Kim Dong-jin Retires After 19-Year Career with Farewell Match Against Manchester City

On the 24th, at Hong Kong Stadium, Kim Dong-jin concluded his 19-year professional football career with a pre-season friendly match between Kitchee SC of the Hong Kong Premier League and Manchester City, the defending champions of the English Premier League.

The stadium was filled with Hong Kong fans who gave him a 90-second standing ovation and loud cheers, celebrating his illustrious career and blessing his new journey as a coach.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola caught attention when he presented Kim Dong-jin with a City jersey featuring the number 38 and the name “KIM DJ” as he exited the pitch after being substituted.

Kim Dong-jin began his professional career in 2000 with Anyang LG (now FC Seoul). Throughout his career, he played abroad for Zenit Saint Petersburg (Russia), Hangzhou Greentown (China), Muangthong United (Thailand), and Kitchee SC (Hong Kong). Domestically, he played in K League 1 for FC Seoul and Ulsan Hyundai, as well as in K League 2 for Seoul E-Land FC. He also represented South Korea in two World Cups (2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa) and two Olympic Games (2004 in Athens, Greece, and 2008 in Beijing, China).

A special moment occurred in the 38th minute of the first half when Kitchee supporters chanted Kim Dong-jin’s name 38 times to express their gratitude.

Reflecting on his career, Kim Dong-jin said, “I have received so much love from so many people. I am truly grateful to my club for organizing such a wonderful farewell event for a foreign player. I will continue to promote Korean football in Hong Kong and across Asia, and one day, I hope to contribute to Korean football in a meaningful way.”