In 2025, Lee Kang-in (PSG) saw his year halted by an injury. It was a misfortune at the best moment.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) drew 1-1 with Flamengo in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 final at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Qatar on the 18th (all times KST) and won 2-1 on penalties to claim the title. Lee Kang-in also raised the trophy with a bright face immediately after the match and shared the joy.
PSG swept the 2025 season, starting with Ligue 1, then the UEFA Champions League, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, completing a rare six-title season.
But for Lee Kang-in there was regret behind the smile. He started the final but collided with an opponent around the 31st minute of the first half, grabbed his thigh and collapsed. He could not get up easily and was eventually substituted. He was also seen uncomfortable with his leg during the victory ceremony.
With the possibility of a hamstring injury raised, Lee Kang-in's absence became a reality. PSG excluded Lee Kang-in from the Coupe de France round of 64 away squad against Bendy Fonteney Foot (French fifth tier) that it released on the 20th. Because the list included many key players, his injury became even more apparent.
PSG said on its official website, "Lee Kang-in suffered a left thigh injury in the Flamengo match and is expected to be unavailable for several weeks." As a result, Lee Kang-in will not be able to play in the final match of 2025, and he will not be seen back on the pitch for the remainder of this year's schedule.
PSG's injury troubles are not limited to Lee Kang-in. Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who secured the trophy with a penalty shootout save in the final, faces reexamination in three to four weeks for a fractured left hand. Bradley Barcola, a rival for Lee Kang-in, also temporarily left the squad with muscle fatigue.
This is an especially unfortunate-timed injury for Lee Kang-in. He had been rising recently and was emerging as a regular-level player. He seized the opportunity amid the absences of Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, and in France there were even calls that PSG should start Lee Kang-in as the right-sided attacker.
But just as momentum was building, a thigh problem halted his flow. Manager Luis Enrique also showed trust by starting Lee Kang-in in the Intercontinental Cup final, but the unexpected injury stopped the plan.
Lee Kang-in must now prepare for recovery and a comeback. The question is how much Doué, Barcola, Seyi Ojo, Quentin Eustache and others will assert themselves in his absence. What matters for Lee Kang-in is complete recovery and not missing the next opportunity for competition.
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