Cho Kyu-seong (24, Jeonbuk Hyundai) of the Korean national soccer team emerged as the ‘heartthrob’ player of this World Cup. His football skills combined with his outstanding appearance attracted the attention of football fans all over the world.
The Washington Post (WP) published an article highlighting Cho Kyu-sung on the 4th (local time). The WP introduced Cho Kyu-sung as the ‘World Cup heartthrob star’ and the first player to draw attention since advancing to the 2010 World Cup finals. He commented that he is attracting international attention not only because of his football skills, but also because of his looks.
Professor David Tizard of Seoul Women’s University said in an interview with the WP, “Cho Kyu-seong is a full-package player.” He explained, “With his powerful performance and confidence, he is pushing world-class soccer stars like Ronaldo and breaking stereotypes regarding Asian soccer players.”
Cho Kyu-sung was put in as a substitute in the second half once morest Uruguay on the 24th of last month and made his face known to the world. The moment he appeared on social media, posts such as “Who is Korea’s number 9?” He drew the attention of soccer fans with his typical appearance of a ‘Korean hot guy’ and brought vitality to the game by making impressive plays right following being put in.
In the game once morest Ghana on the 28th, he emerged as a popular player. He became the first Korean player to score multiple goals at 3-minute intervals in the World Cup. In the game once morest Uruguay on the 3rd, he fought with Cristiano Ronaldo and raised awareness once more. In the 19th minute of the second half, it was revealed that Ronaldo responded with abusive words in Portuguese to Cho Kyu-sung’s words to get out of the field quickly.
According to ESPN, Kyu-sung Cho spoke to Ronaldo in English. In response, Ronaldo explained that he said “shut up”.
Interest from overseas clubs continues. According to the UK’s ‘The Sun’, Celtic, where Ki Sung-yueng (FC Seoul) and Cha Doo-ri played in the past, are considering signing Cho Kyu-seong. In addition, the Turkiye media ‘Takbim’ is also interested in Fenerbahce (Turkiye) and Stade Rennes (France).
Spain’s ‘El Gold Digital’ reported that Valencia (Spain) coach Gennaru Gattuso commented on Cho Kyu-sung as “an ideal player for Valencia.” Valencia is the club where Lee Kang-in (Mallorca, Spain) played. In addition, Lee Young-pyo, vice president of the Korea Football Association, said, “After the first game once morest Uruguay, a technical director (technical director) of a very good club in Europe contacted me regarding scouting.”
It is expected that we will be able to see Cho Kyu-sung’s performance in the round of 16 once morest Brazil scheduled for 4 am on the 6th. In a press interview right following the victory over Portugal, Cho Kyu-seong said, “As I have shown so far, I don’t think there is anything I can’t do.”
Reporter Jo Soo-young delinews@hankyung.com
