Lingard’s Korea Chapter Closes: Farewell to FC Seoul
5 December 2025
A Farewell in South Korea
Former Manchester United star and England international Jesse Lingard said on Friday that he will leave FC Seoul next week after two seasons in the South Korean league.
Two seasons, 60+ games, no trophies
The 32-year-old joined Seoul last February and has played over 60 matches for the club, but he has not won any trophies.
Last home game and next steps
Lingard's final appearance for the team will come at home against Melbourne City in the AFC Champions League on December 10.
The player did not reveal his next destination, but FC Seoul said he wanted to move to the next stage of his career.
Lingard, who spent 22 years with Manchester United before leaving Old Trafford in 2022, said leaving Seoul at the end of his contract was not an easy decision.
He wrote on social media that his time in South Korea had been amazing, the football, the atmosphere and the passion around this club have been top notch.
He added that the love, support and appreciation shown to him over the past two years has been wonderful.
Lingard faced a difficult start in Seoul, openly criticized by his coach and missing parts of the season due to injury.
But the attacking midfielder returned, wore the captain's armband and helped his team finish the season in the upper half of the table across the two campaigns.
Lingard thanked FC Seoul, his teammates, staff and everyone associated with the club for the trust and welcome he received from day one.
Seoul also wished him well, noting that he attracted extraordinary public attention and became a symbolic figure not only for the club but for the Korean league as a whole.
The official FC Seoul statement noted Lingard earned 32 England caps and wished him luck, adding that he attracted attention and became a symbolic figure not only for the club but for the Korean league.
Punchline 1: Lingard's passport now has more stamps than a souvenir shop.
Punchline 2: If you think his career has ups and downs, wait until you see his next transfer fee.
