Hong Myung-bo
Awards & Honours
23
Awards Won
7
Honours
6
Rankings
5
Covers
4
Records
Hong Myung-bo's career is filled with historic firsts. He was the first Asian player to appear at four consecutive FIFA World Cups, and the first Asian to win an individual World Cup award (Bronze Ball). His free-kick goal against Germany in 1994 remains iconic. As a manager, he led South Korea's U-23 team to an Olympic bronze medal, the nation's first Olympic football medal. He is one of only two Asian players named to Pelé's FIFA 100, and he holds the record for most K League Best XI selections (nine). His leadership in the 2002 World Cup semi-final run united the nation and elevated Asian football's global standing.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
FIFA 100
Named by Pelé as one of the 125 greatest living footballers.
AFC Hall of Fame
Inducted as one of the first members.
Korean Sports Hall of Fame
Inducted for his contributions to Korean football.
Order of Sport Merit (Cheongnyong Medal)
South Korea's highest sports honor, awarded for the 2002 World Cup semi-final run.
Guinness World Record
First Asian player to appear at four consecutive FIFA World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002).
Honorary Doctorate in Physical Education
Honorary doctorate for his achievements in football.
Key to the City of Seoul
Awarded after the 2002 World Cup semi-final run.
Rankings & Lists
Greatest Asian Footballers of All Time
Best Asian Players Ever
Top 10 Asian Footballers of All Time
100 Greatest Footballers of All Time
100 Greatest World Cup Players
Asian Player of the Century
Magazine Covers
TIME
2002-06-03
Asia's World Cup Heroes
Sports Illustrated
2002-06-24
The Miracle of Seoul: South Korea's World Cup Run
World Soccer
2002-07
Hong Myung-bo: Asia's First World Cup Star
Korea Magazine
2002-11
National Hero: Hong Myung-bo
FourFourTwo
2012-05
The Legend: Hong Myung-bo, Asia's Greatest Defender
Records & Feats
First Asian player to appear at four consecutive FIFA World Cups
Hong played at the 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002 World Cups, a first for an Asian footballer.
First Asian to win an individual FIFA World Cup award
He won the Bronze Ball as the third-best player at the 2002 World Cup.
First Asian player to score in three different World Cups
Hong scored at the 1990, 1994, and 2002 World Cups.
Most K League Best XI selections (9)
Hong was named to the K League Best XI nine times, more than any other player.