Lee Kang-in's historic debut with Atletico Madrid will be held in Korea.
On the 9th, Coupang Play announced that Lee Kang-in's signing ceremony would be held at the venue for the '2026 Coupang Play Series'. This afternoon at 8 p.m., as Atletico Madrid and Manchester City face off again at Seoul World Cup Stadium for the first time in three years, Lee Kang-in, who has newly joined Atletico Madrid, will hold his signing ceremony.
This is an unprecedented event where Lee Kang-in holds a signing ceremony before Korean fans prior to entering Atletico Madrid's home stadium, 'Riyadh Air Metropolitano'. The event came about through the combined intentions of Coupang Play, which wanted to share Lee Kang-in's new beginning with his fans, and the club, which sought to welcome its newly joined ace at his hometown first.
This is also an exceptional treatment even in the global football world. Atletico Madrid is a prestigious club that has proven itself as one of Europe's top competitors with 11 La Liga titles, 10 Copa del Rey victories, and four UEFA Champions League semi-final appearances. For Lee Kang-in to wear the iconic 'No. 7' jersey symbolizing an ace at such a world-class club and hold his signing ceremony before Korean fans ahead of his local home debut is unprecedented in the club's history.
Legendary Spanish striker David Villa will attend the signing ceremony today, adding further significance. David Villa is scheduled to present Lee Kang-in with a special jersey engraved with the word 'Legend' to celebrate his signing. It is a scene where a legend representing Spanish football welcomes a new ace who will lead the future of a prestigious domestic club.
Lee Kang-in previously stated at a pre-match press conference for the '2026 Coupang Play Series' held the previous day at Seoul Mokdong Sports Complex, "I chose Atletico Madrid to win," and added, "I will give 120% effort, not just 100%, for the team's victory."
Kim Sung-han, CEO of Coupang Play, will also attend to convey congratulatory messages to Lee Kang-in. Through the 'Coupang Play Series', Coupang Play has annually showcased major matches between world-class clubs, matchups with Team K League, and spectacular halftime shows.
The matchup between Atletico Madrid and Manchester City is taking place for the first time in three years; in their previous encounter, Atletico Madrid defeated then-Manchester City 2-1. Today's match has already sold out all pre-sale tickets, and general ticket sales currently underway are also approaching a sellout.
Meanwhile, Coupang Play has prepared special items for fans attending the event to share in Lee Kang-in's new beginning: △Lee Kang-in autographed jerseys △autographed jerseys from both teams' squads △autographed balls △invitations to 'BIGBANG 2026 World Tour in Goyang' △invitations to the 'BIGBANG Concert Han River Pre-Event'. Additionally, ATEEZ member San will perform the ceremonial kickoff, and girl group RESCENE will deliver a halftime show.
in TECH
