Once a name that was associated with the potential of English football, Jesse Lingard may no longer be at the top of fans’ minds, causing many to wonder: where is he now? After graduating from the club academy, he played for Manchester United for 11 years, from 2011 to 2022. He is currently 32 years old. He savoured the last few years of the Sir Alex Ferguson era during that time before contributing to the notable downturn of the previous ten years.
The 32-cap England international won the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League, among other accolades, during his tenure with the Premier League’s biggest clubs. He scored the game-winning goal against Crystal Palace at Wembley in the aforementioned FA Cup final, which was his finest moment. It would be an understatement to say that he has become less important, though, as the offensive midfielder has even come under fire for ‘damaging the culture’ at the Red Devils ever since he left England.
However, Lingard is now among a select few of forgotten English football players who play their sport overseas, out of the spotlight. He now plays for FC Seoul, a South Korean team. After being one of England’s most promising young prospects at one point in his career, it may seem like a strange place to end up, but it appears to be paying off. Lingard is shown that occasionally taking the less-traveled path can still result in redemption after making a concerning debut and winning the captaincy.
Lingard’s Unfortunate Start To Life in South Korea
Inauspicious start for the faded star
Lingard has faced nearly every challenge in his career. If his one season at Nottingham Forest, where he struggled to find a new club for several months after becoming a free agent at the end of the 2023–24 season, wasn’t enough to demonstrate this, his FC Seoul debut was the ideal example.
In March 2024, he made his debut for his new team as a second-half substitute in their 2-0 home loss to Gwangju. His numerous mischievous passes overshadowed his other accomplishments. The man who South Korean football journalist Lee Sungmo referred to as “the biggest signing in the K League’s history” didn’t have the start that everyone had hoped for.
Two weeks later, Lingard was publicly chastised by FC Seoul’s head coach, Kim Gi-dong, for his lack of effort and physicality after the team lost 2-0 again, this time to Jeju United. Before having knee surgery, he played 105 minutes in FC Seoul’s opening six games of the season. However, a year later, the Englishman is enjoying life in the southern Korean peninsula.
https://www.instagram.com/jesselingard/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8e3bb2dc-7166-4a46-ad73-f5a3a23eb7f4
How Lingard is Doing in South Korea One Year Later
The Englishman has rediscovered his love for football
Since then, Lingard has been a revelation in South Korea, keeping his word. He scored his first goal for the team on June 26 after scoring a penalty kick into the bottom left corner. Even though he didn’t start playing until late in the 2024 season, he finished with six goals and three assists.
After a slow start to his new life, it is evident that the former Man United player is thriving now. He is always ready to understand the culture and get used to his new surroundings. Watch the video below to witness the connection he has with his new followers:
Jesse Lingard enjoying his time out in South Korea with FC Seoul! 🇰🇷😁 pic.twitter.com/g03NgsH7dn
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 9, 2024
Lingard, who has scored one goal in his first term since being chosen club captain after his upturn in form at the end of 2024, has continued to excel after two games of the 2025 season. However, the Englishman is always in the news, and when the season’s opening goal sent shockwaves through the net, Lingard grabbed the attention of the British press for employing five distinct celebrations.
🇰🇷 Yesterday Jesse Lingard opened his account for the season, scoring this goal for FC Seoul as they defeated Anyang 2-1 in the K League. The 32-year-old is starting his second season with the Korean club #kleague #mufc pic.twitter.com/6NVJPSs7ei
— English Players Abroad (@EnglishAbroad1) February 23, 2025
The primary takeaway from the aforementioned video, though, is that Lingard is once again enjoying football, as he rightfully should. after then, he has talked about the improvements he has seen after relocating halfway around the world.
What Lingard Has Said About His Time in South Korea
The 32-year-old admitted he struggled at first
Lingard recently talked candidly about his experience adjusting to life in Asia in an interview with the Independent. “I wasn’t sure what to anticipate, but witnessing the love and gratitude really calmed me down and boosted my confidence,” he added.
“I began to score a few goals and provide a few assists. I always attempt to get pictures when folks ask for them. It might really get to you at the end of your career if you don’t receive the recognition you’re used to. I want to simply savour each moment.
Statistics for Jesse Lingard’s Career
Club
Years
Games
Objectives
Helps
United Manchester
2011–2022
232
35
20
(loan) Leicester City
2012–2013
5.
0
0
(loan) Birmingham City
2013–2014
Twelve
6.
3.
Albion & Brighton (loan)
2014
17
4.
3.
Derby County (loan)
2015
15.
2.
One
Loan for West Ham United
2021
16
9.
4.
Forest of Nottingham
2022–2023
20
2.
2.
Seoul FC
2024:
28
7.
3.
The sum
2011:
407
83
54
Along with talking about his friendship with Jose Mourinho, who used to FaceTime him to check on him and make sure he was always alright throughout his time with the Red Devils, he also disclosed that he cried during his last Manchester United training session. “I had a great time last year, despite the fact that I’m far from my family and my daughter,” he continued.
“My family and daughter came out. It was good. Having a little change and getting away is sometimes a good idea. No matter where I am, playing football still makes me happy. That has become even more evident after travelling to the opposite side of the globe.
Lingard’s decision to leave the team he grew up loving and supporting may have been tough, but it has turned out to be the right one. Lingard is among the several people who have left Old Trafford in his path to achieve success elsewhere, like Scott McTominay, Jadon Sancho, and now Antony.
