Choe Il-son

Choe Il-son (; born 1 January 2007) is a North Korean professional footballer who plays as a Striker for April 25 and the North Korean national team.

International career Aged 17 in March 2024, Choe was selected to join the North Korea under-20 team for the 2024 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup. She featured in all five matches of the tournament, helping North Korea secure the championship title. In the semifinals, she scored the opening goal against rivals South Korea.

Two months later, she was named to the final squad for the 2024 AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup in Indonesia. She helped North Korea win their fourth title, scoring 5 goals against hosts Indonesia.

In September 2024, she was selected for the final squad of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. She played a crucial role in North Korea's third world title, scoring six goals to claim the Golden Boot, including the only goal in the final against Japan. She was also named the tournament's best player, earning the Golden Ball. a month later, she got selected for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

On 16 October 2025, Choe was named the AFC Women's Youth Player of the Year at the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025.

On 27th and 30th of November 2025, Choe was an unsused substitute for the North Korea squad that faced Russia in two friendly games hosted in Pyongyang.

In February 2026, Choe was named in the final North Korean squad for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

Honours North Korea U17 AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup: 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup: 2024

North Korea U20 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup: 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: 2024

Individual FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Golden Ball: 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Golden Boot: 2024 AFC Women's Youth Player of the Year: 2025