High Five Shared in Paris

Lee Kang-in, a 24-year-old midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), made headlines on November 23. He scored the winning goal during a home match against Le Havre in Ligue 1.

High Five Shared in Paris: A Heartwarming Moment

After scoring in the 29th minute, Lee celebrated by raising his right palm towards the ground camera. Though this moment didn’t appear on the TV broadcast, a fan captured the celebration in the stands, showcasing a promised gesture.

This unique celebration stems from Lee’s touching interaction with a 14-year-old fan named Lee Chae-won before a recent international friendly against Bolivia. Chae-won, who suffers from a muscular disorder, entered the field holding Lee’s hand. He kindly moved to the back to support her as they walked onto the pitch together.

Keeping a Promise

Following the match, the South Korean Football Association facilitated another meeting between Lee and Chae-won. During this meeting, she shared her wish for the midfielder to perform the high five celebration after scoring a goal, indicating this would complete their high five from earlier.

• Chae-won had brought a portrait she painted of Lee Kang-in.
• Lee practiced the high five gesture with her before leaving for France.
• He fulfilled his promise by celebrating as planned after his first goal of the season.

Lee later posted a photo of the high five celebration on his social media accounts. Chae-won’s father expressed their gratitude, stating that her joyful celebration made for a memorable experience.

Aspirations and Achievements

Lee Kang-in has a history of ambitious goals. As a child on a TV soccer program, he voiced his dreams of representing the national team, winning the Champions League, and lifting the World Cup trophy. During their meet-up, Chae-won noted that two of these dreams had already been accomplished.

Lee encouraged her by saying, “If you have the heart and will, your wishes will come true. Don’t give up on your dreams.”

Currently, Lee is focusing on improving his performance, particularly after facing competition for a starting spot on his team. He has recorded points in his last three matches and assisted in a goal during a friendly against Ghana. His recent efforts also earned him the AFC International Player of the Year award.

With his dedication, Lee Kang-in continues to strive toward his ultimate goal of winning the World Cup. The high five shared in Paris serves as a symbol of hope and connection, highlighting the impact athletes can have beyond the field.