Former Manchester United and England midfielder Jesse Lingard will leave FC Seoul at the end of December 2025 after both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract. The 32-year-old attacking midfielder, who became the most high-profile player in K League history when he signed in February 2024, will make his final appearance for the club on December 10 in an AFC Champions League fixture against Melbourne City.
The decision brings to a close a productive two-year chapter in South Korea where Lingard scored 18 goals and provided 10 assists across 66 appearances, helping transform FC Seoul into a competitive force in Asian football. Despite the club’s efforts to extend his contract, Lingard has decided to pursue a new challenge in the next stage of his football journey.
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FC Seoul Praise Lingard as Symbol of K League
FC Seoul released an emotional statement acknowledging Lingard’s immense contribution to both the club and Korean football as a whole. The club described him as “the most valuable player in K League history” and praised his unique presence that elevated not only team performance but also significantly enhanced the brand value and prestige of the organization.
The statement emphasized that Lingard became a symbol not just for FC Seoul but for the entire K League, creating a sensation that transformed perceptions of Korean football on the global stage. His arrival in February 2024 was dubbed “the biggest signing in K League history” by South Korean football journalist Lee Sungmo, and his two-year tenure lived up to that billing.
FC Seoul revealed they had been pursuing an extension option that would have allowed Lingard to remain with the club for a longer period. However, while the midfielder expressed deep satisfaction with his time in South Korea and respect for the club, he believes now is the right time to take on a new challenge and embark on the next stage of his football journey.
The club emphasized that they held long and sincere conversations with Lingard attempting to persuade him to stay longer, but his intention was clear. Given Lingard’s dedication to the team over the past two years and his role as captain, which symbolized FC Seoul beyond his status as a foreign player, the club decided to accept his request with gratitude and respect.
Lingard’s Emotional Farewell Message
Taking to Instagram to announce his departure, Lingard expressed heartfelt gratitude for his experiences in South Korea. The former England international acknowledged that the decision to leave was not easy, describing his time with FC Seoul as “unbelievable” and highlighting the exceptional football atmosphere and passion surrounding the club.
Lingard stated that after positive discussions with FC Seoul, they mutually agreed he would be leaving the club at the end of the 2025 season, with his final game scheduled for December 10. He emphasized that the love, support, and appreciation shown by fans over the past two years has been truly amazing.
The midfielder described playing football in South Korea as an unforgettable experience that he will always value. He thanked FC Seoul, his teammates, the staff, and everyone associated with the club for trusting him and welcoming him from day one. Lingard concluded by expressing his eternal gratitude for the opportunity to play for such a massive club.
Statistical Impact and On-Field Contributions
Lingard’s numbers during his Korean adventure tell the story of a productive spell that revitalized his career. Over 66 appearances across all competitions, he contributed 18 goals and 10 assists, demonstrating consistent attacking output that justified his status as one of the league’s premier foreign players.
In his debut 2024 season, Lingard netted six goals and provided three assists in 26 matches as FC Seoul finished fourth in the K League, their best finish since 2019. The placement earned the club qualification for the AFC Champions League, marking a significant achievement in their return to continental competition.
The 2025 campaign saw Lingard elevate his production with 10 goals and four assists in 34 matches, achieving double-digit league goals for the first time in his entire career. This personal milestone came during a season where FC Seoul finished sixth in the 12-team K League, representing a slight regression from the previous year but still maintaining competitive relevance.
Lingard enjoyed particular success in continental competition, most notably orchestrating a remarkable 3-1 victory away to Chinese champions Shanghai Port in the AFC Champions League Elite. In that match, he scored twice and provided an assist, breaking the deadlock shortly after halftime before responding to Shanghai’s equalizer by setting up Lucas Silva and then sealing the result with another clinical finish.
Rocky Start to Korean Adventure
Lingard’s journey in South Korea began far from smoothly, with early struggles threatening to derail what would ultimately become a successful stint. After arriving in February 2024, he appeared for just 105 minutes during FC Seoul’s first six games of the season, visibly short of fitness after eight months without a club following his departure from Nottingham Forest.
The situation deteriorated when FC Seoul head coach Kim Gi-dong publicly criticized Lingard following a 2-0 victory against Jeju United on March 16, citing a lack of effort and physicality. The public rebuke represented a low point for a player who had been heralded as the K League’s biggest-ever signing.
Compounding his difficulties, Lingard underwent knee surgery for a meniscus injury that sidelined him for an extended period during his debut season. However, this injury proved to be a turning point rather than a setback. Lingard returned from surgery sharper, fitter, and fully committed to succeeding in Korean football.
Transformation Into Club Captain and Icon
The transformation from struggling newcomer to club icon represented one of the most remarkable career reversals in recent football history. Lingard earned the trust of his teammates through dedicated performances and leadership qualities that transcended his status as a foreign player.
FC Seoul rewarded his commitment by naming him captain, a rare honor for a foreign player in Korean football. The armband symbolized not just his on-field contributions but his complete integration into the club’s culture and his embodiment of FC Seoul’s values and ambitions.
Lingard’s presence created a commercial and cultural phenomenon in Korean football. Attendance figures skyrocketed whenever he played, with fans eager to witness one of English football’s most recognizable faces competing in the K League. Jersey sales bearing his name broke records, while his social media engagement brought unprecedented global attention to Korean domestic football.
His influence extended beyond match days, with Lingard actively engaging with fans, embracing Korean culture, and serving as an ambassador for the league’s growing international profile. The combination of on-field performance and off-field charisma made him exactly the transformative figure FC Seoul had hoped for when they secured his signature.
Career Context and English Football Background
Lingard’s move to South Korea came after a turbulent period in English football that saw his career trajectory decline sharply from its early promise. He spent 22 years affiliated with Manchester United, progressing through their academy before making his senior debut in 2011 and establishing himself as a first-team regular under Louis van Gaal in 2015.
During his time at Old Trafford, Lingard made 232 appearances and scored 35 goals, winning the FA Cup, Europa League, EFL Cup, and FA Community Shield. He became one of only three players to score in finals of the FA Cup, League Cup, and FA Community Shield, cementing his status as a big-game player capable of delivering in crucial moments.
However, Lingard fell out of favor under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and struggled to regain his place in the team. A loan spell at West Ham United in 2021 saw him rediscover his form spectacularly, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 16 Premier League appearances. He won Player of the Month honors in April 2021 and looked to have resurrected his career.
Despite his West Ham renaissance, Lingard returned to Manchester United for one final season before being released at the end of the 2021-22 campaign. He joined Nottingham Forest on a one-year contract, becoming the club’s highest-paid player, but made only 20 appearances before being released at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Eight Months Without a Club
The period between leaving Nottingham Forest in June 2023 and joining FC Seoul in February 2024 represented the darkest chapter of Lingard’s career. For eight months, the former England international remained without a club despite being a free agent in the prime years of his career.
Multiple reports suggested Lingard had offers from various leagues including Europe, South America, and the United States before ultimately choosing Asia. The extended unemployment period forced him into the unfamiliar position of a free agent fighting for relevance, raising questions about whether his career at the elite level had effectively ended.
His eventual decision to join FC Seoul was viewed by many as a bold step into unfamiliar territory, accepting a challenge in a new culture and a less prominent league when he desperately needed a fresh start. The move represented both a risk and an opportunity for a player whose career had stalled dramatically.
International Career and 2018 World Cup
Lingard represented England at under-17 and under-21 levels before making his senior international debut in October 2016. He earned 32 caps for the Three Lions and scored six goals, including memorable strikes that demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
His finest moment in an England shirt came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he played a crucial role in England’s run to the semifinals. Lingard scored a stunning long-range strike against Panama and provided creativity and energy in midfield as Gareth Southgate’s side exceeded expectations by reaching the final four.
England’s fourth-place finish represented their best World Cup performance since 1990, with Lingard’s contributions earning widespread praise. The tournament showcased his technical ability, tactical intelligence, and composure in high-pressure situations, qualities that would later translate to his success in South Korea.
Future Prospects and Free Agency
As Lingard prepares for his final appearance in FC Seoul colors against Melbourne City, speculation about his next destination remains rife. The 32-year-old has not disclosed where he will continue his career, but his successful two-year stint in South Korea has re-established him as a player capable of influencing matches at a competitive level.
Teams across various leagues may view Lingard as an attractive free-agent option during the January transfer window. His experience, leadership qualities, and proven ability to adapt to new environments make him an intriguing prospect for clubs seeking attacking midfield reinforcement.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Sport earlier in 2025, Lingard revealed he had previously considered options in Major League Soccer and the United Arab Emirates. He also expressed ambitions to pursue acting when his playing career eventually concludes, suggesting he views football as one chapter in a broader entertainment career.
The English football pyramid could also present opportunities, with Championship or League One clubs potentially interested in acquiring a player of Lingard’s pedigree and proven Premier League quality. His ability to generate commercial interest and bring experience to younger squads makes him valuable beyond pure on-field contributions.
Legacy in Korean Football
Regardless of where Lingard’s career takes him next, his impact on Korean football will endure long after his departure. FC Seoul’s statement emphasized that he consistently did everything for the team while rewriting the history of both the K League and the club itself.
The club expressed infinite respect and gratitude to Lingard for his dedication and commitment, sending their full support for his decision and his new challenge. They acknowledged that his choice must have taken considerable time to consider, respecting the thoughtfulness he applied to this major career decision.
Lingard’s success in South Korea demonstrated that Asian leagues can attract and satisfy established European talent seeking competitive football and new cultural experiences. His positive experience may encourage other high-profile players to consider similar moves, potentially elevating the K League’s global profile further.
For FC Seoul, replacing Lingard’s on-field production, leadership presence, and commercial magnetism presents a significant challenge. The club will need to identify a marquee signing capable of generating similar excitement while maintaining their competitive standards in both domestic and continental competition.
Jesse Lingard’s departure from FC Seoul marks the end of a transformative chapter for both player and club. What began as a surprising free transfer evolved into one of the K League’s most successful foreign player acquisitions, with Lingard delivering consistent performances, leadership, and global attention that elevated Korean football’s international standing.
His journey from public criticism and injury setbacks to club captaincy and iconic status epitomizes the resilience and adaptability that defined his career. The mutual respect evident in both FC Seoul’s statement and Lingard’s farewell message reflects a partnership that succeeded beyond initial expectations despite its early challenges.
As Lingard prepares to make his final appearance on December 10, FC Seoul supporters will bid farewell to a player who became more than just a foreign import. He became a symbol of ambition, a leader who transcended cultural boundaries, and a performer who delivered unforgettable moments when his club needed them most. The next chapter of his career remains unwritten, but his legacy in South Korea is already secure.
FAQs
When did Jesse Lingard join FC Seoul?
Jesse Lingard signed a two-year contract with FC Seoul on February 7, 2024, after being a free agent for eight months following his departure from Nottingham Forest in June 2023. His arrival was described as the biggest signing in K League history.
What were Jesse Lingard’s statistics at FC Seoul?
Jesse Lingard made 66 appearances for FC Seoul across all competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing 10 assists during his two-year tenure. In 2024, he scored six goals and three assists in 26 matches, while in 2025 he contributed 10 goals and four assists in 34 matches.
When is Jesse Lingard’s final match for FC Seoul?
Jesse Lingard’s final match for FC Seoul will be on December 10, 2025, in an AFC Champions League fixture against Melbourne City at Seoul World Cup Stadium. Both player and club confirmed this would be his last appearance wearing the club’s red and black shirt.
Why is Jesse Lingard leaving FC Seoul?
Jesse Lingard is leaving FC Seoul by mutual agreement despite the club’s efforts to extend his contract. He expressed that while he was deeply satisfied with his time in South Korea, he believes now is the right time to take on a new challenge and begin the next stage of his football journey.
What did FC Seoul achieve during Jesse Lingard’s time at the club?
Under Jesse Lingard’s influence, FC Seoul finished fourth in the K League in 2024, their best finish since 2019, which earned them qualification for the AFC Champions League. In 2025, they finished sixth in the 12-team league while competing in continental competition.
