The North Korean striker and former Juventus player, Han Kwang-song, reappeared on the football scene on Thursday, November 16th, representing his national team in a match against Syria. This marked his first appearance since August 2020, catching the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide.
Wearing the coveted number 10 jersey, the 25-year-old started the game but was substituted at halftime. Notably, this marked Han Kwang-song’s first official match for his national team since November 2019, marking almost four years to the day since his last official appearance.
Born in Pyongyang, Han Kwang-song made history on April 9, 2017, becoming the first North Korean player to score in one of the top five European leagues while playing for the Italian club Cagliari Calcio. However, this achievement was followed by a sudden halt in his football career.
Facing the impact of UN sanctions against North Korea, the young forward, then 22 years old, found himself unable to continue playing abroad. Consequently, he made the difficult decision to transition to the local amateur league, marking the end of his professional football journey at that time.
Han Kwang-song’s return to the international stage after more than a year’s absence has stirred interest among fans and analysts alike. The circumstances surrounding his hiatus and the reasons behind his recent comeback remain subjects of speculation, adding an air of mystery to the footballer’s narrative.
As the North Korean striker steps back onto the field, questions linger about his future trajectory and the impact of geopolitical dynamics on the careers of players from nations subject to international sanctions. Football enthusiasts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Han Kwang-song’s journey as he navigates the complexities of representing both his national team and the broader football community.
