Lee Young-Pyo, former Spur, Retires from Football

Article by Nathan Durec

He has been referred to as a quiet leader, both on and off the pitch. Yet his career has spanned four continents, over 100 international caps, and more than a decade of consistent play. This past Sunday, Lee Young-Pyo, or Y.P. Lee as he is affectionately referred to as today, played his final match. His time with Tottenham Hotspur is remembered for his ever-presence in the back four.

Lee began his professional career in his home country of South Korea with the Anyang LG Cheetahs. He quickly created a permanent spot for himself, capable of playing in either fullback position, helping the club to a K-League title in 2000 and a Korean Super Cup in 2001. His level of play also got him noticed by his national team. He was a part of South Korea’s spectacular run in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted between South Korea and Japan, becoming the first Asian country to reach the semi-finals. They were eventually eliminated by Germany, but their performance opened the world to South Korean football and their players.

Fresh off of their success, Lee moved to PSV Eindhoven. Along with fellow countryman Park Ji-Sung (another future EPL player), this became a period of dominance for the Dutch club, grabbing Eredivisie titles in 2003 and 2005 and a Dutch Cup in 2005. Lee was also instrumental in the club’s push to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2005.

Pic: Vancouver Whitecaps

In 2005, Lee left the Netherlands for England and signed with Tottenham Hotspur after fierce competition. Lee’s signature was desired not only by his former club PSV, but also several Serie A clubs in Italy and a handful of EPL clubs as well. In his debut, he earned himself a place on the Best of the Week, causing then Spurs manager Martin Jol to call him “the best leftback from Holland.” He was a part of the squad that won the League Cup in 2008, Tottenham’s last piece of silverware.

Lee’s time in England was marred somewhat by injuries. In 2008, he crossed back to Europe’s mainland to play for Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga. This short stop was followed by a move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, where he regained his top form, propelling the club to back-to-back Saudi Professional League and Saudi Crown Prince titles in 2010 and 2011.

In 2011, Lee began to look ahead. He retired from international football and took a rumoured 90% pay cut to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS. Part of his deal allowed him to enter university in order to further studies in sports management. With the Whitecaps, he helped the team become the first Canadian club to reach the MLS playoffs in 2012, winning recognition as the Whitecaps Player of the Year for his contributions. In 2013, he helped the club to their first Cascadia Cup since joining MLS. On 27 October 2013, Lee played his final professional match, a 3-0 win against the Columbus Rapids.

Wherever Lee has played, he has been recognised as a true professional. His demeanour endeared him to teammates and fans alike. He was able to be an essential part of every club, helping to bring silverware wherever he played.

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