A Helping Hand During Tough Times”: Ki Sung-yueng Opens Up on Why He Extended with Pohang

🚨[Contract Renewal]
Veteran midfielder Ki Sung-yueng will continue to wear the black and red stripes of Pohang Steelers next season. The K-League 1 club officially announced on the 25th that they have signed a one-year contract extension with the former South Korea captain, who originally joined the team this past summer.
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Pohang Steelers expressed high praise for his impact, stating, “Ki Sung-yueng proved he is still at the top of his game by playing multiple full-time matches toward the end of the 2025 season. His immense experience and leadership have been vital in anchoring the squad.”
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The Shock Transfer and Redemption
Ki’s move to Pohang in July 2025 was one of the most talked-about stories in recent K-League history. Since his professional debut in 2006, FC Seoul had been his only domestic club, and his lifelong goal was to retire there.
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However, the narrative shifted during the 2025 season when FC Seoul manager Kim Gi-dong reportedly informed Ki that he was no longer part of the team’s core plans.
In search of a new home, Ki found a lifeline with manager Park Tae-ha at Pohang, signing an initial six-month short-term deal. He silenced doubters by making 16 appearances and recording two assists, helping Pohang secure a 4th-place finish in the league—notably ahead of his former club FC Seoul, who finished 6th.
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Repaying the Faith
Reflecting on his decision to stay, Ki shared through the club:
“I had many thoughts about my second life after football. However, I felt it was only right to repay manager Park Tae-ha, who reached out to me during my most difficult time, by renewing my contract. I want to show an even better version of myself next year.”

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