Ji Sung Park is arguably the most successful Asian soccer player in history, blazing a trail for stars like Son Heung-min to follow.
If you are a fan of Manchester United or just love soccer history, you probably remember “Three-Lungs Park” running endlessly across the pitch. But how much wealth did he build during his time at the top?
In this article, you will know Ji Sung Park’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more details about his life.
Ji Sung Park’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Park Ji-sung |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1981 |
| Age | 45 |
| Education | Myongji University |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 73 kg (161 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2000 |
| Current Role | Technical Director / Advisor (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) |
| Net Worth | $15 Million – $20 Million (Estimated) |
| Wife | Kim Min-ji |
| Children | 1 Daughter (Yeon-woo), 1 Son |
| @jisungpark (Official foundation account usually) |
Early Career
Ji Sung Park did not have the typical path to stardom that most modern players have. He was actually considered too small and skinny by many teams in South Korea when he was in high school.
Instead of joining a professional K-League club immediately, he went to play for Myongji University. His hard work there caught the eye of scouts, but his big break really happened because of a Japanese club.
He signed his first professional contract with Kyoto Purple Sanga in Japan’s J-League. He wasn’t a superstar instantly, but he grew stronger and faster. The real turning point was the 2002 World Cup hosted by South Korea and Japan.
Under coach Guus Hiddink, Park played a massive role in getting South Korea to the semi-finals. He scored a stunning goal against Portugal that made him a national hero overnight. That performance convinced Hiddink to take Park with him to Europe.
Professional Career
Park followed Hiddink to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands in 2003. The start was rough because he struggled with injuries and homesickness, but he eventually adapted.
He helped PSV reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2005, scoring a famous goal against AC Milan. That summer, Sir Alex Ferguson made a surprise move and signed him for Manchester United for about £4 million.
At Manchester United, Park became a legend. He wasn’t always the flashy scorer, but his energy was unmatched. He played there for seven seasons, winning four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.
He was the first Asian player to win the Champions League trophy and wear the captain’s armband for United.
After leaving United in 2012, he had a short stint at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and then returned to PSV on loan before retiring in 2014 due to knee issues.
Wife
Ji Sung Park is happily married to Kim Min-ji. She is a former television announcer and presenter in South Korea.
They kept their relationship very private before announcing their engagement. They got married in July 2014, just after Park retired from professional soccer.
The couple has two children. Their daughter, Park Yeon-woo, was born in 2015, and they later welcomed a son. The family spends time living between South Korea and London.
Kim Min-ji often shares glimpses of their family life on her YouTube channel, showing Park as a dedicated father rather than just a soccer superstar.
Ji Sung Park’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Ji Sung Park has an estimated net worth of around $15 million to $20 million. This wealth comes from his decade-long career in top-flight European football, smart investments, and his current administrative roles in football management.
Contract
Park’s biggest contracts came during his time in the English Premier League. His initial deal with Manchester United in 2005 was worth about £2 million per year. As he became a key player, he signed extensions.
In 2009, he signed a lucrative extension worth approximately £3.64 million per year, which was a huge amount for an Asian player at the time.
When he moved to QPR in 2012, he signed a two-year deal that reportedly paid him around £60,000 to £70,000 per week, making him one of the highest earners at that club.
Salary
During his peak years at Manchester United (2009-2012), Park was earning roughly £70,000 per week. Before that, his salary was closer to £30,000–£50,000 per week during his early years in England.
At PSV Eindhoven, his salary was lower, estimated around €1 million to €2 million annually during his loan return.
Since retiring, he earns a salary as a technical director and advisor for teams like Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, though these figures are much lower than his playing wages.
Career Earnings
| Year/Period | Team | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2003-2005 | PSV Eindhoven | ~$800,000 – $1.2 Million |
| 2005-2006 | Manchester United | ~$3.5 Million (£2m) |
| 2007-2009 | Manchester United | ~$4.5 Million (£2.8m) |
| 2009-2012 | Manchester United | ~$6 Million (£3.64m) |
| 2012-2013 | QPR | ~$4.5 Million (£3m+) |
| 2013-2014 | PSV (Loan) | ~$2 Million |
| Total Career | — | Over $40 Million (Gross) |
Career Stats
| Club / Team | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto Purple Sanga | 76 | 11 | – |
| PSV Eindhoven | 92 | 15 | 10+ |
| Manchester United | 205 | 27 | 26 |
| Queens Park Rangers | 25 | 0 | 3 |
| South Korea (National Team) | 100 | 13 | – |
| Total (Club Approx) | 398 | 53 | 40+ |
FAQs
1. What is Ji Sung Park doing?
He works as a football administrator, specifically serving as a Technical Director or Advisor for the K-League club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. He also does ambassador work for Manchester United.
2. How many trophies did Park win at Manchester United?
He won a total of 13 trophies with Manchester United. This haul includes four Premier League titles, three League Cups, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League title in 2008.
3. Why did he retire from football so early?
Park retired at the age of 33 largely due to chronic knee problems. His knee had suffered significant wear and tear, making it difficult for him to train and play consistently.
4. Did Park play in the Champions League final?
He started in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals against Barcelona. However, he was famously left out of the squad for the 2008 final against Chelsea, a decision Sir Alex Ferguson later regretted.
5. Who is Ji Sung Park’s best friend in football?
His best friend is Patrice Evra. They formed a close trio with Carlos Tevez at Manchester United. Evra and Park are still very close and often visit each other or appear in videos together.
