Biography
Who is Park Joo-ho?
Early life and education
Park Joo-ho was born in Seoul, South Korea. He grew up in the city of Hanam. He started playing football during the sixth grade. Because his local elementary school lacked a football program, he commuted to Seoul to train with peers, including teammate Lee Yong. He later enrolled at Kwangwoon Artificial Intelligence High School and attended Soongsil University.
While Park attended university, several Japanese and local clubs expressed interest in signing him to a contract. However, these opportunities did not materialize after medical examinations revealed he had a back injury. This setback delayed the start of his professional career.
Club career in Japan and Switzerland
Park began his professional career in 2008 with the J2 League club Mito HollyHock after recovering from his back injury. He moved up to the top division quickly, winning the 2009 J1 League with Kashima Antlers and the 2010 J.League Cup with Júbilo Iwata.
In 2011, Park joined the Swiss Super League club Basel. During his two-year tenure, he helped the team secure the 2011 Uhrencup and the 2011-12 Swiss Super League title. He played a significant role in their UEFA Champions League campaign, including a victory against Manchester United that helped the team reach the knockout stage. He also participated in the team's victory over Bayern Munich in the round of 16. During his time at Basel, he played 107 matches and scored one goal before departing in 2013.
Years in Germany and South Korea
Park signed with the Bundesliga club Mainz 05 in July 2013. He made 27 appearances during the 2013-14 season, playing as both a left-back and a central midfielder. In 2015, he transferred to Borussia Dortmund. His time there was marked by a Europa League match against Krasnodar, where he recorded a goal and an assist. He left the club in late 2017.
Returning to South Korea, he joined Ulsan Hyundai in December 2017. He played a key role in their 2020 AFC Champions League victory. After his time at Ulsan, he signed with Suwon FC in 2021. He retired from professional football during the 2023 season, playing his final match in June 2023 against his former team, Ulsan Hyundai.
International and administrative career
Park represented South Korea at multiple levels. He captained the under-20 team during the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup and made his senior team debut in 2010. He was part of the squad that won a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, which exempted him from mandatory military service. He also participated in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup tournaments, though injuries impacted his playing time in both.
After retiring from play, Park served on the board of the Korea Pro-Footballers' Association. In 2024, the Korea Football Association appointed him to a committee tasked with searching for a new national team manager. He also manages a YouTube channel where he discusses football developments.
Birthday and age
Park Joo-ho was born on January 16, 1987, which makes Park 39 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Park shares the date with 52 other famous people.
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