"a symbol of consistency" Lee Jae-sung (33, Mainz) has finally joined South Korea's "century club".
Lee Jae-sung started in the friendly against Brazil at 8 p.m. at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 10th, marking his 100th A match appearance. With this, Lee Jae-sung became the 18th member of the century club in the history of Korean football.
He had reached 99 A matches during the U.S. tour in September, but the right hamstring injury at the time prevented him from playing against Mexico and postponed the milestone. He then returned to his club, 1. FSV Mainz 05, to focus on rehabilitation and recovery, and he was fully fit ahead of the Brazil match. After closely checking Lee Jae-sung's condition, coach Hong Myung-bo included him in the starting lineup for the Brazil match.
Lee Jae-sung made his A match debut in March 2015 in a friendly against Uzbekistan. For the next 10 years he consistently held the midfield for the national team. From his days known as "the heart of Jeonbuk" to after settling in Germany, he was repeatedly called up to the national team. Playing between attacking midfield and central midfield and quietly linking the team was why coach Hong Myung-bo consistently trusted him.
The Seoul World Cup Stadium was hot with two major records that day. Captain Son Heung-min set the record for most appearances for the South Korean men's national team (137 matches), and his same-age teammate Lee Jae-sung joined the century club.
Son Heung-min, who has worn the Taegeuk badge for 15 years, and Lee Jae-sung, who has quietly borne the team's heart for 10 years. On Oct. 10, when their footsteps overlapped, the rain-soaked Seoul World Cup Stadium witnessed another chapter in Korean football history.
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