Lee Young-pyo

Lee Young-pyo (Korean: 이영표; Korean pronunciation: [i.jʌŋ.pʰjo]; born 23 April 1977) is a retired South Korean 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]

Lee Young-pyo
Lee with Vancouver in 2011.
Personal information
Full name Lee Young-pyo
Date of birth (1977-04-23) 23 April 1977
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
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1996–1999 Konkuk University
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)
National team
1999–2000 South Korea U23 14 (1)
2002 South Korea U23 (WC) 9 (0)
1999–2011 South Korea 127 (5)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only
Lee Young-pyo
Hangul
이영표
Hanja
李榮杓
Revised RomanizationI Yeong-pyo
McCune–ReischauerI Yŏngp'yo
In this Korean name, the family name is Lee.

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.

Playing career

Anyang LG Cheetahs

Lee attended Konkuk University in Seoul and began his professional career at FC Seoul, then known as Anyang LG Cheetahs of K League. He contributed to team's 2000 K League title and 2001–02 Asian Club Championship runner-up. Lee played for the South Korea national team in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and assisted two winning goals against Portugal and Italy with crosses. He followed Guus Hiddink and teammate Park Ji-sung to PSV Eindhoven after the success in the World Cup.

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 AC 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 Young Pyo, 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 A.S. 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 German club Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.[9] He consistently appeared early in the season and Borussia Dortmund announced that Lee's contract was extended to Summer 2010 in December but he was benched after vice-captain Dedé recovered from his injury.[10]

Al-Hilal

On 10 July 2009, Lee signed for Al-Hilal for one million euros for one year, with an option by Al-Hilal to renew for a second year.[11] He made 46 league appearances over a two-year spell at Al-Hilal. After the 2010–11 campaign, he was offered another extension, but refused and decided to leave the Riyadh-based club.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Lee officially signed with Vancouver on 6 December 2011.[12] 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[13] after helping the team become the first Canadian team to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs.

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.[14]

Personal life

Lee is known to be a devout Christian.[15]

Career statistics

Club
As of 20 September 2017
Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Total
Division AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals
Anyang LG Cheetahs2000K League152003020202
2001K League220107020320
2002K League231100050291
Total6032010090813
PSV Eindhoven2002–03Eredivisie15020—00170
2003–04Eredivisie32020—120460
2004–05Eredivisie31140—140491
2005–06Eredivisie3000—0030
Total81180—2601151
Tottenham Hotspur2005–06Premier League3100010—320
2006–07Premier League210501040310
2007–08Premier League180204060300
Total7007060100930
Borussia Dortmund2008–09Bundesliga18020—20220
Al-Hilal2009–10Saudi Professional League220404061361
2010–11Saudi Professional League240000040280
Total6406040121861
Vancouver Whitecaps FC2012Major League Soccer33120——351
2013Major League Soccer32020——340
Total65140——691
Career total 34052702005714446

    International
    National teamYearAppsGoals
    South Korea U23 199971
    200070
    200290
    Total231
    South Korea 199930
    2000203
    2001140
    2002200
    200340
    2004120
    200582
    2006100
    200720
    200870
    2009100
    2010110
    201160
    Total1275
    Career total1506

    International goals
    Scores and results list Korea Republic's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Lee goal.
    DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
    28 July 2000Workers' Stadium, Beijing, China China PR1–01–0Korea-China Annual Match
    4 October 2000Al-Maktoum Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates1–11–1 (2–3 PSO)2000 LG Cup
    13 October 2000International Olympic Stadium, Tripoli, Lebanon China PR1–02–22000 AFC Asian Cup
    9 February 2005Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea Kuwait2–02–02006 FIFA World Cup qualification
    30 March 2005Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea Uzbekistan1–02–12006 FIFA World Cup qualification

    Honours

    Anyang LG Cheetahs

    PSV Eindhoven

    Tottenham Hotspur

    Al-Hilal

    South Korea U23

    South Korea

    Individual

    References
    1. 네이버 인물검색 (in Korean). Naver People Search. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
    2. Duerden, John. "John Duerden reports on Tottenham's new Korean star". Soccerphile.com. Soccerphile. Retrieved 18 August 2007.
    3. "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". English.Chosun.com. 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. 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". KBS. 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. 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.
    13. "Vancouver Whitecaps FC announce 2012 Team Awards – presented by BMO Bank of Montreal". WhitecapsFC.com. Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
    14. Clipperton, Joshua. "Camilo hat trick gives Whitecaps season-ending victory". TheGlobeandMail.com. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
    15. Lee, Courtney (12 June 2006). "Christian Beliefs Will Bring Success, says South Korea Football Player". ChristianToday.com. Christian Today. Retrieved 18 August 2007.
    16. Lee, Seung-soo; Schöggl, Hans; Trevena, Mark (13 May 2020). "South Korea - List of Champions". RSSSF. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
    17. Lee, Seung-soo; Trevena, Mark (8 April 2020). "South Korea - List of Cup Winners". RSSSF. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
    18. Fujioka, Atsushi; Halchuk, Stephen; Stokkermans, Karel (25 March 2020). "Asian Champions' Cup". RSSSF. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
    19. "Netherlands - Champions". RSSSF. 26 September 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
    20. van Seventer, Mark (1 September 2005). "Netherlands Cup (Amstel Cup) 2004/05". RSSSF. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
    21. Stokkermans, Karel (1 August 2019). "Netherlands - List of Super Cup Finals". RSSSF. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
    22. Fujioka, Atsushi; Qayed, Mohammed (1 September 2020). "Saudi Arabia - List of Champions". RSSSF. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
    23. King, Ian; Qayed, Mohammed (27 August 2020). "Saudi Arabia - List of Cup Winners". RSSSF. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
    24. "Football Men's (Final Result) - Match Schedule". Busan Asian Games. Archived from the original on 10 January 2003. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
    25. "2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan ™ - Matches - Korea Republic-Turkey". FIFA. Archived from the original on 8 April 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
    26. Stokkermans, Karel (7 February 2019). "Asian Nations Cup". RSSSF. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
    27. 프로축구 시상식, 19일 타워호텔서 개최 (in Korean). Yonhap News Agency. 18 December 2001.
    28. "Whitecaps FC Player Awards". Vancouver Whitecaps FC. 1 January 2018.
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