The Power of Lee Kang-in in Asia
Lee Kang-in’s recent transfer to Atletico Madrid and wearing the number 7 jersey has greatly enhanced the club's popularity in Asia. His official debut in a pre-season friendly against Manchester City in Seoul, South Korea, was marked by a massive sale of his jerseys, demonstrating his historic influence.
On July 9th, Atlético Madrid and Manchester City played an amistoso at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. This match between two of the world’s top teams generated significant interest not only due to their technical prowess but also because Lee Kang-in, who has become the 'ace' (star player) for Atletico Madrid, made his official debut.
Lee Kang-in, who joined Atlético Madrid on July 25th after leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), was received with great expectations. His arrival replaced Antoine Griezmann as the team's key player and he now wears the number 7, a symbol of significance for the club. Lee can play as an attacking midfielder or winger, creating attacking opportunities through his ball retention, dribbling, precise passes, and accurate shots.
Mass Sale of Jerseys
Ahead of the match between Atlético Madrid and Manchester City, the stadium was filled with Atletico Madrid jerseys. The majority of attendees wore uniforms emblazoned with Lee Kang-in's name. This spectacle, never before seen in Korean football history, demonstrates how Lee Kang-in has transformed Atlético Madrid’s perception across the entire Asian continent in just a few weeks.
According to 'EstosEsAtleti', a portal dedicated to reporting on Atletico Madrid, 10,000 jerseys were brought for the club's tour of South Korea. Almost all jerseys sold out before the match. On the club’s official online store, Lee Kang-in's jersey was already sold out even before its official announcement. The club expects a fivefold increase in jersey sales due to his presence.
Lee Kang-in’s signing is part of a strategy for Atletico Madrid to position itself as more than just a European club in the Asian market.
