Ji So-Yun: South Korea’s Greatest Player and Goalscorer
Ji So-Yun is a South Korean football icon, has left an indelible mark on both domestic and international football. She is regarded as one of the best Asian players of all time, along with the likes of Homare Sawa, Yui Hasegawa, Hinata Miyazawa and Wang Shuang.
She has achieved remarkable success throughout her career. From her early days as a promising young talent to her current status as a legend of the game, Join us as we unveil the journey of Ji So-Yun thus far.
Player Profile – Ji So-Yun
Ji So-yun is a distinguished South Korean midfielder whose career is highlighted by significant achievements and international recognition. She began her professional journey with INAC Kobe Leonessa in Japan, before making a notable move to Chelsea FC in January 2014.
At Chelsea, Ji earned the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year award in April 2015 and was instrumental in winning the FA Women’s Cup and the FA WSL title, contributing to the club’s historic League and Cup double. After returning to South Korea with Suwon FC then signing with Seattle Reign FC in January 2024 to play in the NWSL.
On the international stage, Ji has been a vital player for the South Korean national team since her debut in 2006, becoming their all-time leading goal scorer and earning acclaim for her performances in tournaments like the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Player Profile Overview
| Player Name | Ji So-Yun |
| Date of Birth | 21 February 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
| Height | 1.60 m |
| Weight | 110 pounds |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Current Club | Seattle Reign FC |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Youth Career | Dongsan Info & Industry HS Hanyang Women’s University South Korea U17 South Korea U20 |
| Senior Career | INAC Kobe Leonessa Chelsea 124 Suwon FC Seattle Reign FC South Korea |
| Awards & Recognition | 2009 Summer Universiade Most Valuable Player 2009 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship top goalscorer 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Silver Ball 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Silver Shoe 7x Korean FA Women’s Player of the Year 2014 FA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year 2014-15 PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year 5x PFA Women’s Super League Team of the Year 2021 IFFHS Asian Women’s Team of All Time 2022 WK League Midfielder of the Year |
Ji So-Yun’s Early Life and Background
Ji So-Yun was born on February 25, 1991 in Seoul, South Korea. Her early life was marked by a passion for football, which she developed while watching her brothers play.
Despite facing initial opposition from her parents, Ji So-Yun’s talent and determination eventually convinced them to support her pursuit of a football career.
Ji So-Yun’s Playing Style and Strength
Ji So-yun possesses exceptional creativity and vision in midfield, allowing her to orchestrate attacks and set up scoring opportunities with precise passes. Her technical skills enable her to dribble past defenders and maintain possession under pressure.
She is versatile in her role, she excels as an attacking or central midfielder, contributing significantly in both offensive and defensive phases.
Ji’s work rate, tactical intelligence, and proficiency in set pieces further enhance her impact on the game, making her a dynamic and influential presence on the field.
Ji So-Yun’s Career Highlights
Ji So-yun began her professional career in Japan with INAC Kobe Leonessa, where she played from 2011 to 2013, helping the team achieve success in the Nadeshiko League.
In November 2013, she attracted attention from English club Chelsea, leading to a transfer bid. Ji agreed to a two-year contract with Chelsea in January 2014, and her move was officially confirmed later that month.
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes praised Ji as “one of the best midfielders in the world.” Before joining Chelsea, Ji notably scored against them in the International Women’s Club Championship final, one of her last matches for INAC Kobe Leonessa.
Ji So-Yun’s European Adventure with Chelsea
Ji So-Yun joined Chelsea in January 2014, becoming one of the first high-profile international signings under manager Emma Hayes becoming the first Korean to play in the WSL in England.
In her debut season, Ji was named Chelsea’s Players’ Player of the Year as she helped the team come close to winning the FA WSL 1 title, narrowly missing out on the last day of the season.
Winning the League Cup Double
Ji So-Yun’s influence grew rapidly, and she was named the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year in April 2015 and she was also included in the PFA WSL Team of the Year, highlighting her status as one of the league’s best players.
One of Ji’s most memorable moments came in the 2015 FA Women’s Cup Final, where she scored the only goal in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Notts County at Wembley Stadium, securing the club’s first-ever FA Women’s Cup.
Later in 2015, Ji played a crucial role in Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Sunderland, scoring in the match that secured the club’s first FA WSL title, completing a historic League and Cup double.
Ji So-Yun Continued Excellence
Over the years, Ji was central to Chelsea’s dominance in English women’s football, helping the team win multiple FA WSL titles (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021) and FA Cups. Her vision, creativity, and goal-scoring ability from midfield made her a consistent match-winner.
Ji So-Yun also played a significant role in Chelsea’s deep runs in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, with the club reaching the final for the first time in 2021.
Her influence extended beyond her on-field performances, as she became a leader within the team and a role model for younger players. During her time at Chelsea, she played alongside the likes of Pernille Harder and Bethany England.
Return to South Korea with Suwon FC
After eight successful years at Chelsea, Ji decided to leave the club in 2022 to return to South Korea. By the time of her departure, she had established herself as a club legend, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s rise as a dominant force in women’s football.
Ji So-yun returned to South Korea and joined Suwon FC in the WK League on 24 May 2022, marking her first stint with a South Korean club. She made an impressive debut on 18 August 2022, scoring a brace in a 3–0 victory against Boeun Sangmu. Her return to the WK League highlighted her continued prowess and impact in domestic football.
On 24 January 2024, Seattle Reign FC, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club, announced the signing of Ji So-yun on a two-year contract through the 2025 season. This move marked Ji’s return to the top tier of women’s football in the United States, bringing her international experience and playmaking abilities to the NWSL.
Ji So-Yun’s International Career
Ji So-yun had an outstanding performance at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, establishing herself as a key player for South Korea and one of the tournament’s top scorers with 8 goals.
Her versatility and technical skill were on full display, as she scored from various positions and situations, including long-range shots and set pieces.
Ji was instrumental in South Korea’s impressive run to the semifinals, with her goals often proving decisive, such as her brace in the quarterfinal against Mexico.
Although South Korea finished fourth, Ji’s performances earned her recognition as one of the tournament’s standout players, winning the Silver Ball and the Silver Boot at the tournament behind Alexandra Popp and marking her as a rising star in women’s football.
National Team Debut
Ji So-yun made her senior debut for the South Korean national team on October 28, 2006, at just 15 years old, in a match against Chinese Taipei during the 2006 AFC Women’s Asian Games. Her early start in international football highlighted her exceptional talent and potential
Ji scored her first senior international goal against the Chinese Taipei making her the youngest player to score for the South Korean national team at the age of 15. This goal was the first of many, as she quickly established herself as a key player for the national team.
Ji So-Yun’s Prolific Scoring Record
Over her career, Ji has become South Korea’s all-time leading goal scorer, amassing over 70 goals in more than 140 appearances. Her ability to score consistently from midfield has made her an invaluable asset to the team
Ji has delivered numerous memorable performances for South Korea. One of her standout moments came during the 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where she scored three goals, helping South Korea secure a fourth-place finish and qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Ji So-yun was instrumental in South Korea’s historic performance at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time.
After an opening loss to Brazil, Ji played a key role in a 2-2 draw against Costa Rica and scored the crucial equalizer in a 2-1 victory over Spain that secured South Korea’s spot in the knockout stage.
In the knockout stage, Ji and South Korea were outclassed and defeated 3-0 by a French team that included defensive stalwart Wendie Renard and the elegant and classy midfielder Louisa Nécib.
Ji So-Yun reached the landmark of 100 international caps in April 2018, during a friendly match against Iceland. This milestone solidified her status as a veteran leader and a legend in South Korean women’s football.
The South Korean also played a vital role in her country’s campaign for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she consistently delivered strong performances, though the team narrowly missed out on qualification.
Football Heroes and Idols
Ji So-yun draws inspiration from Park Ji-sung, a South Korean football legend known for his successful stints with PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United. Park’s work ethic, versatility, and leadership have profoundly influenced Ji, motivating her to achieve excellence and push her boundaries in football.
Conclusion
Ji So-Yun’s legacy in South Korean football is undeniable. Her exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and leadership have inspired countless players and elevated the women’s game in her country.
As one of the most accomplished and respected footballers in Asia, Ji So-Yun’s contributions to the sport will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
