Kim Yong-sik (; 25 July 1910 – 8 March 1985) was a South Korean football player and manager. He is esteemed as the godfather of the South Korean football.
International career Kim played international football for both Japan and South Korea. When Korea was ruled by Japan, Kim was the only Korean footballer called up to the Japan national team for the Summer Olympics. He contributed to Japan's victory by assisting the winning goal in the first round of the 1936 Summer Olympics against Sweden. After the Olympics, Kim joined Waseda University which had many of Japan's national players, but he went back to Korea after experiencing discrimination against Koreans.
Kim could participate in the Olympics as a Korean player after the end of the Japanese occupation. He achieved the first-ever victory of South Korean football against Mexico as a player-coach in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Style of play Kim had a fast pace, elaborate techniques, and high work capacity that most footballers need. Japan could not ignore his abilities; he was called up to the Japan national team. He played as a centre-half, but he was a playmaker who took part in the attack.
Managerial career Kim managed South Korean national team in the 1954 FIFA World Cup and the 1960 AFC Asian Cup after his retirement. He led his country to an Asian Cup title.
Personal life Kim was diligent and only absorbed in football. He completely avoided harmful things to the human body, and had a passion for training. His healthy habits made him continue his playing career until the age of forty.
Career statistics International +Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsJapan193620194010Total30South Korea194820195011Total31Career total61 +Appearances and goals by competitionCompetitionAppsGoalsFriendlies21Summer Olympics40Total61 +List of international goals scored by Kim Yong-sikNo. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition1 15 April 1950 Hong Kong 6 1–0 6–3 Friendly
Managerial statistics +Managerial record by team and tenureTeamFromToRecordSouth Korea April 1953 May 1953 May 1954 June 1954 November 1959 December 1959 September 1960 June 1961 September 1969 October 1969 Career total
Honours Player Soongsil College All Joseon Football Tournament: 1931
Kyungsung FC All Joseon Football Tournament: 1936 Emperor's Cup: 1935 Chōsen Shrine Games: 1935 Meiji Shrine Games: 1935
Joseon Electrical Industry Korean National Championship: 1949
Individual Korean FA Hall of Fame: 2005
Manager South Korea AFC Asian Cup: 1960
Yangzee Korean National Championship: 1968 Asian Champion Club Tournament runner-up: 1969
References
External links
Japan National Football Team Database