South Korean forward Ji Dong-won, who helped the country win bronze at the 2012 London Olympics and played professionally in England and Germany, has announced his retirement after a 16-year career.
The 35-year-old announced the decision on social media Monday, saying he was ending the playing career he began in 2010. He thanked those who supported him and said he would carry his passion for soccer into the next chapter of his life.
The 1.88-meter forward began his professional career with the Jeonnam Dragons in 2010 after spending a year training with English club Reading through a Korea Football Association development program.
Ji recorded seven goals and three assists in 22 matches during his rookie K League season. He joined English Premier League club Sunderland in June 2011, becoming the youngest South Korean to play in the league at the time.
One of his most memorable moments came in January 2012, when he scored a stoppage-time winner against Manchester City and was kissed by a Sunderland supporter during the celebration.
Ji later played in Germany for Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund, Darmstadt, Mainz and Eintracht Braunschweig. He returned to the K League with FC Seoul in 2021 and joined Suwon FC in 2024.
He moved to Australian A-League club Macarthur FC in August 2025 and retired after his contract expired.
Ji scored 11 goals in 55 appearances for South Korea. He scored in the quarterfinals of the 2012 London Olympics and helped the country win its first Olympic medal in men's soccer.
(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)
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