Ahn Jung-hwan

Ahn Jung-hwan (, or ; born 27 January 1976) is a South Korean television personality and former professional footballer. A versatile forward known for his technical skills and clutch goalscoring, Ahn represented South Korea at three FIFA World Cups, notably scoring a golden goal against Italy in 2002. Following his retirement, Ahn transitioned into a successful career in broadcasting, becoming a popular football commentator and television host. He is also recognised for his philanthropic endeavors.

Early life

Ahn was born on 27 January 1976 in Papyeong-myeon, Paju, Gyeonggi Province. He was raised primarily by his maternal grandmother while his mother worked, and grew up in financial hardship.

Ahn began playing organised football in the fourth grade at Bondong Elementary School in Seoul. He transferred to Daerim Elementary School in the fifth grade and subsequently attended Namseoul Middle School and . He played for Ajou's first team from his freshman year. Ajou won both the spring and autumn university football federation tournaments during his first season. That year, he was also selected for the South Korea under-19 team.

In August 1997, Ahn represented South Korea's university team at the Summer Universiade in Sicily, where it won the silver medal. Soon afterwards, on 5 September, Ahn entered the final of the Autumn University Football Federation Tournament at half-time with Ajou trailing Hongik University 2–1. He assisted the equaliser and scored twice as Ajou produced four goals in seven minutes to win 5–2.

Club career Busan Daewoo Royals Ahn began his professional career with Busan Daewoo Royals in 1998. He scored a 59th-minute equalizer against Suwon Samsung Bluewings on his professional debut on 21 March, although Busan lost the opening Adidas Cup match in a penalty shoot-out. In his rookie season, Ahn recorded 13 goals and four assists in 33 K League and League Cup appearances. He scored four goals in each of the season's two League Cup competitions and helped Busan win the Philip Morris Korea Cup. Although he finished second to Lee Dong-gook in voting for Rookie of the Year, Ahn was selected to the K League Best XI as a midfielder. His performances and long-haired appearance earned him the nickname "Terius", and he emerged alongside Lee and Ko Jong-soo as one of the young stars associated with the K League's late-1990s attendance revival.

Ahn's attacking output increased in 1999, when he scored 21 goals and supplied seven assists in 34 K League and League Cup appearances. He shared the scoring lead in the Daehan Fire Insurance Cup with six goals, but a red card in the semifinal against Ulsan Hyundai suspended him for both matches of the final, which Busan lost to Suwon. During the league's regular season, he recorded 14 goals and five assists, including goals in seven consecutive appearances, before adding two assists in five championship playoff matches as Busan reached the final.

In the second championship match, Ahn assisted the opening goal, but Suwon won 2–1 in extra time after television replays showed that Saša Drakulić's winning goal had gone in off his arm. Busan consequently lost both championship matches by the same score and finished as league runner-up. Ahn nevertheless won the K League Most Valuable Player award with 44 of the 75 journalists' votes and was selected to the Best XI as a forward. Daewoo had previously agreed to pursue an overseas transfer if Ahn won the league's MVP or scoring title. The change in ownership initially stalled that plan, but the new management subsequently gave him written assurance that he could leave after June. On the field, Ahn scored twice in a 3–1 League Cup victory over Daejeon Citizen on 19 March and completed the domestic portion of the season with ten goals in 20 appearances—eight in 13 league matches and two in seven League Cup matches.

Loan to Perugia

Ahn became the first South Korean footballer to play in Serie A when he started Perugia's 1–1 draw with Lecce on 1 October 2000. His playing time was intermittent during the opening months as he adjusted to the league's physical and tactical demands and competed for selection with Perugia's other attacking players. Coach Serse Cosmi generally used a 3–5–2 formation with Zisis Vryzas and Alessandro Saudati as his principal forwards, sometimes introducing Ahn behind the two strikers when changing to a 3–4–1–2.

Ahn recorded his first Serie A assist in a 3–2 defeat to Bologna on 8 April 2001. On 22 April, he entered as a half-time substitute against Atalanta and scored a stoppage-time equalizer in a 2–2 draw, becoming the first South Korean to score in Serie A. The following week, he scored as Perugia recovered from three goals down to defeat Bari 4–3. He added two goals in a 3–3 draw with Udinese on 12 May and finished his first league season with four goals and one assist in 15 appearances.

Perugia renewed Ahn's loan in August 2001 under an agreement that included an option to acquire him permanently for $1.6 million. He remained a rotation player during the 2001–02 season. His only goal came after entering as a substitute against Verona on his 26th birthday, 27 January 2002; his header gave Perugia the lead in a 3–1 victory. Across his two seasons with Perugia, Ahn made 30 Serie A appearances, including 13 starts, and recorded five goals and one assist.

In a 2013 television interview, Ahn alleged that Perugia captain Marco Materazzi had once entered the dressing room and said in front of the other players that Ahn smelled of garlic. Materazzi later responded that commenting on Ahn's garlic-scented breath was not a racist insult and that he would have made the same remark to an Italian.

After Ahn scored South Korea's golden goal in its 2–1 victory over Italy in the World Cup round of 16, Perugia president Luciano Gaucci said that Ahn would never play for the club again and that he would not pay a player who had "ruined Italian soccer". A club spokesman added that Perugia had already been considering releasing Ahn before the match. Within a week, however, Perugia reversed its public position and claimed to have exercised its option to acquire Ahn permanently from Busan. Ahn rejected a return, saying that the club had attacked his character rather than congratulating him for his performance.

Ahn later said that Perugia had advised him not to return to Italy because of possible threats against his life and that his car there had been vandalized. In later interviews, he said that Italian newspaper reports had attributed threats against him to the Mafia; in 2026, he said that he had still not returned to the country.

Competing claims by Perugia and Busan I'Cons over Ahn's registration subsequently impeded his search for another club. In July 2002, the Korea Football Association said that FIFA's legal department had advised that resolving the dispute could take six to eight months and might prevent Ahn from transferring while it remained pending. Blackburn Rovers pursued Ahn and reportedly agreed terms with Perugia, but the proposed transfer collapsed after his British work-permit application was rejected. Ahn later disputed the publicly reported explanation, saying that his international record had been sufficient and that Blackburn withdrew because the ownership dispute created a risk that the club could acquire him but remain unable to register him. He later said that the uncertainty led him to consider ending his playing career. Ahn made his J1 debut away to Urawa Red Diamonds on 28 September, entering in the 56th minute of a 2–1 extra-time defeat. His first Shimizu goals came on 9 October, when he scored twice in a 7–0 2002–03 AFC Champions League qualifying victory over New Radiant.

Ahn scored his first J1 goal against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on 26 October and finished the 2002 league campaign with three goals in ten appearances. In the 2002 Emperor's Cup, he scored twice, including an extra-time golden goal, in a 3–2 fourth-round victory over Shonan Bellmare.

At the AFC Champions League group tournament in March 2003, Ahn scored against Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and twice against Osotspa, although Shimizu failed to advance. In June, he completed four weeks of basic military training under the exemption granted to members of South Korea's 2002 World Cup squad. He scored 11 goals in 28 league appearances that season, including goals in four consecutive matches between 30 August and 20 September, and finished as Shimizu's leading league scorer.

Shimizu reached the semi-finals of both domestic cup competitions in 2003. Ahn scored the only goal of the first leg of their 2003 J.League Cup semi-final against Urawa, although Shimizu were eliminated after losing the return leg 6–1. In his final match for the club, he scored twice to erase a two-goal deficit against Júbilo Iwata in the Emperor's Cup semi-final, but Shimizu ultimately lost 4–2. Across two seasons with Shimizu, Ahn made 38 J1 appearances and scored 14 goals, in addition to two goals in five League Cup appearances. Manager Takeshi Okada said that Yokohama had sought a forward who could provide a focal point against opponents defending deep. He later credited Ahn with adapting to the team's tactics and increasing his work rate.

Ahn scored seven goals in 13 appearances during the first stage of the 2004 J.League Division 1. He scored in each of its final four rounds, culminating in the only goal of a 1–0 victory over Kashima Antlers on 26 June that secured the stage championship for Yokohama. He added five goals in 12 second-stage appearances, including both goals in a 2–1 victory at Shimizu.

On 17 November, Ahn fractured his right ankle while playing for South Korea and required surgery. He consequently missed both legs of the J.League Championship, in which Yokohama retained the league title by defeating Urawa Red Diamonds 4–2 in a penalty shoot-out after the tie finished 1–1 on aggregate. His 12 league goals in 2004 were the highest total in the Yokohama squad. After returning to league play on 2 April 2005, he scored six goals in five consecutive competitive appearances between 6 and 20 April: two against BEC Tero Sasana in the 2005 AFC Champions League, league goals against Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa Reysol and Gamba Osaka, and another goal against BEC Tero. He finished the shortened league campaign with four goals in nine appearances.

Yokohama did not renew Ahn's contract when it expired on 30 June 2005. The following month, he returned to Europe by signing a one-year contract with FC Metz. His Yokohama league record was 34 appearances and 16 goals. The move was facilitated by Metz's existing youth-development relationship with the Korea Football Association, through which Ahn's agent was already working with Korean trainees at the club. Metz had sought a two-year agreement, but Ahn requested a one-year contract because he hoped eventually to play in Spain or England. He said that he chose France to experience a new league and had rejected better financial terms from Udinese, having already played in Italy.

Ahn made his Ligue 1 debut away to Paris Saint-Germain on 29 July. He entered in the 61st minute and scored shortly afterward from Ludovic Obraniak's pass, although Metz lost 4–1. By late November, he had gone three consecutive league matches without starting, while Metz had won only once in their first 15 matches and stood 19th in the table. His second and final league goal came on 10 December, when he scored a tenth-minute equalizer in a 1–1 draw at Sochaux. He finished his Metz spell with two goals in 16 Ligue 1 appearances.

Ahn later said that Metz had deployed him on the left side of midfield, a role he believed was unsuitable for both himself and the team. Former Metz players and officials later praised his technical ability but said that language and cultural differences hindered his integration with the squad. On 24 January 2006, he transferred to MSV Duisburg after the two clubs reached an agreement over his departure. Metz subsequently finished last in Ligue 1 and were relegated. On 24 January, he left Metz for relegation-threatened MSV Duisburg, signing a contract running until 2007. Contemporary reports described the agreement as a 17-month contract that allowed Ahn to determine his future if Duisburg were relegated. The club stood 17th and had scored a league-low 15 goals in 17 matches when it recruited him to strengthen its attack. Ahn's representatives said that playing in Germany would also allow him to acclimate to the host country before the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Ahn made his Bundesliga debut four days after signing, entering in the 86th minute of a 1–0 away victory over VfB Stuttgart. He made his first start against Bayer Leverkusen on 18 February, when his cross set up Klemen Lavrič during a 3–2 defeat. Most of his subsequent appearances came as a substitute.

On 3 May, Ahn completed a Bundesliga match for the first time and scored his first goal in the competition during a 5–3 defeat to Werder Bremen. Three days later, he scored the opening goal in a 2–0 victory over Arminia Bielefeld. It was his final appearance for Duisburg. He finished with two goals in 12 Bundesliga appearances—three starts and nine as a substitute—as Duisburg finished last and were relegated to the 2. Bundesliga.

Following the World Cup, Ahn sought a transfer rather than accompany Duisburg into the second division. Heart of Midlothian manager Valdas Ivanauskas confirmed that Ahn was among several forwards under consideration, but no agreement was reached. After Ahn failed to secure another club during the summer transfer window, Duisburg terminated his remaining contract on 31 August, leaving him a free agent.

Suwon Samsung Bluewings In January 2007, Ahn joined K League club Suwon Samsung Bluewings on a one-year deal. He initially showed promise, scoring a hat-trick in a League Cup match against Daejeon Citizen. However, his performance declined, and he was left out of the national team for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

While playing for the reserve team in a R League match to regain his ability, Ahn tried to get into the stand after being verbally abused by FC Seoul fans. He was subsequently ejected from the match and had to pay a fine.

Ahn's stint at Suwon was ultimately underwhelming, scoring 5 goals without a league goal in 25 appearances. He left the club at the end of the season.

Return to Busan In 2008, Ahn returned to his former club, now known as Busan IPark. His performance at Busan was statistically not outstanding, but set an example for his teammates. Busan offered him a contract extension including the best treatment in the team after the season, but he looked forward to playing in one of foreign leagues, especially the Major League Soccer.

Dalian Shide

On 20 March 2009, Ahn joined Chinese Super League side Dalian Shide on a seven-month contract until the end of the 2009 season. Quickly attracted to Ahn's performance, Dalian executives extended his contract for another year in less than three months. Despite his old age, he played a key role in Dalian's attack, becoming the team's top scorer in 2009 and 2010. Especially, Dalian reached fourth place in the league standing with three matches left of the 2010 season, approaching an AFC Champions League berth under his influence. However, a knee injury sidelined him for the last matches, and his team finished sixth after failing to earn any victories during his absence.

Ahn re-signed with Dalian for the 2011 season, but his prime was finished that year. On 29 October 2011, he wore the captain's armband in his last match at Dalian, and bade farewell to Dalian fans at half-time of the match. He announced his retirement as a player in January 2012.

International career Early career In 1994, Ahn was selected for the South Korean under-20 team for the AFC Youth Championship.

In the second group stage match against the United States, Ahn scored an equaliser which saved his team from defeat. In the Round of 16 match against Italy, he missed an early penalty, but later scored a dramatic golden goal in extra time, securing South Korea's historic advancement to the quarter-finals. This goal is considered one of the most iconic moments in World Cup and South Korean football. In the third place match against Turkey, his shot hit the opponents' net, but was not recognised as a goal by an offside call. He was shortlisted for the All-Star Team by his contribution to South Korea's top-four finish.

"Ahn is the same type of striker as Romário or Raúl. They can completely omit a certain phase of the game. On the bench, you will rotate every other player, but toward this type of player, you will sometimes feel he can just turn the game upside down." – Guus Hiddink

2004 Asian Cup Ahn scored a goal in a 3–1 victory over Hong Kong, while helping South Korea win the inaugural EAFF Championship in 2003.

On the other hand, Ahn had less opportunity to play at the AFC Asian Cup. He was not called up for the 2000 and 2007 tournaments due to his slumps at clubs. At the 2004 tournament, his first and last Asian Cup, he played as a substitute in three subsequent matches after showing a lethargic harmony with Jo Bonfrère's first-choice striker Lee Dong-gook in the first match. Despite his limited playing time, he scored against the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

2006 World Cup Ahn played as a substitute for South Korea in three group stage matches at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. In the opening match against Togo, he was named the official Man of the Match by scoring the winning goal, which brought South Korea's precious victory. He also became Asia's all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history with three goals. Despite his contribution, South Korea failed to progress beyond the group stage, finishing third in their group.

Retirement Ahn was no longer South Korea's key player after the 2006 World Cup, but was selected for the national team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup due to his experiences as a veteran. However, he did not play in any matches at the 2010 World Cup until South Korea was eliminated by Uruguay in the Round of 16. In an interview after 10 years, then manager Huh Jung-moo revealed he really wanted to use Ahn in the middle of the match against Uruguay, but finally chose Lee Dong-gook as a substitute after judging that Ahn's physical condition was not recovered.

Ahn announced his retirement as a player on 31 January 2012.

Style of play Ahn's technical gifts for passing, dribbling and shooting based on two-footed ability could deploy him in any attacking position, and led him to be called the "fantasista" in South Korea. He looked comfortable when playing as an attacking midfielder, but also could play as a winger or striker. However, he had some drawbacks such as lack of physical strength and defensive contribution.

"Ahn was a rare type of player in our country. His skills were impossible for me, and were not behind European players. He showed Korean players also can play technical football." – Park Ji-sung

After retirement After retiring from professional football, Ahn has worked as a television personality. He is considered one of the most successful athletes-turned-comedians in South Korea, alongside Kang Ho-dong and Seo Jang-hoon. His unaffected and sharp talking has attracted a lot of viewers. He also hosted some television shows including Please Take Care of My Refrigerator.

Ahn has worked as a football commentator, and has provided live commentaries of South Korea's football matches broadcast by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation since 2014.

In 2012, Ahn was appointed an honorary ambassador for the K League. He toured all 16 stadiums of K League clubs and invited his teammates at the 2002 World Cup to the K League All-Star Game. He was acclaimed for his enthusiastic publicity campaign.

Ahn was one of the carriers of the Olympic flame at the opening of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Ahn, who steadily volunteered his services and donations since becoming footballer, was appointed an honorary ambassador for Save the Children in 2019. Until 2023, he donated ₩300 million, the profits from his YouTube channel, to Save the Children and participated in various charity activities.

In 2021, Ahn co-founded entertainment company "Moongchin Project".

In October 2024, he participated in the Nexon Icon Match in Korea as a striker team.

Personal life Ahn, who married former Miss Korea Lee Hye-won in 2001, has one daughter and one son. He was nicknamed The Lord of the Ring after kissing his wedding ring whenever he celebrated his goal, and his celebration became fashionable among South Koreans at the time.

Ahn is widely regarded as one of the most handsome footballers in South Korea. Before his retirement, his face was frequently compared with South Korean actors and appeared in various television advertisements.

Career statistics Club

International

Results list South Korea's goal tally first.

Filmography Television

Music video appearances Year Title Artist 1999 "Already Sad Love" Yada

Honours Player Busan Daewoo Royals Korean League Cup: 1998

Yokohama F. Marinos J1 League: 2004

South Korea B Summer Universiade silver medal: 1997

South Korea EAFF Championship: 2003

Individual K League All-Star: 1998, 1999 K League 1 Best XI: 1998, 1999 FIFA World Cup Fans' All-Star Team: 2002 Korean FA Fans' Player of the Year: 2003

Television personality