Ji So-yun
Midfielder · Chelsea FC Women · South Korea
About Ji So-yun
South Korea's greatest ever footballer, Ji So-yun spent a decade as Chelsea's creative heartbeat — a technically brilliant attacking midfielder who won multiple WSL titles and became the most decorated Asian player in the history of English women's football.
Ji So-yun's story
Seoul to Chelsea
Ji So-yun was born on 21 February 1991 in Seoul, South Korea. She became the country's most gifted female footballer and moved to England with Chelsea FC Women in 2014 — a move that made her a trailblazer for Asian players in the WSL. Her technique, vision, and creativity quickly made her one of the best players in the league.
Chelsea's Creative Heart
For nearly a decade, Ji was the creative fulcrum of Chelsea's women's team. She won multiple WSL titles and FA Cups, was named the league's best player multiple times, and helped establish Chelsea as one of the dominant forces in English women's football. Her ability to find space, receive the ball under pressure, and create chances was exceptional.
South Korea's Captain
Ji captained the South Korean national team and almost single-handedly transformed the profile of women's football in the country. South Korea has traditionally struggled at Women's World Cups but Ji's presence in the WSL raised the standard and visibility of Korean women's football globally.
Brighton & Legacy
Ji moved to Brighton & Hove Albion Women in 2023 after a decade at Chelsea, bringing her quality and experience to a developing club. She has been involved in promoting women's football in South Korea and remains active in the game.
Did you know?
- Ji became the first East Asian player to win a WSL title when Chelsea won the league in 2015 — she went on to win it four more times, making her the most decorated Asian player in WSL history.
- She represented South Korea at multiple Women's World Cups and was the driving force behind the country's improved performances — her technical level was visibly a tier above her international teammates.
- Ji has spoken about the pioneering nature of her move to England — at the time very few Asian players had succeeded in the WSL — and her hope that her success would inspire future generations of South Korean girls to pursue professional football.
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