A star was born at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023, a tournament that featured many unknowns. Lee Seung-won (20, Gangwon FC), who bore a striking resemblance to Lee Kang-in (22, Mallorca), who won the Golden Ball at the last edition of the tournament.

Lee scored from the penalty spot in the 24th minute of South Korea’s 0-1 defeat to Israel in the third-place match at the U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 at La Plata Stadium in La Plata, Argentina, on June 12 (KST). Although South Korea finished the tournament in fourth place with a 1-3 loss, Lee set a new record.

With one goal and one assist since the first group game against France, Lee broke the record for offensive points set by senior Lee Kang-in at the 2019 tournament in Poland. With three goals and four assists in seven games, Lee surpassed Lee Kang-in (two goals and four assists) to become the most prolific South Korean player at a FIFA-sanctioned men’s tournament.

Lee won the Bronze Ball, which is awarded to the tournament’s third-best player. The honor follows the Golden Ball (MVP) and Silver Ball. Lee made history as the third South Korean men’s soccer player to win an individual award at a FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cup, joining Ulsan Hyundai coach Hong Myung-bo (Bronze Ball at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup) and Lee Kang-in (Golden Ball at the 2019 U-20 World Cup).

Lee said: “It’s an honor to receive this award on the World Cup stage. I think it’s an achievement that I did not do alone, but with my teammates, and I want to congratulate my teammates as much as I did on behalf of the players,” he said, adding, “It was thanks to the sacrifices and help of my teammates that I was able to achieve such a good result.”

In the absence of stars, Kim Eun Joong-ho, who has been dubbed the “Valley Generation” and “Chin Generation,” stuck together as a team to compete against world-class teams. All 21 members of the squad played their part, but Lee Seung-won was a standout.

An unknown prior to the tournament, Lee played much like Lee Kang-in did four years ago. The attacking midfielder spearheaded South Korea’s attack throughout the tournament with his sharp right-footed kick. Like Lee, he served as a dedicated kicker and was a force from set pieces, including free kicks and corners. When it came down to it, Lee’s right foot was always there. As a result of showing off his abilities on the world stage, he has been hailed as the “new discovery” of Korean soccer. 토토사이트

Lee made his professional debut in a Gangwon jersey in January, but didn’t make his debut until four months later. He has played three games this season for Gangwon’s B team in the semi-professional K4 League (Division 4) and has one assist.