Kim Yong-sik is often regarded as the godfather of South Korean football, highlighting his immense influence on the sport.
He was the only Korean footballer called up to the Japan national team during the Japanese occupation, showcasing his exceptional talent.
After retiring, Kim managed the South Korean national team in the 1954 FIFA World Cup and the 1960 AFC Asian Cup, winning the Asian Cup title.
Biography
Early Life and Background
Kim Yong-sik was a prominent South Korean football player and manager, born in 1910 and passing away in 1985. He is often referred to as the godfather of South Korean football, a testament to his significant contributions to the sport in the region. His early life was marked by a passion for football, which he pursued diligently throughout his career.
Playing Career
Kim's football journey began with Gyeongseong FC, where he played from 1933 to 1937. He later joined the Japan men's national football team, representing them from 1936 to 1940. Notably, he was the only Korean player selected for the Japanese national team during the Japanese occupation of Korea. He made a significant impact at the 1936 Summer Olympics, assisting in Japan's victory against Sweden. After returning to Korea, he played for Pyongyang FC from 1940 to 1942 and then rejoined Gyeongseong FC from 1946 to 1948. His international career continued with the South Korea men's national team from 1945 to 1950, where he achieved a historic victory against Mexico as a player-coach in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Managerial Career and Legacy
After retiring as a player, Kim transitioned into management, leading the South Korean national team during the 1954 FIFA World Cup and the 1960 AFC Asian Cup, where he guided his team to an Asian Cup title. His style of play was characterized by speed, technical skill, and a strong work ethic, which made him a standout player in both Japan and Korea. Kim's dedication to football and his healthy lifestyle allowed him to continue playing until the age of forty, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
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Career & Clubs
Kim managed South Korean national team in the 1954 FIFA World Cup and the 1960 AFC Asian Cup after his retirement. He led his country to an Asian Cup title.
Kim played international football for both Japan and South Korea. When Korea was ruled by Japan, Kim was the only Korean footballer called up to the Japan national team for the Summer Olympics. He contributed to Japan's victory by assisting the winning goal in the first round of the 1936 Summer Olympics against Sweden. After the Olympics, Kim joined Waseda University which had many of Japan's national players, but he went back to Korea after experiencing discrimination against Koreans. Kim could participate in the Olympics as a Korean player after the end of the Japanese occupation. He achieved the first-ever victory of South Korean football against Mexico as a player-coach in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Kim had a fast pace, elaborate techniques, and high work capacity that most footballers need. Japan could not ignore his abilities; he was called up to the Japan national team. He played as a centre-half, but he was a playmaker who took part in the attack.
- Club
- Gyeongseong FC (1933–1937)
- Club
- Pyongyang FC (1940–1942)
- Club
- Gyeongseong FC (1946–1948)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1936–1940)
- Club
- South Korea men's national football team (1945–1950)
- National team
- Japan
- National team
- South Korea
Personal
Kim was diligent and only absorbed in football. He completely avoided harmful things to the human body, and had a passion for training. His healthy habits made him continue his playing career until the age of forty.
Clubs
- Gyeongseong FC1933–1937
- Japan men's national football team1936–1940
- Pyongyang FC1940–1942
- South Korea men's national football team1945–1950
- Gyeongseong FC1946–1948
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Japanese and South Korean association football player (1910-1985)
Kim Yong-sik was a South Korean football player and manager. He is esteemed as the godfather of the South Korean football.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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