Yang Hyun-jun’s Off-Field Mentorship Praised After South Korea’s Asian Games Football Gold

South Korea head coach Lee Min-sung has singled out Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun for an unusual honor after the national team won the men’s football gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: recognition as the coach’s personal most valuable player despite missing most of the tournament through injury.

Lee said Yang’s contribution behind the scenes had helped the players who were able to take the field. The choice emphasized the role of leadership and emotional support in South Korea’s title run rather than statistics alone.

Yang, 24, appeared in only the opening group match against Qatar on Sept. 15. He supplied an assist in South Korea’s 4-1 victory but aggravated a hamstring problem and missed the next four matches. South Korea nevertheless advanced to the final and defeated Japan 1-0 at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.

The coach’s selection was especially notable because Swansea City attacker Eom Ji-sung produced four goals and four assists during the tournament. Eom also scored the only goal of the final, giving South Korea another Asian Games championship. Yet Lee pointed to Yang’s sacrifices and influence within the squad when asked to identify one player.

Yang said the recognition may have reflected his efforts to mentor younger teammates, particularly his roommate Yang Min-hyeok. The men’s tournament is primarily restricted to players under 23, although each team may include up to three over-age players. Yang Hyun-jun occupied one of those senior places, while 20-year-old Yang Min-hyeok was the second-youngest member of the South Korean squad.

According to the older winger, Yang Min-hyeok arrived in Japan short of confidence after struggling to establish himself at Belgian club Westerlo. The younger player signed for Tottenham Hotspur as a teenager in 2024 but has yet to appear for the Premier League side, instead spending time on loan with several clubs.

When injury forced Yang Hyun-jun out, Yang Min-hyeok was thrust into a larger role. The Celtic player said he tried to help his roommate concentrate on each match and avoid becoming overwhelmed by pressure. That support appears to have left a strong impression on Lee.

The episode gave South Korea’s gold-medal campaign a broader meaning beyond the decisive goal against Japan. Yang’s tournament was curtailed almost as soon as it began, but his continued involvement offered an example of how an experienced squad member can affect a team without playing. Lee’s praise placed mentorship alongside goals and assists as a central part of South Korea’s success.