Hong Kong: Lee Kang-in's exceptional form in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup saw the Korea Republic international named the AFC Youth Player of the Year at the 2019 AFC Annual Awards on Monday.

Born in Incheon, Lee's rise to fame started when he joined Spain's Valencia CF academy at the age of 10, where he then featured in the B-team in 2017.

Lee made his debut for the first team a year later in the Copa del Rey to become the youngest Korea Republic player to appear in a European match.

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The attacking midfielder was part of Korea Republic's FIFA U-20 World Cup Brazil 2019 squad in May, and his inspiring performances were pivotal in the young Taeguk Warrior's run to the final.

Despite losing 3-1 to Ukraine, Lee's undeniable talent saw him earn the tournament's Golden Boot award.

Lee then made headlines in September when he scored in his first start for Valencia in La Liga, becoming the youngest non-Spanish player to score in the top Spanish league.

The 18-year-old received his first senior team call up in March for international friendlies against Bolivia and Colombia, and eventually made his debut in September, and has since been an active member in Paulo Bento's Asian Qualifiers squad.