The loyal guardian aiming for his fourth World Cup vows to win a title to "repay the favor"
GK 81 Kim Seung-gyu
Introducing all the blue and red warriors taking on the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What thoughts do the players hold, and with what resolve are they preparing to face the year ahead, especially with the special half-season tournament approaching?
Kim Seung-gyu aims to participate in the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time as a member of the South Korean national team. From the start of the new season, he has shown an intensity that has caught the attention of those around him, striving to fulfill his dream both with the blue-red team and the South Korean national team. Behind this is a feeling of repaying the “debt” he owes to those around him.
Qualification for a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup is at stake. Naturally, his emotions must be running high. Kim Seung-gyu's determination has been on a completely different level since the start of this season. I heard his teammates unanimously say, "Seung-gyu is incredible."
“My determination for this season is strong, so it’s different from usual. There’s also the World Cup. Moreover, because I signed a contract with FC Tokyo, my passion and motivation are unlike before. I have to prepare thoroughly for the special tournament called the World Cup. For that reason, I want to perform well in Tokyo and show everyone a wonderful performance on the World Cup stage.”
In the 2025 season, it was Tokyo that reached out to Seung-gyu, who was going through a tough rehabilitation period aiming to recover from his second major injury. After his transfer was finalized in June during the special transfer window, he returned to the lineup and continued to show overwhelming presence with big saves that rescued the struggling team, repaying the favor.
And he successfully regained his place in the South Korean national team. After the season ended, offers came in from clubs both domestic and abroad, but Seung-gyu once again grasped the hand extended by the blue and red.
"Despite having suffered a serious injury, Tokyo prepared various supports for my recovery. Thanks to that, I believe I was able to return to the lineup. I wanted to repay that kindness by winning the championship. That’s why I decided to sign a contract with this club again."
His dream is not only to participate in the World Cup and perform well. He has another dream as well. That is to repay the selfless devotion of his wife, Jingyeong, who supported him throughout his long rehabilitation.
"My wife supported me tirelessly, even sacrificing her sleep. There were times when I could barely walk, yet she was devotedly by my side through it all. That’s why I want to show her that I can play soccer healthily and without injury. Above all, it makes her happy."
Then, Sungyu said, "And then..." and shyly spoke these words.
"I've never won a championship before. So, someday I want to lift a shield or a cup together with my wife. Of course, I want to help everyone with big saves this season as well, and since there will be penalty shootouts in this half-season tournament, I'll be a source of strength for everyone there too."
He is a man of strong loyalty. To fulfill his two dreams, the dependable guardian will clap his hands and serve as the lord of the blue and red even in the special half-season tournament.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
