Ahn Jung-hwan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ahn Jung-hwan

Ahn with Dalian Shide in 2009
Personal information
Full name	Ahn Jung-hwan
Date of birth	(1976-01-27) 27 January 1976 (age 48)
Place of birth	Paju, Gyeonggi, South Korea
Height	1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position	Attacking midfielder, striker
Youth career
?–1990	Namseoul Middle School
1991–1993	Seoul Technical High School [ko]
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1998–2002	Busan Daewoo Royals	54	(27)
2000–2002	→ Perugia (loan)	30	(5)
2002–2003	Shimizu S-Pulse	38	(14)
2004–2005	Yokohama F. Marinos	34	(16)
2005–2006	Metz	16	(2)
2006	MSV Duisburg	12	(2)
2007	Suwon Samsung Bluewings	15	(0)
2008	Busan IPark	19	(4)
2009–2011	Dalian Shide	65	(18)
Total		283	(88)
National team
1994	South Korea U20	4	(2)
1997	South Korea B
1997–2010	South Korea	71	(17)
Honours Representing  South Korea Men's football Summer Universiade Silver 1997 Sicily Team EAFF Championship Gold 2003 Japan Team East Asian Games Gold 1997 Busan Team
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Ahn Jung-hwan (Hangul: 안정환; RR: An Jeong-hwan, Korean pronunciation: [an.dʑʌŋ.ɦwan] or [an] [tɕʌŋ.ɦwan]; born 27 January 1976) is a South Korean former professional footballer, renowned television personality, and influential figure in Korean football. A versatile forward known for his technical skills, flair, and clutch goalscoring, Ahn represented South Korea in two FIFA World Cups, notably scoring a golden goal against Italy in 2002. Throughout his club career, he played for teams in South Korea, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, and China. Following his retirement, Ahn transitioned into a successful career in broadcasting, becoming a popular football commentator and television host. He is also recognized for his philanthropic endeavors and contributions to the development of Korean football.

Early life and Career

Ahn Jung-hwan was raised in poverty by his grandmother after his father passed away, leaving his mother unable to care for him. Despite his grandmother's initial concerns, Ahn joined his elementary school's football team, drawn to the bread and milk they provided. He quickly discovered his talent for the sport and began to excel.

Ahn's exceptional skills in high school attracted numerous offers from universities, including prestigious institutions like Yonsei University and Korea University. However, Ahn ultimately chose Ajou University due to their enticing offer, which included a substantial signing bonus and a guaranteed draft pick by the professional team Busan Daewoo Royals (later Busan IPark) upon graduation. Additionally, Ajou University agreed to Ahn's condition of accepting his entire high school team, solidifying his decision.

Ahn's presence at Ajou University ushered in a golden era for the team. A legendary moment occurred during the 1997 University Football Federation final against Hongik University. Ahn, returning from Italy after participating in the Summer Universiade, arrived directly from the airport at the match during the second half with Ajou University trailing 2-1. Despite his exhaustion from the long flight, Ahn scored two goals and provided an assist, leading Ajou University to a dramatic victory. His consistently outstanding performance throughout his university years, including his contribution to Ajou University's championship victory, led to his signing with the Busan Daewoo Royals, where he quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the K League Best XI in his debut year and winning the Most Valuable Player award in 1999.

In 1994, Ahn was selected for the South Korean under-20 team for the AFC Youth Championship. Three years later, he played for the South Korean Universiade team in the 1997 Summer Universiade, winning a silver medal.

Style of play

Ahn Jung-hwan was a unique player in South Korean football, often referred to as a "fantasista" for his creative and flair-filled style. He was ambidextrous, equally adept at using both feet, and is best described as a trequartista or a "9.5" player, operating between the midfield and forward lines.

Ahn possessed exceptional ball control, first touch, and dribbling ability, allowing him to navigate through tight spaces and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He was also a clinical finisher, capable of scoring with both feet and his head, despite his average height. His vision and passing ability were also noteworthy, enabling him to dictate the tempo of the game and unlock defenses with incisive through balls.

While primarily deployed as a second striker, Ahn's versatility allowed him to play in various attacking positions, including attacking midfielder and winger. He excelled in a free role, drifting between the lines and exploiting spaces in the opposition's defense.

However, Ahn's playing style was not without its drawbacks. His lack of physicality and defensive contributions limited his effectiveness in certain situations, particularly against physically imposing opponents. He was also prone to holding onto the ball for too long, sometimes hindering the team's overall attacking flow.

Comparisons and Legacy

Ahn Jung-hwan's playing style drew comparisons to Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero, and Paulo Dybala, showcasing his gifted attacking abilities and versatility in multiple positions. Like these players, Ahn was a creative and flair-filled player, often referred to as a "fantasista," but also shared their weaknesses, such as a lack of physicality and defensive contributions.

Ahn's career saw both triumphs and setbacks. While achieving success in South Korea, Japan, and China, his stints in Europe were less fruitful. Despite this, his impact on Korean football remains undeniable. He is remembered as one of the country's most talented and exciting players, and his contributions to the 2002 World Cup, where he scored crucial goals against the United States and Italy, will forever be etched in the annals of Korean football history.

Ahn's influence extended beyond the pitch, inspiring a generation of young footballers in South Korea. Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min has said of Ahn, "He was my hero when I was young. Watching him play in the 2002 World Cup, when I was in fourth grade, made me dream of becoming a football player."

Ahn's unique playing style and versatility were also recognized by his coaches and peers:

• Football legend Pelé: "Ahn Jung-hwan is the most technically gifted Asian player I have ever seen. He reminded me of Johan Cruyff."
• Former teammate Park Ji-sung: "I tried to imitate and follow Ahn Jung-hwan's skills, but it was impossible. He was a perfect player in terms of technique."
• Former South Korea national team manager Humberto Coelho: "Ahn Jung-hwan is not a striker... If I had to choose between Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan for a free role, I would choose Ahn Jung-hwan... he can play as beautifully as Ahn Jung-hwan."
• Former Japan national team manager Zico: "Ahn Jung-hwan's play in the match against Korea (on May 31st) is still fresh in my mind... Without an aggressive mindset like Ahn Jung-hwan's, Japan will continue to lose. Japanese players need to learn from him."

Club Career

Busan Daewoo Royals

In 1998, Ahn started his professional career in a K League club Busan Daewoo Royals. He was selected as one of the K League Best XI in that year after showing great performance as soon as he went there. The next year, in 1999, he was named the K League Most Valuable Player by leading his team to finish as a runner-up in the K League.

Loan to Perugia

In 2000, Ahn joined Perugia on loan, becoming the first South Korean footballer to play in Italy's Serie A. Despite facing challenges integrating into the team due to racist remarks from teammate Marco Materazzi and limited playing time, Ahn made 30 appearances and scored five goals over two seasons. He was often deployed as a substitute, yet he consistently demonstrated his impact on the pitch. Notably, he was named Man of the Match five times in his 30 appearances, a testament to his ability to change the course of a game despite limited minutes. His average match rating of 6.21 over two seasons also placed him among the top 25% of players in Serie A, further highlighting his effectiveness when given the opportunity.

His time in Perugia was marked by his performance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he scored a crucial golden goal against Italy, leading to their elimination. The following day, Perugia's owner, Luciano Gaucci, controversially terminated Ahn's contract, citing his goal as the reason and making xenophobic remarks about Ahn and the Korean nation. This decision was widely condemned as discriminatory and sparked a global outcry.

Although Gaucci later retracted his decision and offered Ahn a permanent contract, Ahn refused, leading to a legal dispute with the club. After FIFA intervened, Ahn was required to pay Perugia a compensation fee, which he did with the help of a Japanese entertainment company. This incident led to Ahn spending the next three years playing in the J1 League.

Ahn's experience in Perugia highlighted the challenges faced by Asian players in European football at the time, as well as the intersection of sports, politics, and national identity. Despite the controversy, Ahn's performances garnered attention from other Serie A clubs, such as Udinese and Lazio, who expressed interest in signing him before the World Cup incident.

Shimizu S-Pulse

In 2002, following a legal dispute with Perugia, Ahn joined Shimizu S-Pulse in the J1 League. Despite the circumstances surrounding his transfer, Ahn quickly adapted to Japanese football, scoring 7 goals in 15 appearances during his first season, including matches in the J.League Cup, Emperor's Cup, and AFC Champions League qualifiers.

Ahn continued his strong form in the 2003 season, becoming the club's top scorer with 19 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions. While Shimizu S-Pulse finished 11th in the league, Ahn's individual performances solidified his reputation as a talented striker and helped him regain his confidence after the tumultuous experience in Italy.

Yokohama F. Marinos

In 2004, Ahn transferred to Yokohama F. Marinos, the reigning J1 League champions. He quickly established himself as a key player, becoming the team's top scorer with 12 goals in 25 league appearances. His contributions helped Yokohama secure back-to-back league titles, defeating Urawa Red Diamonds in the championship playoffs.

Ahn's performance in 2004 was notable for his consistent goal-scoring ability, particularly in the first half of the season. However, a mid-season injury hampered his progress, and his overall impact on the team's success was somewhat limited by the presence of other players who also scored double-digit goals.

In 2005, Ahn continued his impressive form, scoring four goals in nine appearances before receiving an offer from FC Metz in Ligue 1, prompting his return to European football.

FC Metz

In July 2005, Ahn returned to Europe, signing a one-year contract with FC Metz in Ligue 1. He chose Metz despite receiving higher salary offers from other clubs, aiming to acclimate to European football ahead of the 2006 FIFA World Cup hosted in Germany. However, Metz struggled throughout the season, finishing in 19th place and facing relegation. Ahn's individual performance was also limited, scoring two goals in 16 league appearances.

Despite the team's challenges and his own limited impact, Ahn's time at Metz allowed him to gain valuable experience in one of Europe's top leagues. His performances earned him a spot on the South Korean national team for the 2006 World Cup, where he scored a crucial goal against Togo.

MSV Duisburg

Ahn with MSV Duisburg in 2006

After a successful spell in Japan, Ahn returned to Europe to play for French Ligue 1 team Metz in July 2005 and scored two goals in 16 outings. In January 2006, Ahn was invited to train with Blackburn Rovers but twice failed to show up, one of the dates being his birthday. In February, he secured a 17-month deal with a Bundesliga club MSV Duisburg to adapt to the environment of Germany, the host of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Ahn scored two goals in 12 outings, and his club was relegated from the Bundesliga. He was interested in a move to Heart of Midlothian of the Scottish Premier League, but it fell through.

Ahn was selected for the South Korean squad for the 2006 World Cup. He scored the winning goal after coming off the bench during the second half of the South Korean opening match, where they beat Togo 2–1. Thus, he became the Asian all-time scoring leader at the World Cup with three goals. He was released by Duisburg after the World Cup, and returned to South Korea, joining Suwon Samsung Bluewings on a one-year deal in January 2007.

Suwon Samsung Bluewings

In January 2007, Ahn returned to the K League, joining Suwon Samsung Bluewings. He initially showed promise, scoring a hat-trick in a League Cup match against Daejeon Citizen. However, his performance declined, and he was left out of the national team for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

During his time at Suwon, Ahn was involved in a controversial incident where he was verbally abused by FC Seoul fans, leading to a confrontation and his subsequent ejection from the match. This incident sparked widespread condemnation of the fans' behavior and further cemented Ahn's status as a beloved figure in Korean football.

Ahn's stint at Suwon was ultimately underwhelming, scoring five goals in 26 appearances across all competitions. He left the club at the end of the season and returned to his former club, Busan IPark.

Busan IPark

In 2008, Ahn returned to his former club, now known as Busan IPark. He regained his form, playing primarily as an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ahn's performance was praised for his playmaking abilities and vision, although some criticized his tendency to hold onto the ball for too long. Despite his contributions, Busan struggled and finished in a disappointing position.

At the end of the season, Ahn became a free agent. Although Busan expressed interest in re-signing him, negotiations broke down over salary disagreements. Ahn subsequently left the club and joined Dalian Shide in the Chinese Super League.

Dalian Shide

In 2009, Ahn joined Chinese Super League side Dalian Shide on a three-month contract, which was later extended until the end of the 2010 season. He experienced a resurgence in form, becoming a key player for the club and earning the nickname "King of Dalian" from local fans. In his first season, Ahn scored six goals and provided two assists in 26 appearances, showcasing his continued ability to contribute offensively.

Ahn's success continued in the 2010 season, where he scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 20 appearances, despite playing primarily as a midfielder. His performances helped Dalian Shide reach third place in the league standings and contend for a spot in the AFC Champions League. However, a knee injury sidelined Ahn for several matches, and the team's form dipped, ultimately finishing in sixth place. Despite this setback, Ahn was recognized as one of the top foreign players in the league.

Ahn re-signed with Dalian Shide for the 2011 season, but his playing time decreased, and his impact on the team diminished. He made 15 appearances, scoring two goals, before announcing his retirement from professional football in January 2012.

International Career

AFC U-20 Asian Cup

Ahn represented South Korea at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup in 1994, marking the beginning of his international career.

2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Ahn was part of the South Korean national team that participated in the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

2002 FIFA World Cup

Ahn emerged as a key player for South Korea in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Despite initial doubts from national team coach Guus Hiddink, Ahn proved his worth with impressive performances in pre-tournament friendlies, including a two-goal, one-assist game against Scotland. In the group stage, Ahn scored a crucial equalizer against the United States, securing South Korea's first point in the tournament. He continued to start in the following matches, showcasing his offensive prowess.

In the Round of 16 match against Italy, Ahn missed an early penalty but later scored a dramatic golden goal in extra time, securing South Korea's historic advancement to the quarterfinals. This goal is considered one of the most iconic moments in Korean football history, earning him the nickname "Lord of the Rings" due to his goal celebration. Ahn continued to start in the quarterfinal and semi-final matches, battling through rough play from opponents and contributing to South Korea's remarkable run to the semi-finals. In the third-place match against Turkey, Ahn scored a goal that was disallowed due to an offside call, highlighting his consistent attacking threat. Although South Korea ultimately finished fourth, Ahn's contributions throughout the tournament solidified his status as a national hero and a key figure in the country's football history.

'Ahn Jung-hwan reminds me of Romario in many ways. He reacts when provoked. I like that kind of player because they play a decisive role in winning games.' -Guus Hiddink, Korean national team coach (2001-2002)

2003 EAFF E-1 Football Championship

Ahn was a key player for South Korea in the inaugural EAFF E-1 Football Championship held in Japan. He scored a goal in South Korea's 3-1 victory over Hong Kong, contributing to the team's first-ever title in the tournament.

Prior to the tournament, on May 22, 2003, Ahn scored the winning goal in a 1-0 friendly victory against Japan in Tokyo. Despite being exempt from mandatory military service due to his performance in the 2002 World Cup, he was undergoing basic military training at the time and was briefly released to join the national team for the match. Due to his training and recent club commitments with Shimizu S-Pulse, Ahn did not participate in the EAFF tournament but his presence on the bench generated significant excitement among the fans.

2004 AFC Asian Cup

Ahn participated in his only AFC Asian Cup in 2004, held in China. He scored two goals for South Korea during the tournament, one each against the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait in the group stage. Despite his contributions, South Korea was eliminated in the quarterfinals after a 4-3 loss to Iran.

This marked Ahn's sole appearance in the AFC Asian Cup, as various circumstances prevented him from participating in other editions. He was too young for the 1996 tournament and was not selected for the 2000 edition due to limited playing time at his club, Perugia. In 2007, he was excluded from the squad due to a poor season with Suwon Samsung Bluewings, and by 2011, he was nearing retirement and no longer a regular in the national team.

2006 FIFA World Cup

Ahn was selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad and played a crucial role in South Korea's campaign. In the opening match against Togo, he came off the bench to score the winning goal, securing a 2–1 victory for South Korea and becoming the all-time leading Asian goal scorer in World Cup history with three goals. He was named the official Man of the Match for his performance. Despite his contributions, South Korea failed to progress beyond the group stage, finishing third in their group.

2010 FIFA World Cup qualification

Ahn played a limited role in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. Although he was included in the final squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he did not play in any matches. South Korea successfully qualified for the 2010 World Cup, reaching the round of 16 for the first time in a tournament held outside of Asia.

Retirement

Ahn scored a hat trick in a 2007 Korean League Cup game against Daejeon Citizen. However, his struggles continued, leading to his exclusion from the national team for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

In 2008, Ahn returned to Busan IPark (formerly Busan Daewoo Royals). He steadily improved his game and overall performance, earning a recall to the national team for the first time in 22 months for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifications match against Jordan.

In March 2009, Ahn signed a three-month contract with Chinese Super League side Dalian Shide. He became a key player for the club and extended his contract until December 2010. He was promoted to Dalian's captain for the 2010 season.

Ahn officially announced his retirement on 30 January 2012. He had a formal retirement ceremony on February 29, 2012, during the final match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Asian third round qualifier against Kuwait. South Korea won the match 2-0 with goals from Lee Dong-gook and Lee Keun-ho. Notably, Ahn became the first player to have a retirement ceremony during a World Cup qualifier, rather than a friendly match.

Post-playing career

After retiring from professional football, Ahn transitioned into a successful career in broadcasting and entertainment. He has been a prominent football commentator and has hosted various television shows, including popular variety programs such as"After retiring from professional football, Ahn transitioned into a successful career in broadcasting and entertainment. He has been a prominent football commentator and has hosted various television shows, including popular variety programs such as "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator"(냉장고를 부탁해) and "Carefree Travelers" (패키지로 세계일주-뭉쳐야 뜬다). In 2021, he co-founded the Moongchin Project (MCP) agency, further expanding his influence beyond the football field. Ahn was also one of the carriers of the Olympic flame at the opening of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Football Commentator

Ahn began his career as a football commentator in 2014, signing an exclusive contract with MBC. He aimed to provide insightful commentary based on his experience as a professional player, offering explanations that would be easily understood by viewers of all ages and genders. He has since served as a commentator for numerous major international football tournaments, including:

• 2014: FIFA World Cup (Brazil)
• 2014: Asian Games (Incheon)
• 2015: AFC Asian Cup (Australia)
• 2016: Summer Olympics (Rio de Janeiro)
• 2017: FIFA U-20 World Cup (South Korea)
• 2018: FIFA World Cup (Russia)
• 2018: Asian Games (Jakarta-Palembang)
• 2019: FIFA U-20 World Cup (Poland)
• 2020: Summer Olympics (Tokyo)
• 2022: FIFA World Cup (Qatar)
• 2022: Asian Games (Hangzhou)
• 2023: FIFA U-20 World Cup (Argentina)

Ahn's commentary has been praised for its clarity, humor, and insights based on his experience as a professional player. He has become one of the most popular football commentators in South Korea.

Ambassador for the K League

In 2012, following his retirement, Ahn was appointed as an honorary ambassador for the K League. Unlike his predecessors, Ahn actively engaged in promoting the league through various events, social media, and fan interactions. Notably, he played a crucial role in organizing the 2012 K League All-Star Game, inviting members of the 2002 World Cup team, which significantly boosted the event's success. For his contributions, he was awarded the K League Achievement Award in 2012.

Entertainment Career

Ahn's popularity as a K League ambassador opened doors to a successful career in entertainment. He is considered one of the most successful athletes-turned-entertainers in South Korea, alongside Kang Ho-dong and Seo Jang-hoon. He is known for his wit, humor, and eloquence, which have solidified his position in the entertainment industry. In fact, there are younger generations who recognize him primarily as a TV personality, unaware of his past as a national football star. His good looks, combined with his impressive football skills and heroic status as a national team player, have made him a popular figure among viewers who remember and cherish his athletic career. Ahn's quick wit, stable hosting abilities, gentle nature, and affability have also contributed to his success as an entertainer. Despite his diverse appearances in various entertainment programs, Ahn has consistently participated in football-related shows, demonstrating his unwavering passion for the sport while leveraging his extensive experience in entertainment to prevent the shows from becoming overly serious or documentary-like. He excels at maintaining a balance between entertainment and professionalism, and his close relationships with other versatile entertainers like Kim Sung-joo and Jung Hyung-don have helped him refine his comedic skills while staying within appropriate boundaries.

Football Coaching

• Cheongchun FC Hungry Eleven (2015): Ahn, alongside Lee Eul-yong, coached a team of young players who had given up their dreams of becoming professional footballers due to injuries or personal circumstances.
• Sudden FC: Legend Football Club (2019-present): Ahn leads a team of legendary athletes from various sports as they challenge amateur football teams across the country.

Personal life

Ahn, who married former Miss Korea Lee Hye-won in 2001, is often referred to as 'The Lord of the Ring' by Korean fans due to his iconic 'Ring kiss' celebration, a gesture dedicated to his wife that he performed after scoring goals. This celebration became a national sensation during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure in Korean football.

Other than football, Ahn is noted for his model-like looks and has appeared in numerous make-up ads.

Philanthropy

On February 22, 2023, Ahn donated 100 million won, the proceeds from his YouTube channel 'Ahn Jung-hwan 19', to Save the Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children in need. Ahn is known for donating all proceeds from his YouTube channel to charitable causes, with total donations exceeding 300 million won. While playing for Dalian Shide in China, he also donated a portion of his salary to orphanages and children's hospitals, demonstrating his empathy for those facing challenges similar to his own childhood.

Career statistics

Club

International

Results list South Korea's goal tally first.

List of international goals scored by Ahn Jung-hwan

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	12 June 1999	Seoul, South Korea	5	Mexico	1–1	1–1	1999 Korea Cup
2	20 December 2000	Tokyo, Japan	12	Japan	1–0	1–1	Friendly
3	16 May 2002	Busan, South Korea	20	Scotland	2–0	4–1	Friendly
4					4–1
5	10 June 2002	Daegu, South Korea	23	United States	1–1	1–1	2002 FIFA World Cup
6	18 June 2002	Daejeon, South Korea	25	Italy	2–1	2–1 (aet)	2002 FIFA World Cup
7	20 November 2002	Seoul, South Korea	29	Brazil	2–1	2–3	Friendly
8	31 May 2003	Tokyo, Japan	32	Japan	1–0	1–0	Friendly
9	4 December 2003	Tokyo, Japan	34	Hong Kong	3–1	3–1	2003 EAFF Championship
10	14 February 2004	Ulsan South Korea	37	Oman	3–0	5–0	Friendly
11					4–0
12	9 June 2004	Daejeon, South Korea	43	Vietnam	1–0	2–0	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
13	23 July 2004	Jinan, China	46	United Arab Emirates	2–0	2–0	2004 AFC Asian Cup
14	27 July 2004	Jinan, China	47	Kuwait	4–0	4–0	2004 AFC Asian Cup
15	12 November 2005	Seoul, South Korea	56	Sweden	1–0	2–2	Friendly
16	13 June 2006	Frankfurt, Germany	62	Togo	2–1	2–1	2006 FIFA World Cup
17	16 August 2006	Taipei, Republic of China	65	Chinese Taipei	1–0	3–0	2007 AFC Asian Cup qualification

Filmography

Television

Music video

Honours

Player

Busan Daewoo Royals

• Korean League Cup: 1998

Yokohama F. Marinos

• J1 League: 2004

South Korea B

• Summer Universiade silver medal: 1997
• East Asian Games: 1997

South Korea

• EAFF Championship: 2003

Individual

• K League 1 Best XI: 1998, 1999
• K League 1 Most Valuable Player: 1999
• Korean FA Fans' Player of the Year: 2003

Television personality

See also

In Spanish: Ahn Jung-hwan para niños