The first Asian player to score a goal in the European Super Cup!

Li Gangren shines in the European Super Cup: From questioning to the transformation of heroes

Li Gangren spent a summer of ups and downs, and his future at Paris Saint-Germain was questioned by the outside world. When the transfer rumors were rampant and even voices said he would be cleaned to make room for signings, the South Korean midfielder chose to remain silent. He stayed away from the hustle and bustle of the media and was silently waiting for an opportunity to respond to all doubts. Finally, in the European Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspur in the early morning of August 14, he ushered in his own shining moment. The

2024/25 season was a year full of contradictions for Li Gangren. On the one hand, he won the "triple crown" of Ligue 1, French Cup and Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, becoming one of the most outstanding Asian players in football history. But on the other hand, he has never truly become the core force in coach Louis Enrique's tactical system. After participating in the 2025 Club World Cup with the team, the Korean star even faced the risk of being sold because Paris has a large number of superstars in the front line and the competition for position is extremely fierce.

However, the European Super Cup against Tottenham became the stage for Li Gangren to rewrite his story. In the 67th minute, he replaced Bradley Bacola and immediately injected vitality and change into the team.

In the 85th minute, after Li Gangren received the ball from the left side of the penalty area, he used his left foot to shoot a powerful long shot. The ball rushed straight into the dead corner of the goal like a shell, and Tottenham goalkeeper Gullermo Vicario flew to save it to no avail. This wonderful goal rewritten the score to 1-2. This goal not only sounded the horn of reversal, but also made Li Gangren in history - he became the first Asian player to score in the European Super Cup final.

When the game entered the penalty shootout that decided the outcome, Li Gangren once again confidently stood at the free throw point in the fourth round. He used a calm and accurate left-footed shot to break through Vicario's ten fingers for the second time, helping Paris win the penalty shootout 4-3. In such a star-studded group, all eyes are usually focused on strong contenders of the Golden Globes such as Ottoman Dembele, Vitinia or Ashraf Hakimi, but Lee Gangren regained his own "spotlight" in the most impressive way.

Li Gangren is reshaping his destiny in Paris

In fact, in European football, few Asian players can really make a sound and gain a foothold among the top giants with brilliant stars. If Son Heung-min is still in Tottenham, people's attention may be all focused on him. But on that night in Udinese, Li Gangren was the real protagonist. Social media was instantly flooded with information that "fans owe Li Gangren a apology" - which undoubtedly admitted how hasty the previous doubts were.

Of course, a game alone cannot completely reverse Li Gangren's situation in Paris. Coach Louis Enrique has many high-quality choices on the front line. If the Spanish coach does not regard Li Gangren as his first choice, the risk of leaving the team still exists. And the clearest warning is Gianluigi Donaruma, the case of the world's top goalkeeper being abandoned because he does not conform to tactical concepts.

But importantly, Li Gangren has shown qualities that not all stars have: patience, tenacious will, and the ability to seize every small opportunity. The "heavy artillery" he shot against Tottenham and the fatal blow in the penalty shootout not only brought the team a championship, but also strongly proved that he was fully capable of standing on the top stage in the world football world. Li Gangren's future at Prince Park Stadium may still be full of unknowns, but at this moment, he is fully qualified to hold his head high.