LEE KANG-IN JOINS ATLÉTICO MADRID ON FIVE-YEAR DEAL

Lee Kang-in wears his Atletico Madrid uniform, in a picture posted on Atletico Madrid's Instagram page. (Atletico Madrid

South Korea international Lee Kang-in has completed a transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Atletico Madrid, the Spanish club announced on Friday.

Atletico Madrid confirmed the signing through its official website and social media channels. Lee has signed a five-year contract that runs through June 30, 2031.

"The club has reached an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for the transfer of South Korea international Lee Kang-in," Atletico said in a statement.

The club described Lee as a midfielder for the South Korean national team who played at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was part of PSG's UEFA Champions League-winning squads in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

Lee will wear the No. 7 shirt at Atletico.

The move marks Lee's return to Spain's La Liga three years after leaving Mallorca for PSG in July 2023.

According to local media reports, Atletico Madrid will pay PSG a transfer fee of 35 million euros ($40 million), with an additional 5 million euros in performance-based bonuses.

Atletico Madrid is one of Spain's most successful clubs, having won 11 La Liga titles. During his five seasons in Spain before joining PSG, Lee made 135 official appearances, scoring 10 goals, including nine goals in 110 La Liga matches.

(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)

- Korea Herald

LIVERPOOL UNVEIL NEW £60M DEFENDER JEREMY JACQUET - AS ENGLISH FOOTBALL AGENTS INVOLVED IN DEAL FOR 20-YEAR-OLD LAUNCH NEW FRENCH VENTURE

English agency Unique Sports Group has invested in leading French counterparts One Team Football, to launch Unique France.

The two have collaborated on the £60million deal that took 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes to Liverpool which was confirmed today.

The move brings together two of the more established football agencies in England and France, combining decades of experience, extensive international networks and a shared philosophy of developing and representing elite players throughout all stages of their careers.

Unique already have operations in the UK, Germany, Spain, South Korea, Ivory Coast and the UAE.

One Team client Jeremy Jacquet, regarded as the best defensive prospect coming out of France, officially became a Liverpool player today on a five-year contract in a transaction where Unique Sports Group worked alongside Michael Manuello from the French agency.

Unique also concluded the transfer of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona in May, two of the biggest moves in terms of fees for the summer window so far.

Liverpool's new signing Jeremy Jacquet with Will Salthouse and Michael Manuello 

Unique’s client roster also includes three members of England’s World Cup squad in Gordon, Marc Guehi and Dean Henderson, as well as Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix who is representing France.

Discussing the launch of Unique France, Will Salthouse, CEO and founder of Unique Sports Group said: 'When Unique was formed, the ambition was always to build a business that could grow beyond the UK and become one of football's leading international agencies.

By making a key investment with One Team and launching Unique France alongside Michael and his team it represents another significant step on that journey. France continues to produce some of the world's best talent and bringing together the strengths of both businesses creates an exciting platform for the future.'

Steve Hitchen, Director of Football at Unique Sports Group added: 'I've known Michael and One Team for many years. They have built an outstanding reputation through their knowledge of the French market and their ability to identify and develop top players. 

'Bringing our joint experience together through Unique France is hugely exciting, not only because of the quality of players already within each of our organisations, but because of what we can build together over the coming years.'

Michael Manuello, founder of One Team Football said: 'This is an exciting new chapter for One Team. We have built a fantastic business in France and are proud of the players we represent. 

'Joining forces with Unique in this venture gives us access to one of the strongest Premier League platforms in football, creating even more opportunities for our clients and allowing us to continue doing what we do best in France. We share the same values and long-term vision, and I'm excited about what we can achieve together through Unique France.'

- SIMON JONES

POLICE LAUNCH INVESTIGATION AFTER MANAGER IS SUBJECT TO DEATH THREATS AFTER WORLD CUP EXIT

After missing out on a place in the round of 32 on goal difference, South Korea are heading home from the World Cup.

Everything looked like it was going to plan for the Taegeuk Warriors, after a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their opening match, but two successive defeats, to co-hosts Mexico and then to South Africa, have cost them dearly.

As with many nations who have high hopes of their side making a big push at the tournament, it sparked national outrage when it was confirmed they’d play no further part at the World Cup, but one post online has gone way too far, targeting the manager and former captain of the national side, Hong Myung-bo.

South Korea Boss Subjected to Death Threats Online

In the wake of their exit, South Korean police have now launched an investigation after a violent death threat was posted online targeting Hong, one of Korea's best players of all time. The post, made by someone who is supposedly a 41-year-old American citizen, threatened to kill Hong at Incheon International Airport upon his return home.

Authorities are now considering intimidation charges and working to track down the suspect's identity, as public anger over the team's tournament exit continues to brew.

The threat represents a serious escalation of frustration that has already manifested in several other forms. A doctored image circulated online appeared to suggest Hong ordered players to scatter upon his arrival at the airport, while "Hong Myung-bo banned" notices have reportedly been posted at restaurants and cafes across Gyeonggi Province.

The anger largely stems from Korea's 0-1 defeat to South Africa in their final Group A match, which they were heavily backed to win and progress into the knockout rounds. Police have confirmed they are monitoring Incheon Airport and other potential locations closely to ensure Hong's safety upon his return.

Hong Myung-bo's Future

Kim Soo-Hyeon via Reuters

The situation reignited questions surrounding Hong's controversial reappointment as head coach back in 2024, a decision that drew criticism over the transparency of the Korea Football Association's selection process at the time.

A petition calling for his immediate dismissal had already gathered enough support to trigger an initial review by the National Assembly, and the president of South Korea was even involved, though Hong has since resigned from his position.

Even so, the emergence of direct threats against his safety has shifted attention away from those administrative matters entirely, with authorities now focused on protecting him and holding whoever issued the threat accountable.

- Joshua Waite

FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

 

MEXICO WON A FIERCELY CONTESTED BATTLE VS. SOUTH KOREA

 

KOREA VS. CZECHIA | MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

 

GROUP A STANDINGS | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

 

SOUTH KOREA RALLY TO BEAT CZECHIA 2-1 ON WORLD CUP OPENING DAY

Second-half goals by Oh Hyeon-gyu and Hwang In-beom steered South Korea to a come-from-behind win over Czechia in a Group A encounter.

Goals from Oh Hyeon-gyu, left, and Hwang In-beom guided South Korea to a 2-1 comeback win over Czechia in the second match of the World Cup 2026 opening day [Matias Delacroix/AP

Hwang In-beom scored a goal and set up another as South Korea rallied to defeat Czechia 2-1 in the second match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday night in Zapopan, Mexico.

After a lacklustre first half in which both teams were jeered as they left the field, Czechia took the lead in the 59th minute on a header by captain Ladislav Krejci after a long throw-in into the penalty area.

Second-half goals by Oh Hyeon-gyu and Hwang In-beom steered South Korea to a come-from-behind win over Czechia in a Group A encounter.

South Korea equalised in the 67th minute, when Hwang scored after faking a shot with a nifty move to clear two Czech players. He then made the cross from the right flank for Oh Hyeon-gyu’s decisive strike in the 80th minute in a match played in front of hundreds of empty seats at Guadalajara Stadium.

Led by star forward Son Heung-min, South Korea controlled possession and outshot the Czechs, who were making their first World Cup appearance since 2006.

Oh Hyeon-gyu scored a goal in the 80th minute to seal a late comeback victory for South Korea [Daniel Becerril/Reuters]

The South Koreans, ranked 25th by FIFA, had most of the significant scoring chances against the 38th-ranked Czechs but failed to capitalise early.

The announced attendance was 44,985 at the 45,664-capacity Guadalajara Stadium. Sections in the middle of the stands had many unoccupied seats, and other empty seats were scattered across the stadium.

Earlier on Thursday, Mexico ignited their World Cup party with a dominant 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa, as the biggest edition of the global footballing showpiece kicked off at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

With three points each, Mexico sit on top of Group A, with South Korea second on goal difference. Czechia are third, and South Africa sit at the bottom. In the next round of Group A matches on June 18, Mexico face South Korea in Zapopan, while Czechia play South Africa in Atlanta.

The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, proceed to the knockouts, which begin with the round of 32.

- Al Jazeera Staff and The Associated Press 

CÔTE D'IVOIRE | LAST 3 GAMES

 

SOUTH KOREA | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

 

NORTH KOREAN CLUB NAEGOHYANG WOMEN'S TEAM TO PLAY IN SOUTH KOREA ON MAY 20

North Korean club team Naegohyang is expected to play a football match in South Korea on May 20. This will be the first time since 2018 that North Korea has sent athletes to compete in South Korea.

Naegohyang's women's team will face South Korea's Suwon in the semifinals of the Asian Champions League.

The South Korean Football Association says Naegohyang has submitted a list of players and officials expected to travel to Suwon. However, North Korean state media has not reported on the upcoming trip.

During the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, athletes from the two countries marched together and competed as a joint hockey team. By the end of that year, North Korean players participated in a table tennis tournament in South Korea, but since then relations between the countries have become frosty again and sports exchanges have ceased.

- TT News Agency

FIBA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP QUALIFYING GROUPS

 

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DAEGU MARATHON 2026

 

SOUTH KOREA SOLDIER SETS NEW PULL-UP WORLD RECORD

While most of us are gassed after 3 sets of 10, Oh Yohan was averaging 8 pull-ups every minute on the minute for nearly a full day to break the record. 

The South Korean soldier’s incredible feat was officially recognised by Guinness World Records last month. Head to the link in comments for how he did it.

- Men's Health UK

CURRENT WORLD CHAMPIONS

Current World Champions 🏆🌍

Reigning World Champions in men’s and women’s sports across the globe!

SINGAPORE SURPASSES SOUTH KOREA AS ASIA'S LEADING SPORTS TOURISM DESTINATION

Singapore has outperformed South Korea's Seoul to become "Asia's leading sports tourism destination" at this year's World Travel Awards.

Tourists pose for photos with the Marina Bay Sands at a popular tourist spot along Marina Bay in Singapore, July 24, 2015. Photo by Reuters

The city state held the title in 2023 but lost it to South Korea last year.

Singapore is a major sports tourism destination due to landmarks like the Singapore Sports Hub and events such as the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix.

The Sports Hub, a 35-hectare complex, includes the 55,000-seat National Stadium and the 12,000-seat Singapore Indoor Stadium, which host a wide array of international sporting and entertainment events.

The city-state's commitment to high-profile events, such as the F1 night race and major golf championships, further solidifies its status as a premier destination for both athletes and fans.

The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, recognize excellence in the travel and tourism industry and are often referred to as the "Oscars of the travel industry." These annual awards are determined by votes from both travel industry professionals and the public.

- Hoang Vu

2026 WORLD CUP | QUALIFIED TEAMS

 

EDDIE HOWE: MY RELATIONSHIP WITH ALEXANDER ISAK CHANGED ONCE HE WENT ON STRIKE

The 25-year-old missed the club’s pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea and was left training by himself on the squad’s return before eventually getting his wish with a deadline day move to Anfield.

HOWE TIMES HAVE CHANGED: Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has revealed his relationship with striker Alexander Isak broke down after the player went on strike (John Walton/PA)

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted his relationship with Alexander Isak became “difficult” after he went on strike in an attempt to force through his move to Liverpool.

The 25-year-old Sweden international missed the club’s pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea and was left training by himself on the squad’s return before eventually getting his wish with a deadline day move to Anfield which netted the Magpies £130million.

Asked about his relationship with the man he signed from Real Sociedad for £63million during the summer of 2022, head coach Howe said: “Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship. I loved working with him and I hope he loved working with us.

“It was mutually beneficial. We helped him become the player that he in part is today, and he helped us as a team achieve some unbelievable milestones. He was part of a very successful team.

“But to give you a bit more on that, the moment he went on strike, our relationship did change. I think that was probably a turning point in our relationship. Communication became difficult from that point onwards. I won’t go into any more detail than that.”

Isak’s departure prompted Newcastle to invest £69m in VfL Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who cost them £55m, and the former could make his debut against Wolves on Saturday.

However, Wissa will not be involved after returning from international duty with DR Congo with a knee injury which could also rule him out of Thursday night’s Champions League opener against Barcelona.

"The moment he went on strike, our relationship did change"

Asked if the 29-year-old would be available for the Premier League fixture, Howe said: “Unfortunately not, no, so he won’t make this game.

“I saw him for the first time yesterday, he’s feeling the effects of the injury he sustained just before he came off, so we’re going to have to see how he is.”

Asked further about the severity of Wissa’s problem, Howe added: “I don’t know currently as I sit here. I think he’ll go away for tests and maybe see a specialist to see.”

Woltemade could get his first taste of St James’ Park on Saturday, and Howe has called for patience as the 23-year-old Germany international attempts to plug a sizeable gap.

Newcastle new boy Jacob Ramsey is facing a month on the sidelines (Nigel French/PA)

Howe said: “I think it would have been impossible to have replaced Alex like-for-like. There’s no other player like Alex, he was totally unique. He had his qualities and I think it’s important we don’t compare whoever we bring in to Alex, because I think that’s very difficult to do.

“I think each player that comes in is an individual in their own right and has their own strengths and weaknesses. There will be a process where we have to mould ourselves to them, and vice-versa.”

Wissa’s absence, coupled with that of fellow summer arrival Jacob Ramsey, who will be sidelined until after the October international break with an ankle injury, represents a significant blow to Howe, who is already without the suspended Anthony Gordon.

- DAMIAN SPELLMAN, PA

FIFA WORLD CUP HOSTS