Lee Jae-sung is a South Korean attacking midfielder who plays for 1.FSV Mainz 05. At 33, he remains part of South Korea's wider 2026 picture because he brings creative passing, space finding, and final-third decisions at both club and international level.
Lee Jae-sung was born on 8 October 1992 in Ulsan, Korea. He plays in Bundesliga and has 102 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
Lee Jae-sung was born in Ulsan, Korea, 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
Lee joined Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2014 and made his debut in the 2014 AFC Champions League match against Yokohama F.
In 2016, he spent his best season by providing 17 assists during a year and winning the 2016 AFC Champions League.
Current club and recent form
He has been with 1.FSV Mainz 05 since 2021, and recent market tracking places him at around €2.00 million. 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 attacking midfielder, influence is not always captured by simple goals-and-assists numbers, because the role can be built around structure, control, or defensive work.
Lee Jae-sung - Stats and Performance
Lee Jae-sung's current club-season line with Mainz is 24 appearances, 4 goals, and 2 assists in Bundesliga. For a midfielder, that mix gives a better picture of workload and end product heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/2026 | Mainz | 24 | 4 | 2 |
Those totals point to a player carrying real week-to-week responsibility for Mainz. The balance between appearances, goals, and assists gives a much clearer view of current level than reputation alone.
International Career
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
He has 102 caps and 15 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 | 102 | 15 | 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
Lee Jae-sung plays as a attacking midfielder and is valued for creative passing, space finding, and final-third decisions. 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 | Lee Jae-sung |
| Date of birth | 8 October 1992 |
| Age | 33 |
| Nationality | South Korea |
| Height | 180 cm |
| Position | Attacking Midfield |
| Preferred foot | yet to be confirmed |
| Current club | 1.FSV Mainz 05 |
| Jersey number | 7 |
| Weekly salary | $42,470 gross (estimated) |
| Estimated net worth | €5.24 million (approx. estimate) |
Transfer News and Market Value
Current transfer records show 1.FSV Mainz 05 as his club heading into 2026, with the move dating from 2021. Recent market-value tracking places him at about €2.00 million.
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
Current salary estimates place Lee Jae-sung at about $42,470 gross (estimated) per week at 1.FSV Mainz 05. That works out to roughly $2,208,440 per year before bonuses.
Approximate net-worth estimates place him around €5.24 million.
FAQs
How old is Lee Jae-sung and what is his nationality?
Lee Jae-sung is 33 years old and he represents South Korea.
Which club does Lee Jae-sung play for now?
He currently plays for 1.FSV Mainz 05.
What position does Lee Jae-sung play?
He plays as a attacking midfielder.
Is Lee Jae-sung part of South Korea's national-team picture?
Yes. With 102 caps currently listed, he remains part of South Korea's wider selection picture.
What is Lee Jae-sung salary and market value?
Salary: $42,470 gross (estimated). Market value: €2.00 million.
Conclusion
Lee Jae-sung 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 1.FSV Mainz 05, 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.