Ko Jong-soo


Ko Jong-soo is a South Korean football coach and former football player.

Growth Background

Born in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, he graduated from Yeosu West Elementary School, Yeosu Gubong Middle School, and Kumho High School.

Career

He rose to stardom during the 1998 World Cup, along with Lee Dong-Gook, and Ahn Jung-Hwan. He was once called "the greatest technician in Korea," for his pace, skillful free kicks, and his left foot. He can operate in central midfield as well on the left wing.
In the early 2000s in the K-League, there was a nickname for where he'd kick the ball called "Go Jong-soo Zone ", and his skills were so good that if he kicked a free kick there, there was a high probability that it'd lead to a goal.
He also scored a free kick goal against then-world goalkeeper Chilavert in 2001.
He was traded to Chunnam for the services of Kim Nam-Il who went to Suwon in exchange, but did not renew the contract. He is not a free agent under the regulations. He had no choice but to play for any other team but Chunnam.
In September 2006, he has stated that he has managed to shed over 20 lbs weighting 78 kg whereas he weighed about 76 kg during his heyday. In spite of renewed hopes of his much anticipated return, the latest Ko sighting was in December 2006. Ko was reportedly not in football shape and evaded reporter questions by driving off in a white Mercedes Benz. On 8 January 2007, Daejeon Citizen signed Ko one year after Chunnam Dragons agreed on his transfer. His wage will be decided based on how well he performs in winter training camp in Cyprus. Ko expressed a strong desire to return to the sport, telling an interviewer: "I will play for Daejeon regarding this chance as the last."
In February 2009, he announced his retirement.

Play Style

He is considered a player who is good at using his left foot, is skilled at taking free kicks, and can bring creativity to mid-field lines. He became known as "L'enfant Terrible" after wowing audiences with sensuous passes, shots, and sharp crosses.

Things Else

He played for the Korea-Japan All-Star game in January 2001, and scored a fantastic free-kick against Jose Luis Chilavert.
On September 4, 2002, he scored the longest-left goal in an away game against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the K-League.
In 2007, he was named the ' most anticipated soccer player of 2007 ' by a leading online newspaper and a website specializing in overseas soccer.

Club statistics

National team statistics

International goals

DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
January 25, 1997Sydney, Australia1 goal3-11997 Opus Tournament
January 29, 1998Bangkok, Thailand1 goal2-01998 King's Cup
June 5, 1999Seoul, South Korea1 goal1-2Friendly match
January 24, 2001Hong Kong1 goal2-32001 Carlsberg Cup
January 27, 2001Hong Kong1 goal1-1 2001 Carlsberg Cup
February 11, 2001Dubai, UAE1 goal4-12001 Dubai Tournament

Honours

Club

;Suwon Bluewings