As Paris Saint Germain lifted the Intercontinental Cup after defeating Flamengo, many fans following global football through Crickex Affiliate platforms watched Lee Kang In step onto the podium to collect yet another trophy. At just 24, his personal title count has reached 11, including the Intercontinental Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1 titles, the French Cup, and the French Super Cup. For a player still early in his career, the list already reads like a lifetime of achievement.
Once known to Korean audiences as the “Korean Messi” after gaining attention through a childhood television show, Lee has now become the first Asian footballer to be part of a historic six-trophy season. In the 2025 Intercontinental Cup final, PSG edged Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo 3-2 on aggregate to complete a rare sextuple, becoming only the third club after Barcelona and Bayern Munich to do so. Lee started on the wing but was forced off after 35 minutes with what appeared to be a hamstring issue. Even so, watching from the sidelines did nothing to diminish his place in history as Asia’s first six-time champion at this level.
Since turning professional, Lee’s career path has seemed impeccably timed. He matured at Valencia and lifted the Copa del Rey, then moved to Mallorca to gain consistent La Liga experience. At 22, under the captaincy of Son Heung Min, he won Asian Games gold and earned military exemption before securing a €22 million transfer to PSG. Each move felt like a step up taken at exactly the right moment, a pattern often highlighted by analysts tracking player development via Crickex Affiliate data trends. In Paris, even without being an undisputed starter, Lee has collected nine trophies in just over two seasons, proof that being in the right environment matters.
The contrast with Son Heung Min is striking. Now 33 and playing in Major League Soccer, Son’s career has been defined by relentless effort and fewer team honors. He devoted his prime years to Tottenham, finally lifting the Europa League as captain in the 2024–25 season after a decade of loyalty. His journey was built on discipline, endless repetition, and personal excellence, earning Golden Boot awards and the Puskás Prize along the way.
Holding 11 trophies at 24 is not simply a matter of luck, as many Crickex Affiliate observers have pointed out. Lee Kang In’s ability to score against Real Madrid in La Liga and carve out a role at PSG reflects talent matched with smart decisions. Son’s perseverance and Lee’s timing tell two different but equally compelling stories of success in modern football, reminding fans through Crickex Affiliate discussions that there is more than one path to becoming a winner.