Han Kwang-song, often dubbed as the “Ronaldo of North Korea,” has undergone a tumultuous journey following his refusal to join Liverpool.
While many young players are likened to Cristiano Ronaldo, few ever truly attain the legendary status of the Portuguese icon. Han Kwang-song was once associated with such comparisons, yet his trajectory led him down a distinct path.
In 2015, Han, then just 17 years old, ventured to Italy through a talent program sponsored by the North Korean government. He enrolled in the Perugia academy before signing a contract with Cagliari. Notably, Han Kwang-song turned down an offer from Liverpool FC to pursue his Serie A dream.
Han debuted for Cagliari at the age of 19, scoring his first goal against Torino, which featured former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart. However, he struggled to secure a regular starting position and was subsequently loaned back to Perugia. His impressive performances there caught the attention of Juventus.
However, a setback occurred in 2021 when the United Nations ruled that Han Kwang-song’s transfer from Juventus to Al-Duhail violated international sanctions. His contract with the Qatari team was officially terminated.
Han was deported from Qatar and was scheduled to be flown to Rome. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and North Korea’s border closures, he was unable to return to his homeland.
According to various sources, Han has been stranded in a secretive embassy for several years. He is not allowed to grant interviews, adding further mystery to his story.
In November 2023, Han Kwang-song, now 25 years old, made his first professional appearance in three years. He scored a goal in North Korea’s World Cup 2026 qualifying match against Myanmar.
Currently, Han has yet to join any club, and it remains unclear whether he will participate in North Korea’s upcoming match against Japan on March 21st.