Ye-geon Kim
Full name in native alphabet: 김예건
Height: 167cm
Youth career: Cheongju FCK, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (since 2021)
Current club: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
Squad number: —
Current national team: South Korea U-17
Position: central midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): —
Tournaments participated in: AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 (5/1)
Contract until: unknown
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: Santi Cazorla
Strengths:
– acceleration 
– passing
– vision
– technique
– ball control
– creativity
– mobility
– agility
– two-footedness
– bravery
– pace 
– football IQ
– work rate
– set pieces
To improve:
– player of a small frame who’s vulnerable in contact duels and needs to work hard on his physicality — even though he’ll probably never become a physically dominant presence
– energetic and tenacious, capable of dispossessing opponents thanks to his explosiveness and aggressive pressing jumps, though his defensive positioning can still be somewhat chaotic
– slightly overambitious with his on-the-ball decisions, which can lead to turnovers in dangerous areas
Style of play:
– roaming playmaker/advanced playmaker
– versatile midfielder who’s constantly on the move, he enjoys roaming in the opposition’s half and thrives when given creative freedom — whether in a midfield three, as a number 10, or even out wide
– player with a low centre of gravity, superb agility, speed, flair, changes of pace, and coordination
– dynamic and skillful ball carrier, capable of progressing play with flair and close control
– highly mobile, he enjoys having the ball at his feet and consistently makes himself available as an additional passing option
– vertical-minded and always looks to push his team forward through progressive passes and driving carries
– good dribbler with futsal-like close control, quick feet, body balance, and high on-the-ball bravery, capable of weaving through defenses with effective solo runs
– shows great confidence in playing incisive passes, frequently unlocking defenses and putting his teammates in scoring positions
– fantastic footwork, ball control, and trickery in tight spaces
– excellent ball manipulation and passing ability at top speed
– energetic, very positive on the ball, and confident of his skills
– dangerous on the counterattack due to his pace and movement, combining well in fast, 1-2 plays
– good direct and indirect set-piece taker
– almost perfectly two-footed
Kim carries the ball forward, combines quickly with the striker in a one-two, and plays an intelligent pass out wide to the wing.
Kim intercepts the ball with a well-timed pressing jump and plays a superb pass that leads to a penalty.
Kim makes a vertical run, showcases his fantastic acceleration, and creates a good chance with a superb cutback.
Heatmap by Wyscout:
He is best suited to playing as:
Central midfielder in 4-3-3.
Video:
Achievements:
—
League summary (as of 29 April 2025):
No senior team appearances yet.
Description:
Ye-geon Kim joined Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors — an academy that has made significant strides in recent years — in 2021 from Cheongju FCK. He’s widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents of his generation in Asia. He was one of the key players for South Korea at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2025, where the young Taegeuk Warriors made the semi-final.
Quotes:
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Football Talent Scout potential rating:
8,5/10 
First team material in a top European league.
Links: