Shin Tae-yong
Shin Tae-yong (Korean: 신태용; born 11 October 1970) is a South Korean football manager, former professional defender, and football administrator. Renowned for his tactical acumen in defensive setups and emphasis on youth development, he has had a distinguished career spanning club and international management, including leading Seongnam FC to the 2010 AFC Champions League title and guiding the Indonesia national team to its first AFC Asian Cup appearance in 13 years in 2023.[1][2][3] As a player, Shin spent the majority of his career with Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (now Seongnam FC) in the K League, where he played as a versatile defender and midfielder from 1990 to 2005, captaining the team to three K League titles (1994, 1999, 2001–02) and two FA Cups (1999, 2004).[4] He earned 19 caps for the South Korea national team between 1994 and 1997, participating in the 1994 Asian Games where South Korea won silver.[5] Retiring in 2005 after a brief stint with Brisbane Roar in Australia, Shin transitioned into coaching, beginning as an assistant at Brisbane before returning to Seongnam.[1][4] Shin began his managerial career as caretaker at Seongnam FC in 2008, securing the K League Cup that year and becoming full-time manager in 2009.[1] Under his leadership until 2012, the club won the 2010 AFC Champions League—the first for a Korean club in eight years—and the 2011 K League Cup, though they also suffered relegation in 2011 before promotion.[1][6] He then managed South Korea's youth and senior teams, including the U-20 side at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup (reaching the round of 16) and the senior team from 2017 to 2018, where his squad famously defeated Germany 2–0 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup group stage to advance to the knockout round.[1][7] In 2019, Shin was appointed head coach of the Indonesia national team by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), a role he held until January 2025.[1][2] During his tenure, he oversaw multiple age-group teams simultaneously, qualifying the senior team for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup (reaching the round of 16) and the U-23 team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (via playoffs); in July 2024, he was awarded Indonesia's Golden Visa in recognition of his contributions.[3][8][9] Key achievements included runners-up finishes in the 2020 AFF Championship, bronze at the 2021 SEA Games, and the U-23 team's AFF U-23 Championship win in 2023, while improving Indonesia's FIFA ranking by over 20 places.[3][10] His contract was terminated in January 2025 amid reported internal conflicts.[2][1] Following his departure from Indonesia, Shin was appointed KFA vice-president in April 2025 alongside Park Hang-seo, focusing on national team development and administration, but resigned from the role in August 2025 to take up the Ulsan position full-time.[11][12][13] In August 2025, he briefly returned to club management as head coach of Ulsan HD FC in the K League 1, but was sacked after just 65 days and 10 matches due to poor results.[14][1] As of November 2025, Shin is currently without a managerial or administrative role, with rumors of a potential return to Indonesia firmly denied by PSSI.[15][16]Playing career
Club career
Shin Tae-yong was born on October 11, 1970, in Yeongdeok, Gyeongbuk Province, South Korea. He developed his early football skills at Daegu Technical High School from 1987 to 1988 before attending Yeungnam University from 1989 to 1991.[17] Following his university career, he joined Ilhwa Chunma—later known as Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma—in 1992, making his K-League debut that year and earning the league's Rookie of the Year award.[18] Shin spent the bulk of his professional playing career with Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma from 1992 to 2004, evolving from a promising defender into a versatile midfielder and defensive anchor for the team. During this period, he played a crucial role in the club's domestic and continental successes, including six K-League championships in 1993, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2002, and 2003.[19][20] Seongnam also won the Korean FA Cup in 1999 under his contributions, along with three K-League Cups in 1992, 2002, and 2004, and the 1995 Asian Club Championship—the precursor to the AFC Champions League—defeating Al-Nassr 1-0 in the final.[21][22] As a leader on the pitch, Shin served as team captain in his later years, anchoring the defense while contributing offensively with goals often from set pieces and providing key assists. He amassed 401 appearances in the K-League across his tenure, scoring 99 goals and recording 68 assists, and became the first player to join the "60-60 club" by achieving at least 60 goals and 60 assists in league play. In 2005, Shin briefly moved to Brisbane Roar in Australia but retired later that year due to a persistent ankle injury, promptly transitioning into a coaching role.[23][18]International career
Shin Tae-yong earned his first cap for the South Korea national football team on 21 October 1992, in a 0–0 friendly draw against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai.[24] As an attacking midfielder, he quickly established himself in the squad, appearing in matches during the early 1990s amid South Korea's preparations for major tournaments.[25] Throughout his international tenure, Shin accumulated 23 caps and scored three goals between 1992 and 1997.[26] His goals included one against Israel in a 1996 friendly and two during the 1996 AFC Asian Cup, highlighting his role in providing offensive support from midfield.[25] Shin's appearances were concentrated in friendlies and qualifiers, reflecting his contributions to the team's buildup for continental competitions during a transitional period for South Korean football.[24] A key highlight of Shin's international career was his participation in the 1996 AFC Asian Cup held in the United Arab Emirates.[26] He featured in all three group stage matches as South Korea finished third in Group A with a 1–1 draw against the United Arab Emirates, a 4–2 victory over Indonesia, and a 0–2 loss to Kuwait, advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.[25] In the quarter-finals against Iran, Shin opened the scoring in the 35th minute, but South Korea lost 2–6. This tournament marked his most prominent international outing, showcasing his ability to influence games with timely goals and midfield creativity.[26] Shin also represented South Korea at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona as part of the under-23 squad, playing three matches without scoring, though this was separate from his senior international duties.[26] Additionally, he participated in the 1994 Asian Games, where South Korea won the silver medal. His senior career tapered off after 1997, with no further call-ups following a period of strong domestic form at Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, effectively retiring from international football at age 27.[25]Style of play
Shin Tae-yong was a versatile attacking midfielder who spent the majority of his career with Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, where he was renowned for his ability to orchestrate attacks while maintaining defensive contributions. His positional role allowed him to link midfield and forward lines effectively, often dictating the tempo of games through precise passing and timely runs into the box.[17][18] Key attributes included exceptional goal-scoring instinct for a midfielder, culminating in 99 goals and 68 assists across 401 K League appearances, as well as strong tactical awareness that enabled him to read plays and transition seamlessly between phases. He was praised for his consistency and team-oriented approach, earning selection to the K League Best XI a record nine times between 1992 and 2003. In 1996, he claimed the league's top goalscorer award with 18 goals, highlighting his offensive prowess despite primarily operating from midfield.[18] Regarded as the "franchise star" of Seongnam, Shin was instrumental in securing multiple domestic and continental titles, including three consecutive K League championships from 2001 to 2003. His leadership on the field was evident in his role as a central figure during the club's golden eras under coaches like Park Jong-hwan.[27] Shin's style evolved from an aggressive, flair-driven young talent—who won the K League Young Player of the Year in 1992—to a more composed organizer in his later years, twice capturing the MVP award in 1995 and 2001 while adapting to tactical demands across formations.[18]Managerial career
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma
Following his retirement as a player in September 2005 due to a persistent ankle injury, Shin Tae-yong immediately transitioned into coaching by joining Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma as an assistant coach, leveraging his deep familiarity with the club where he had spent much of his playing career. This role allowed him to contribute to the team's tactical setup while mentoring younger players, marking the beginning of his coaching journey at his longtime club. In December 2008, Shin was elevated to caretaker manager after the dismissal of head coach Kim Bong-gil, stepping in during a challenging period for the team. His interim tenure in 2009 proved successful, as Seongnam finished second in both the K League and the Korean FA Cup, narrowly missing out on major titles but demonstrating his potential as a leader. This performance earned him a permanent appointment as head coach in February 2010, solidifying his transition from player to manager at the club he had helped build during his 12-year playing stint. As head coach from 2010 to 2012, Shin implemented a disciplined defensive structure combined with quick counter-attacking transitions, drawing from his own experience as a tenacious defensive midfielder known for interceptions and rapid breaks. This approach emphasized solid organization at the back while exploiting spaces on the counter, enabling Seongnam to achieve a historic triumph in the 2010 AFC Champions League—the first such victory for a Korean club under a domestic manager. The continental success highlighted Shin's ability to prepare for high-stakes matches, as Seongnam defeated strong Asian sides like Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the final. In 2011, despite finishing last in the K League and facing relegation, the team added the Korean FA Cup to their haul by defeating FC Seoul 2-1 in the final, which allowed them to win the subsequent promotion/relegation playoff and secure a berth in the 2012 ACL group stage. Despite these cup triumphs, Shin's tenure faced challenges in consistent league performance, culminating in a mid-table finish during the 2012 K League season amid increased competition and squad transitions. The team recorded a balanced but underwhelming campaign, exemplified by results such as 10 wins, 12 draws, and 12 losses across regular play, which fell short of title contention and led to struggles in the championship round. In December 2012, after nearly four years in charge, Shin resigned from his position at Seongnam, with the club accepting his offer amid mutual agreement on the need for fresh direction following the season's disappointments. Shin's time at Seongnam represented his inaugural major head coaching role, showcasing a seamless evolution from club legend to tactician while underscoring the demands of management at a storied outfit; the cup and continental honors cemented his reputation for building resilient teams, even as domestic league inconsistencies exposed areas for growth in sustaining top-flight dominance.South Korea national teams
Shin Tae-yong began his tenure with South Korea's national youth teams in February 2015, when he was appointed head coach of the under-23 side by the Korea Football Association (KFA), with the primary goal of preparing for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Under his leadership, the team demonstrated improved attacking play and defensive solidity, advancing to the quarter-finals at the Rio Olympics after topping their group with seven points from three matches, including a 3-3 draw against Mexico and a 1-0 win over Germany, before a 0-1 loss to Honduras. Earlier that year, Shin guided the U-23s to the final of the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship, where they fell 1-3 to Japan despite strong performances in the group stage and knockout rounds, marking South Korea's best finish in the competition at that time. In November 2016, Shin was tasked with coaching the under-20 national team ahead of the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted in South Korea, succeeding a period of inconsistent results. He instilled a confident, possession-based style that propelled the team through the group stage unbeaten, defeating England 1-0 and Portugal 3-1, before reaching the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated 0-1 by Honduras despite creating numerous chances. This achievement highlighted Shin's ability to nurture young talent, with players like Lee Kang-in making their international breakthroughs under his guidance and later transitioning successfully to senior and European club levels. Following the U-20 World Cup, Shin transitioned to the senior national team in July 2017, appointed as head coach on a contract through the 2018 FIFA World Cup after Uli Stielike's dismissal amid qualification struggles. His immediate focus was stabilizing the squad for the final round of AFC World Cup qualifiers, where South Korea secured automatic qualification with crucial results, including a 2-0 victory over Iran in October 2017 and a 0-0 draw against Uzbekistan, finishing second in their group with 15 points from 10 matches. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Shin's team earned three points from the group stage—a 2-0 upset win over Germany, a 0-1 loss to Sweden, and a 1-2 defeat to Mexico—marking their first victory in the tournament since 1998 but resulting in elimination after finishing third. Shin's overall record with the senior team from July 2017 to July 2018 was 7 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses across 21 matches, reflecting a transitional period focused on integrating youth prospects into the squad. He resigned shortly after the World Cup, citing the need for fresh leadership, though his emphasis on tactical discipline and player development laid groundwork for future successes in South Korea's national setup.Indonesia national team
Shin Tae-yong was appointed head coach of the Indonesia national football team by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) on December 28, 2019, succeeding Simon McMenemy on an initial four-year contract worth approximately IDR 23 billion (around USD 1.6 million). He introduced a high-pressing tactical style emphasizing quick transitions and defensive solidity, while prioritizing the integration of young talents from Indonesia's domestic leagues to rebuild the squad, often described as a regeneration effort for the "Garuda" team. Drawing briefly from his experience coaching South Korea's youth teams, Shin focused on long-term development, establishing training camps and scouting programs to nurture prospects like midfielder Marselino Ferdinan. Under Shin's guidance, Indonesia achieved several milestones, including qualification for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup—their first appearance since 2007 after a 16-year absence—secured through a dominant 7-0 victory over Nepal in June 2022. At the tournament in Qatar, the team advanced to the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed sides, marking their deepest run since 2004, before a 4-0 defeat to Australia; notable results included a 1-0 win over Vietnam. For the youth setup, Shin's dual role as senior and U-23 coach led to a fourth-place finish at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar, with standout victories such as a penalty shootout win over South Korea in the quarterfinals, earning a berth in the Olympic playoff, though they lost 1-0 to Guinea. In 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Indonesia progressed to the third round for the first time, highlighted by home and away wins against Vietnam (1-0 and 3-0) and a 2-0 victory over the Philippines in June 2024. Despite these successes, Shin's tenure faced challenges, including the integration of naturalized players of Indonesian descent—such as Thom Haye and Ragnar Oratmangoen—which sparked debates over team chemistry and national identity, alongside criticisms of inconsistent results in regional competitions like the AFF Championship. On January 6, 2025, PSSI abruptly terminated his contract, extended to 2027 in June 2024, citing needs for stronger leadership and tactical adjustments amid World Cup qualifying pressures, despite his overall record of 26 wins, 14 draws, and 17 losses in 57 matches (45.6% win rate). Shin's legacy includes elevating Indonesia's FIFA ranking from 173rd in early 2020 to a peak of 129th by late 2024, a 44-place improvement that positioned them as Southeast Asia's second-strongest side behind Japan. His emphasis on youth development produced a pipeline of talents, including Ferdinan, who emerged as a key playmaker, fostering a more competitive and modernized national team structure.Ulsan HD FC
Shin Tae-yong was appointed as the 13th manager of Ulsan HD FC on August 5, 2025, replacing Kim Pan-gon who had been dismissed amid the team's struggles to defend their K League 1 title. The club, three-time defending champions, sought to revitalize their campaign by leveraging Shin's experience with defensive tactics honed during his national team tenures, aiming to stabilize a squad facing early-season inconsistencies. This marked Shin's return to managing a K League club after 13 years, since his departure from Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in 2012. His contract was set to run until the end of the 2025 season, reportedly offering one of the highest salaries in league history, though exact figures were not disclosed. During his tenure in the 2025 K League 1 season, Ulsan HD experienced a poor run of form under Shin, recording 2 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses across 10 matches in all competitions, including league and AFC Champions League Elite fixtures. This left the team in 10th place after 32 matches, plunging them into a mid-season slump and a relegation battle for the first time in club history. Reports emerged of internal challenges, including dressing-room unrest and allegations of strategy leaks by players, which Shin later cited as factors undermining team cohesion. These issues echoed difficulties Shin faced in regenerating underperforming squads during his time with the Indonesia national team. Shin was sacked on October 9, 2025, just 65 days into his role, following a string of defeats that exacerbated the team's crisis. The dismissal stemmed from the dismal results and escalating public disputes with the club over player insubordination and verbal conduct, with Ulsan citing poor performance as the primary reason while agreeing to provide compensation for the early termination, though details remained private. His brief stint ultimately contributed to Ulsan's slide, highlighting the challenges of integrating his tactical approach with an aging roster unaccustomed to his high-intensity style.Other roles
Korea Football Association vice-presidency
Shin Tae-yong was appointed as vice-president of the Korea Football Association (KFA) on April 9, 2025, by KFA president Chung Mong-gyu, serving alongside Kim Byung-ji and Park Hang-seo.[12][11] In this role, he was tasked with handling international affairs, particularly strengthening the KFA's external relations with football associations across Asia and globally.[28][1] His responsibilities included overseeing international partnerships, contributing to youth development policies, and facilitating the KFA's engagements with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA.[11][1] This position marked Shin's first foray into a non-coaching administrative role following his tenure with the Indonesia national team, where he aimed to apply his extensive coaching experience to broader federation strategy.[12] During his approximately four-month stint, Shin contributed to the KFA's strategic planning efforts, focusing on enhancing global outreach and collaborative initiatives amid the federation's leadership transitions.[28] Shin resigned from the vice-presidency on August 6, 2025, to assume the head coaching position at Ulsan HD FC.[29][30] His brief tenure underscored a transitional phase for the KFA, leveraging his international expertise to support ongoing administrative reforms.[28]STY Football Academy
The STY Football Academy was established by Shin Tae-yong during his tenure as head coach of the Indonesia national team, with operations beginning in Jakarta under the STY Sports Group.[31][32] The academy focuses on youth development for children aged approximately 4 to 13, emphasizing technical skills, physical fitness, and teamwork to nurture future football talents in Indonesia.[31][33] The academy offers a range of programs, including regular training classes and elite training camps tailored to different age groups.[34][35] In 2025, it announced a detailed schedule of sessions held at multiple venues in Jakarta, such as Gaskan Arena and Arena Refleksi, with structured fees to support ongoing enrollment.[36][35] Partnerships, including collaborations with the KDH Academy and visits to Seongnam FC, enhance the curriculum by providing exposure to international coaching methods and competitive opportunities.[37] These initiatives aim to produce players capable of contributing to the national team's regeneration efforts.[38] Since its launch, the academy has expanded within Jakarta, adding facilities like B23 Arena and Urban Sports Dome to accommodate growing participation.[39] It has garnered significant visibility, with over 82,000 followers on its official Instagram account, reflecting its impact on youth football engagement.[40] In late 2025, academy teams actively prepared for events such as the KFAM Cup, where U10 and U12 squads represented Indonesia, underscoring the program's role in competitive development.[41] Shin Tae-yong serves as the founder and director, overseeing the academy's direction and integrating it with broader scouting pathways for emerging talents.[42][31] His hands-on involvement ensures alignment with high-level coaching standards drawn from his professional experience.[32]Personal life
Shin Tae-yong married Cha Young-joo in April 1995.[43] They have two sons, Shin Jae-won and Shin Jae-hyuk, both professional footballers.[44][45] Shin attended Daegu Technical High School and graduated from Yeungnam University with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1992.[17] During his time in Indonesia, he became popularly known by the initials "STY".[46]Career statistics
Club
Shin Tae-yong's club career was exclusively with Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (operating under names including Ilhwa Chunma from 1992–1995, Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma from 1996–1999, and Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma from 2000 onward), where he established himself as a prolific attacking midfielder. Across the K League and Korean League Cup, he recorded 405 appearances, 102 goals, and 69 assists, contributing significantly to the club's six K League titles during his tenure.[47] These figures exclude friendlies and reflect official domestic records; his goal tally highlights his offensive prowess from midfield, with notable peaks in the mid-1990s. In continental competitions, Shin featured for Ilhwa Chunma in the 1995 Asian Club Championship (including their triumph, netting in the semifinal), the 1995 Asian Super Cup, the 1996 Asian Club Championship, and the 2003 AFC Champions League group stage. He made 8 appearances across these tournaments, scoring 3 goals.[48] Toward the end of his career, he briefly joined Brisbane Roar in Australia, appearing once in the 2005–06 A-League season without scoring.[48] The following table summarizes his domestic season-by-season statistics in the K League and League Cup:| Season | Club | League Apps | League Goals | League Assists | Cup Apps | Cup Goals | Cup Assists | Total Apps | Total Goals | Total Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Ilhwa Chunma | 18 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 25 | 10 | 5 |
| 1993 | Ilhwa Chunma | 28 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 33 | 6 | 7 |
| 1994 | Ilhwa Chunma | 23 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 29 | 8 | 4 |
| 1995 | Ilhwa Chunma | 26 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 35 | 8 | 5 |
| 1996 | Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma | 24 | 18 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 29 | 21 | 3 |
| 1997 | Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma | 7 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 19 | 3 | 2 |
| 1998 | Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma | 7 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 3 | 6 |
| 1999 | Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma | 25 | 4 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 35 | 9 | 2 |
| 2000 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | 27 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 34 | 9 | 7 |
| 2001 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | 27 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 36 | 5 | 10 |
| 2002 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | 26 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 37 | 6 | 7 |
| 2003 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | 38 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 8 | 7 |
| 2004 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | 20 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 31 | 6 | 4 |
International
Shin Tae-yong earned 23 caps for the South Korea senior national team between 1992 and 1997, scoring 3 goals.[26] This includes participation in the 1994 Asian Games (silver medal) and the 1996 AFC Asian Cup. His appearances were concentrated in friendlies, the Asian Games, and the AFC Asian Cup, with no recorded participations in FIFA World Cup qualifiers or the World Cup finals. In the AFC Asian Cup, he made 4 appearances and scored 2 goals during the 1996 edition hosted in the United Arab Emirates. The majority of his caps—17—came in international friendlies and the Asian Games, where he netted 1 goal.[25][26] The following table summarizes his caps and goals by year:| Year | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 1 | 0 |
| 1993 | 3 | 0 |
| 1994 | 2 | 0 |
| 1995 | 3 | 0 |
| 1996 | 13 | 3 |
| 1997 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 23 | 3 |
Managerial statistics
Managerial record by team and tenure
| Team | From | To | Pld | W | D | L | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | 8 December 2008 | 7 December 2012 | 190 | — | — | — | — |
| South Korea | 4 July 2017 | 31 July 2018 | 21 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 33.33 |
| Indonesia | 8 January 2020 | 6 January 2025 | 57 | 26 | 14 | 17 | 45.61 |
| Ulsan HD FC | 5 August 2025 | 9 October 2025 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 20.00 |
Honours
As player
Shin Tae-yong amassed 12 major team honours during his playing career, primarily with Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, where he played from 1992 to 2005 as a versatile attacking midfielder and defender. His contributions included scoring crucial goals and providing leadership in multiple championship runs.[18]Club
Yeungnam University- Korean President's Cup: 1991[53]
- K League 1: 1993, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2002, 2003[18]
- Korean FA Cup: 1999[54]
- K League Cup: 1992, 1999, 2002, 2004[19]
- Asian Club Championship: 1995[22]
International
Shin earned 23 caps for the South Korea national team between 1992 and 1997, scoring 3 goals, but won no major senior international titles. He participated in the 1996 AFC Asian Cup tournament, as well as qualifying campaigns for the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. He also won silver at the 1994 Asian Games.[25]Individual
- K League Young Player of the Year: 1992[18]
- K League Most Valuable Player: 1995, 2001[18]
- K League Top Goalscorer: 1996 (with 16 goals)[18]
- K League Best XI: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 (9 selections; a league record)[18]