Kim Ji-soo (; born 24 December 2004) is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club Brentford.
Club career Seongnam FC Kim joined the youth academy of Seongnam FC and worked his way up their youth categories. On 7 February 2022, he signed his first semi-professional contract with the club ahead of the 2022 K League 1 season. In doing so, he became the club's first ever semi-pro player, as well as their youngest registered player in the league that season. On 18 October 2022, he was registered as a fully professional player. He made 19 appearances in his debut season with Seongnam, earning interest from clubs abroad.
Brentford On 26 June 2023, Kim joined Premier League club Brentford for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year contract with the club, with an option for an additional year, and being assigned to the B team. During a season at the B team, he was on the list of senior squad in eight Premier League matches, but did not make his senior debut.
On 7 June 2024, Kim was officially promoted to the senior team, becoming the first-ever Korean centre-back to be affiliated to a Premier League club. He made his Premier League debut on 27 December, coming on as a 76th minute substitute for Ben Mee in a match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Loan to 1. FC Kaiserslautern On 22 July 2025, Kim was loaned by 2. Bundesliga club 1. FC Kaiserslautern, moving to Germany. He could qualify as a homegrown player if he stayed in England for one more season, but he chose immediate experience on the field after manager Thomas Frank, who had asked him to stay at the club, left for Tottenham Hotspur. However, Kim injured his thigh in a league match against Fortuna Düsseldorf on 2 November, and suffered a relapse two months after starting rehabilitation.
International career Kim is a youth international of South Korea, and played in the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup and 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He became one of the most notable players in the latter competition after helping his team reach the semi-finals.
In August 2023, Kim received his first call-up to the South Korea senior national team by head coach Jürgen Klinsmann, for two friendly matches against Wales and Saudi Arabia.
Style of play Kim is a centre-back who has power, height, and wide field of view. He is able to play with both feet, and is skilled in providing long-range passes. He has been frequently compared to Kim Min-jae in his country due to his playing style.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsSeongnam FC2022K League 119000———1902023K League 21010———20Total20010000000210Brentford2024–25Premier League301010――501. FC Kaiserslautern (loan)2025–262. Bundesliga17011―――181Career total40031100000441
Honours Individual K League All-Star: 2022
South Korea U23 Asian Games: 2026
Notes
References
External links Kim Ji-soo at Brentford F.C.