South Korea 1999 3 0
    2000 20 3
    2001 14 0
    2002 20 0
    2003 4 0
    2004 12 0
    2005 8 2
    2006 10 0
    2007 2 0
    2008 7 0
    2009 10 0
    2010 11 0
    2011 6 0
    Career total 127 5
  • Appearances and goals by competition
    Competition Apps Goals
    Friendlies 50 1
    Minor competitions 12 1
    CONCACAF Gold Cup 7 0
    AFC Asian Cup qualification 6 0
    AFC Asian Cup 16 1
    FIFA Confederations Cup 3 0
    FIFA World Cup qualification 21 2
    FIFA World Cup 12 0
    Total 127 5
    • Scores and results list Korea Republic's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Lee goal.
    List of international goals scored by Lee Young-pyo
    No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
    1 28 July 2000 Workers' Stadium, Beijing, China 14  China 1–0 1–0 Friendly
    2 4 October 2000 Al-Maktoum Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 15  United Arab Emirates 1–1 1–1 (a.e.t.)
    (2–3 p)    		 2000 LG Cup
    3 13 October 2000 International Olympic Stadium, Tripoli, Lebanon 17  China 1–0 2–2 2000 AFC Asian Cup
    4 9 February 2005 Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea 74  Kuwait 2–0 2–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
    5 30 March 2005 Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea 76  Uzbekistan 1–0 2–1 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification

    Filmography

    Television

    Year Title Role Note(s) Ref.
    2014 Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education Himself Episode 53–67
    2014 Happy Together Season 3 Himself Episode 357
    2020 Law of the Jungle in Palawan Himself Episode 411–415 [18]
    2020 Fly Shoot Dori 7th League Himself
    2020–2021 Not Football or Baseball Himself
    2021 Kick A Goal Season 1 Himself [19]
    2021 Golden Eleven 2 Himself [20]
    2021–2022 Kick A Goal Season 2 Himself
    2022–2023 Kick A Goal Season 3 Himself

    Honours

    Player

    Anyang LG Cheetahs

    PSV Eindhoven

    Tottenham Hotspur

    Al-Hilal

    South Korea U23

    South Korea

    Individual

    Television personality

    List of awards and nominations received by TV personality Lee Young-pyo
    Award ceremony Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
    SBS Entertainment Awards 2022 Leader of the Year Award[a] Kick A Goal Won [35]
    1. ^ Shared with Ha Seok-ju, Kim Byung-ji, Kim Tae-young, Choi Jin-cheul, Choi Sung-yong, Lee Eul-yong, Hyun Young-min, Oh Beom-seok, Cho Jae-jin and Baek Ji-hoon[34]

    See also

    Notes

    1. ^ Includes nine appearances as an overage player (six appearances in Asian Games, three appearances in friendlies).

    References

    1. ^ 네이버 인물검색 (in Korean). Naver People Search. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
    2. ^ a b Duerden, John. "John Duerden reports on Tottenham's new Korean star". Soccerphile.com. Soccerphile. Retrieved 18 August 2007.
    3. ^ a b "What now for 'Berbs' and 'Bruce'?". ESPN Soccernet. Archived from the original on 11 December 2004. Retrieved 18 August 2007.
    4. ^ "Lee Young-pyo Denies Jilting AS Roma Over Religion". The Chosun Ilbo. Archived from the original on 12 March 2007. Retrieved 18 August 2007.
    5. ^ "Lee injury blow for spurs". Football.co.uk. Football.co.uk. 16 April 2007. Retrieved 9 August 2007.
    6. ^ "Welcome to Tottenhamhotspur.com – News Extra". Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 9 August 2007.
    7. ^ Lyon, Sam (18 August 2007). "Tottenham 4-0 Derby". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
    8. ^ a b Stafford-Bloor, Seb (5 January 2017). "Where Are They Now? Tottenham's 2007/08 League Cup-winning squad". FourFourTwo. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
    9. ^ "Tottenham offload Lee to Dortmund". BBC Sport. 27 August 2008. Retrieved 27 August 2008.
    10. ^ "Lee signs extension with Borussia Dortmund". Korean Broadcasting System. 11 December 2008. Archived from the original on 27 October 2004. Retrieved 11 December 2008.
    11. ^ "Officially: Al Hilal contracts with Lee for one season". AlHilal.com. Al-Hilal. 10 July 2009. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
    12. ^ Lee, Courtney (12 June 2006). "Christian Beliefs Will Bring Success, says South Korea Football Player". ChristianToday.com. Christian Today. Retrieved 18 August 2007.
    13. ^ 이영표 위원이 선수시절 AS로마 이적을 거절한 이유 (in Korean). Christian Today. 26 October 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
    14. ^ Borg, Simon (6 December 2011). "Whitecaps officially announce signing of Lee Young-pyo for the 2012 season". MLSsoccer.com. MLS Soccer. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
    15. ^ "Vancouver Whitecaps FC announce 2012 Team Awards – presented by BMO Bank of Montreal". WhitecapsFC.com. Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
    16. ^ Clipperton, Joshua. "Camilo hat trick gives Whitecaps season-ending victory". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
    17. ^ "Lee Young-pyo at Korea Football Association" (in Korean). KFA. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
    18. ^ Ban, Seo-yeon (8 January 2020). 이영표·우지원→김재환, '정글의 법칙 in 팔라완' 출격 (in Korean). YTN. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
    19. ^ Woo, Bin (25 May 2021). [단독] 이영표·최용수, SBS '골 때리는 그녀들' 새 감독 합류. Naver (in Korean). Tenasia. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
    20. ^ Ahn, Tae-hyun (15 September 2021). 축구 유망주 발굴 '골든일레븐' 시즌2로 돌아온다 ['Golden Eleven' to discover soccer prospects returns with season 2]. Naver (in Korean). News1. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
    21. ^ Lee, Seung-soo; Schöggl, Hans; Trevena, Mark (13 May 2020). "South Korea - List of Champions". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
    22. ^ Lee, Seung-soo; Trevena, Mark (8 April 2020). "South Korea - List of Cup Winners". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
    23. ^ Fujioka, Atsushi; Halchuk, Stephen; Stokkermans, Karel (25 March 2020). "Asian Champions' Cup". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
    24. ^ "Netherlands - Champions". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. 26 September 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
    25. ^ van Seventer, Mark (1 September 2005). "Netherlands Cup (Amstel Cup) 2004/05". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
    26. ^ Stokkermans, Karel (1 August 2019). "Netherlands - List of Super Cup Finals". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
    27. ^ Fujioka, Atsushi; Qayed, Mohammed (1 September 2020). "Saudi Arabia - List of Champions". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
    28. ^ King, Ian; Qayed, Mohammed (27 August 2020). "Saudi Arabia - List of Cup Winners". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
    29. ^ "Football Men's (Final Result) - Match Schedule". Busan Asian Games. Archived from the original on 10 January 2003. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
    30. ^ Stokkermans, Karel (7 February 2019). "Asian Nations Cup". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
    31. ^ 프로축구 시상식, 19일 타워호텔서 개최 (in Korean). Yonhap News Agency. 18 December 2001.
    32. ^ "Whitecaps FC Player Awards". Vancouver Whitecaps FC. 1 January 2018.
    33. ^ "The best Asian team at the FIFA World Cup announced!". Asian Football Confederation. 7 July 2020. Archived from the original on 16 January 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
    34. ^ Lee, Min-ji (17 December 2022). 골때녀 잔칫날’ 감독진 11명, 올해의 리더상 [2022 SBS 연예대상] [Leader of the Year Award [2022 SBS Entertainment Awards], 11 directors]. Naver (in Korean). Newsen. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
    35. ^ Lee, Seung-gil (18 December 2022). 유재석, 감격의 '대상' 영예…통산 19번째 트로피 품었다 [2022 SBS 연예대상] (종합) [Yoo Jae-seok had the honor of the "Grand Prize"...won his 19th trophy in his career [2022 SBS Entertainment Awards] (comprehensive)]. Naver (in Korean). My Daily. Retrieved 18 December 2022.

    External links

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