Biography
Who is Park Chu-young?
Early life and education
Park Chu-young was born and raised in Daegu, South Korea. His interest in football began in 1995 while he was attending Banyawol Elementary School. A school coach noticed his talent during an inter-class match. Although his parents initially objected to him joining a team, the coach spent three months convincing them to allow his participation.
He attended Cheonggu Middle School and later Cheonggu High School. During his high school years, he spent one year training at the Zico Football Center in Brazil. This training was funded by the Pohang Steelers. By the time he finished high school, he had scored 47 goals in 33 matches and won four national scoring titles. He was also the youngest player in the South Korean squad for the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship.
University and youth success
In 2004, Park entered Korea University. During his first year, he scored 10 goals and helped his university win a national tournament. That same year, he played a major role in the 2004 AFC Youth Championship. He scored six goals during the competition, including two in the final against China. This performance earned him the titles of top scorer and most valuable player, as well as the AFC Youth Player of the Year award.
His success continued in early 2005 at an under-20 tournament in Qatar. He scored nine goals and provided one assist in four games to help South Korea win the title. This period was so impactful that media members referred to it as the Park Chu-young syndrome. While studying, he also completed a teaching placement at Dongbuk High School and later earned a master's degree from Korea University's Graduate School of Education.
Professional club career
Park signed his first professional contract with FC Seoul in February 2005. He earned the K League Rookie of the Year award and was named to the league's Best XI during his debut season. His scoring prowess included a hat-trick on his twentieth birthday. After playing for Seoul, he moved to France to join AS Monaco in 2008. He scored 25 goals during his 91 appearances in Ligue 1 for the club.
In 2011, he moved to Arsenal F.C. But only made seven competitive appearances for the English side. This led to loan spells at RC Celta de Vigo and Watford F.C. After a stint with Al-Shabab Football Club, he returned to FC Seoul in 2015. During this second period with Seoul, he won the Korean FA Cup in 2015 and the K League title in 2016. He eventually concluded his playing career with Ulsan HD, where he won three consecutive league titles.
International career and coaching
On the international stage, Park represented the South Korean senior team between 2005 and 2014. He scored 24 goals in 68 total appearances for his country. He participated in three FIFA World Cups in 2006, 2010, and 2014. During the 2010 tournament, he scored a goal against Nigeria to help his team reach the round of 16.
He also played for the South Korean under-23 team, helping them secure a bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Following his retirement from professional play at the end of 2024, he served as an assistant at Ulsan HD. By the end of 2025, he moved into a management role as a co-owner and joint representative for Yangcheon TNT FC.
Birthday and age
Park Chu-young was born on July 10, 1985, which makes Park 41 years old today. That birthday falls under the Cancer sign. Park shares the date with 64 other famous people.
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