This is a Korean name; the family name is Lee.

Lee Young-Pyo (Korean: 이영표; born 23 April 1977 in Hongcheon) is a South Korean football player who currently plays for Saudi Professional League club Al-Hilal.

Lee is recognized for his speed and dribbling skills. His former manager Martin Jol once called him: "the best left-back in Holland, and one of the best left-backs in Europe today." ^[1][2].

He has previously played for Tottenham Hotspur, Anyang LG Cheetahs in the Korean K-League and then spent two years with PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands, earning high acclaim from PSV Coach Guus Hiddink, who had previously coached Lee and South Korea during the 2002 World Cup. Recognized as the best left-back in Holland after the 2004-2005 season, Tottenham signed him amidst heavy competition with several Serie A clubs. He transferred to Tottenham in August 2005.

In August 2006, AS Roma of Italy's Serie A tried to sign him, but he backed out at the last minute for "personal reasons." An Italian media report said religion played a part in his decision to reject the transfer offer. On 31 August 2006, Lee held a press conference in Korea and denied that religion was a factor in his decision. He said that moving to AS Roma would have been great for him in terms of football alone but he decided against it for personal reasons that he would not reveal, despite being pressed for answers by 50 attending reporters.^[3]

On 19 November 2008, Lee became the seventh Korean player to earn 100 caps in a World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.

Career

Anyang Cheetahs FC (2000–2002)

Lee attended Konkuk University in Seoul and began his professional career with the Anyang Cheetahs of the Korean K-League. He featured prominently during South Korea's World Cup run and established himself on the world stage during that tournament.^[4] After a stellar 2002 World Cup, Lee followed Guus Hiddink and teammate Park Ji-Sung to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

PSV Eindhoven (2003–2005)

At PSV, Lee flourished under Hiddink's guidance and soon established himself in PSV's first team. Known for his endurance, technique, and ability in both defence and attack, Lee was widely regarded as the best left-back in the Dutch Eredivisie. Lee and his compatriot Park were instrumental in PSV Eindhoven's 2005 run to the 2005 UEFA Champions League semi-final, although to their disappointment, they were knocked out by AC Milan.

Despite PSV's persistent attempts to keep him, Lee moved to the English club Tottenham Hotspur in August 2005.

Tottenham Hotspur (2005–2008)

At Tottenham, Lee was an immediate hit and earned a spot on the Premier League's best eleven in his debut week. Tottenham coach Martin Jol, at the time of his signing on August 31, 2005, touted him as "the best left-back in Holland, and one of the best left-backs in Europe today." ^[1][2] His form did however fluctuate in the 05/06 season, many seeing him, along with Canadian right-back Paul Stalteri as one of the reasons Tottenham did not qualify for the UEFA Champions League, despite them being almost ever present in a defence which conceded the fourth lowest number of goals in that season.

In the beginning of 2006-07 season, Lee moved to right full-back due to Benoît Assou-Ekotto's impressive pre-season performance and an injury to regular right-back Stalteri. Lee then faced increased competition when Tottenham signed French defender Pascal Chimbonda on the final day of the transfer period. Lee also suffered a knee injury and then Tottenham offered his rights to A.S. Roma of Italy's Serie A, a move which never materialised.

Lee regained his place in the first team when Assou-Ekotto's form began to falter, most notably in a very poor performance against arch-rivals Arsenal. Lee came on as a half-time substitute in that match and was a notable improvement, and was again preferred by Jol for the starting eleven, until a season-ending knee injury sustained in a UEFA Cup Quarterfinal match against Sevilla on 5 April.^[5]

On 9 August 2007, Tottenham manager Martin Jol announced that Lee would be "fit for selection" in "one or two weeks",^[6] On 18 August 2007, Lee made his first start of the season against Derby County.

Borussia Dortmund (2008–2009)

On 27 August 2008, Lee transferred to German club Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.^[7] In December Borussia Dortmund announced, that Lee's contract was extended to Summer 2010.^[8]

Al-Hilal (2009–present)

On 10 July 2009, Lee signed for Al-Hilal for 1 million euros for one year, with an option by Al-Hilal to renew for a second year.^[9]

Personal life

He is married to a Korean journalist and has two young daughters named Lee-Ha-el and Lee-Na-el^{[citation needed]} He is also known to be a devout Christian.^[10]

Club career statistics

Last update: 31 may 2010

Honours

Template:Country data South Korea Anyang LG Cheetahs

• K-League: 2000
• Korean Super Cup: 2001

PSV

• Eredivisie: 2003, 2004-05
• KNVB Cup: 2005

Tottenham

• Football League Cup: 2008

Al-Hilal

• Saudi Professional League: 2009-10
• Saudi Crown Prince Cup: 2010

International goals

Results list Korea Republic's goal tally first.

References

External links

• Al Hilal Saudi Club
• (Korean) K-League Player Record
• (Korean) National Team Player Record
• (English) FIFA Player Statistics
• (English) Club & Country Statistics
• (English) International Appearances & Goals

Lee Young-Pyo (born 23 April 1977) is a South Korean football player. He plays for Al-Hilal and Korea Republic national team.

Club career statistics

International career statistics

^{[1] [2]}

References