Biography
Who is Jung Sung-ryong?
Early life and education
Jung was born in Seongnam and grew up in Gwangju. His football path started in the second grade of elementary school after his father gave him a ball. When his school established a football club in the fifth grade, he began his formal career. He initially played as a sweeper before switching to the goalkeeper position while attending middle school.
He later attended Seogwipo High School in Jeju. During a 2002 high school tournament at the Korean National Sports Festival, he played for the provincial team and won the title.
Professional club career in South Korea
Jung Sung-ryong signed his first professional contract with the Pohang Steelers in January 2003. He did not make senior appearances for three years as an understudy to Kim Byung-ji. He eventually debuted on April 22, 2006, keeping a clean sheet against Gyeongnam FC. In 2007, he helped the team secure the K League title.
He moved to Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in 2008, where he became the primary goalkeeper. While with Seongnam, he helped the club win the 2010 AFC Champions League, playing every match from the group stage to the final. In 2011, he joined the Suwon Samsung Bluewings on a five-year contract. His time in Suwon included finishing as runners-up in the 2014 K League 1 season. He also faced well-known challenges, including a controversial goal conceded in the 2011 AFC Champions League semi-final against Al-Sadd.
Success in Japan with Kawasaki Frontale
In 2016, Jung moved to the J1 League to play for Kawasaki Frontale. His tenure in Japan was highly successful. He helped the team finish as runners-up in the 2016 Emperor's Cup and the J1 League. He captained the club for the first time in April 2017 during a match against Ventforet Kofu. Kawasaki Frontale won their first-ever J1 League title that same season.
The team achieved consecutive league titles in 2018, with Jung contributing to the league's lowest goal concession record. He was selected for the J.League Best XI in 2018. In 2020, he helped the club win both the J1 League title and the Emperor's Cup, earning another J.League Best XI selection. During the 2023 Emperor's Cup final, he saved a penalty and scored the decisive spot-kick to secure a victory over Kashiwa Reysol. He departed Kawasaki Frontale in late 2025 after nine years with the club.
International career and recent activity
Jung was first called up to the South Korea national football team in July 2006. He made his senior international debut against Chile on January 30, 2008. He was a key part of the squad that qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics, conceding only three goals during the qualifying rounds.
He scored an 85-meter goal during an under-23 friendly against Ivory Coast in July 2008. After concluding his lengthy tenure in Japan, he signed with the J3 League club Fukushima United on January 12, 2026. He made his debut for the team against Ventforet Kofu on February 7, 2026.
Birthday and age
Jung Sung-ryong was born on January 4, 1985, which makes Jung 41 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Jung shares the date with 60 other famous people.
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