Kim Tae-hyeon is a South Korean centre-back who plays for Kashima Antlers. At 25, he remains part of South Korea's wider 2026 picture because he brings duel timing, recovery defending, and aerial control at both club and international level.
Kim Tae-hyeon was born on 17 September 2000 in Gimpo, Gyeonggi. He plays in J1 League and has 5 senior caps for South Korea. His current role is easier to understand through reliability and tactical fit than through headline numbers alone.
Early Life and Background
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
Kim Tae-hyeon was born in Gimpo, Gyeonggi, where his football development began before he moved into more structured academy football.
His route into senior football was steady rather than sudden. Early development laid the base for the positional discipline and match control that later defined his game.
Club Career
Early clubs and development
On 28 December 2021, Kim joined Vegalta Sendai on a one year loan.
On 10 January 2024, Kim joined Sagan Tosu.
Current club and recent form
He has been with Kashima Antlers since 2024, and recent market tracking places him at around €700 thousand. Even without a major transfer story around him right now, that profile suggests a player who still holds clear value for his club.
At club level, his recent form should be read in context. For a centre-back, influence is not always captured by simple goals-and-assists numbers, because the role can be built around structure, control, or defensive work.
Kim Tae-hyeon - Stats and Performance
Kim Tae-hyeon's performance profile is better understood through role and match context than through raw output alone. That is especially true for a centre-back, where value often comes from repeatable actions over a full run of matches.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Kashima Antlers | yet to be confirmed | yet to be confirmed | yet to be confirmed |
The safest reading of his numbers is to connect them with role, team structure, and the level of competition. That gives a fairer picture than treating raw output as the whole story.
International Career
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
He has 5 caps and 0 goals for South Korea in currently tracked records. That gives him a real place in the national-team conversation, even if the exact role can change from one camp to the next.
For 2026, selection will still depend on form, fitness, and how South Korea want to build their squad balance. Players who understand their role and execute it cleanly usually stay in the picture longer, and that is the strongest argument in his favor.
| National Team | Caps | Goals | Tournament Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 5 | 0 | South Korea senior squad involvement |
International football usually rewards trust, clarity, and tactical discipline. That is why his national-team outlook still depends as much on role fit as on headline form.
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Position, role, and standout qualities
Kim Tae-hyeon plays as a centre-back and is valued for duel timing, recovery defending, and aerial control. He is at his best when the game asks for clear decisions, disciplined movement, and enough technical quality to keep his role stable under pressure.
The exact shape of his role can shift from match to match. Sometimes the priority is control, sometimes recovery work, and sometimes more direct involvement in transitions, but the common thread is tactical usefulness rather than unnecessary risk.
Personal Info and Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kim Tae-hyeon |
| Date of birth | 17 September 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Nationality | South Korea |
| Height | 187 cm |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Preferred foot | Left |
| Current club | Kashima Antlers |
| Jersey number | 26 |
| Weekly salary | Will be updated soon |
| Estimated net worth | Will be updated soon |
Transfer News and Market Value
Current transfer records show Kashima Antlers as his club heading into 2026, with the move dating from 2024. Recent market-value tracking places him at about €700 thousand.
Unless a new official move is confirmed, the safest reading is that he remains tied to his current club. For players in his position, market value is usually shaped by age, recent usage, contract situation, and how well the profile fits different league styles.
Salary and Net Worth
Weekly wages, annual earnings, and estimated net worth
Reliable public wage data is not clearly available right now, so the salary figure will be updated when stronger reporting is in place.
Net worth: Will be updated soon.
FAQs
How old is Kim Tae-hyeon and what is his nationality?
Kim Tae-hyeon is 25 years old and he represents South Korea.
Which club does Kim Tae-hyeon play for now?
He currently plays for Kashima Antlers.
What position does Kim Tae-hyeon play?
He plays as a centre-back.
Is Kim Tae-hyeon part of South Korea's national-team picture?
Yes. With 5 caps currently listed, he remains part of South Korea's wider selection picture.
What is Kim Tae-hyeon salary and market value?
Salary: Will be updated soon. Market value: €700 thousand.
Conclusion
Kim Tae-hyeon remains a useful player to track because his profile is built on role value, tactical fit, and experience rather than empty noise. That usually keeps a player relevant for longer, especially in a national-team setup that values clarity.
If he holds his place at Kashima Antlers, he should stay in South Korea's 2026 conversation. The exact role may change from one window to the next, but the overall picture is stable.