Atletico Madrid's new signing Lee Kang-In made his unofficial debut on August 9, 2026, in a highly anticipated match against Manchester City at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Why it matters: This match marked a major milestone for Lee Kang-In, who recently transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Atletico Madrid, debuting in front of a home crowd.
The match was part of the 2026 Coupang Play Series, featuring Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.
Lee Kang-In was assigned the iconic number 7 jersey, symbolizing the club's commitment to him.
His debut comes just weeks after his transfer was finalized for a fee of €40 million (approximately $43.5 million).
Driving the news: The atmosphere around the stadium was electric, with fans arriving hours early to catch a glimpse of Lee in action.
Traffic congestion was reported around the stadium as fans flocked to witness Lee's first appearance.
Over 10,000 jerseys featuring Lee's name were sold within two weeks of his announcement.
Kickoff was set for 8 PM, with temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius, creating a comfortable environment for spectators.
State of play: Lee started the match on the bench, a strategic decision by coach Diego Simeone.
He participated in a training session on August 8, 2026, leading up to the friendly match.
Lee joined the team on August 6 after completing personal training due to travel restrictions related to military service.
Atletico Madrid's lineup included key players like Rodrigo Mendes and Coque, with Jan Oblak as goalkeeper.
The big picture: This match is not just about football; it's a cultural event celebrating Lee's return to Korea.
Lee's move to Atletico Madrid has generated excitement among fans, marking a new chapter in his career.
Atletico Madrid last faced Manchester City in Korea three years ago, making this rematch particularly meaningful.
Lee's debut serves as an opportunity for fans to connect with a rising star in football.
What they're saying: Both coaches expressed enthusiasm for the match and the talent on display.
Diego Simeone emphasized the importance of integrating Lee into the team quickly.
Manchester City's coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged the competitive spirit both teams bring to the field.
By the numbers: The attendance and sales figures highlight the match's significance.
More than 28,000 fans were expected to fill the stadium for the match.
Over 10,000 Lee Kang-In jerseys were sold in just two weeks following his transfer announcement.
The match is part of a broader series aimed at promoting international football in Korea.
What's next: Following this match, Atletico Madrid will continue their preparations for the upcoming La Liga season.
Lee will likely see more playing time as he adjusts to his new team dynamics.
The club plans to host additional events in Korea to strengthen its fan base in Asia.