Jesse Lingard, the former Manchester United and Nottingham Forest midfielder, recently found himself at the center of some playful banter during a match while playing for his new club, FC Seoul, in South Korea’s K League. Lingard, who left Manchester United at the end of the 2021/22 season and had a notable stint with Nottingham Forest before departing in the summer of 2024, announced in February 2024 that he had signed with FC Seoul. This marked the beginning of a fresh chapter in his career, as he embraced the opportunity to play in South Korea.
In a recent match against Daejeon Hana Citizen, Lingard made a significant impact by scoring a crucial equalizer to bring the score to 2-2. Known for his trademark celebrations from his days at Manchester United, Lingard performed his signature dance move after the goal. The moment was reminiscent of his previous celebrations, which had become iconic during his time in the Premier League.
However, the joy of the celebration was short-lived. Just minutes after Lingard’s goal, Daejeon’s Kim Hyeon-Ug netted an 83rd-minute winner, sealing the victory for his team. To add a humorous twist to the match, Kim playfully mimicked Lingard’s dance celebration, creating a light-hearted moment that quickly gained attention.
The imitation of Lingard’s dance sparked a wave of reactions on social media, where fans and football enthusiasts shared their amusement. One fan jokingly commented, “I didn’t know the Koreans had this level of s***housery,” while another expressed support for Lingard with the message, “Lingard, never change.” The light-hearted exchange between the players highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship and banter that often accompanies football matches.
Despite the playful moment, Lingard has remained focused on his new chapter with FC Seoul. Reflecting on his move to South Korea, he expressed excitement about the fresh opportunity and his eagerness to embrace the local culture. “I’m really excited for this new challenge,” Lingard stated. “I’m here to embrace the culture, and it’s a fresh start for me. I want to enjoy football again, bring some joy to the fans, and showcase what I can do.” His comments reflected his positive attitude and determination to make the most of his time in the K League.
Lingard’s move to FC Seoul makes him the seventh English footballer to play in South Korea’s top football league. He follows in the footsteps of other English players such as Jordan Mutch, Richard Offiong, and Chris Marsden, among others, who have ventured to the K League to continue their careers. For Lingard, this move represents not only a new footballing challenge but also an opportunity to explore life in a different part of the world and connect with a new fanbase.
While the banter on the field provided some comic relief, Lingard remains committed to making a meaningful impact with FC Seoul. As he adapts to life in the K League, fans and observers are eager to see how the 31-year-old midfielder adjusts to the demands of South Korea’s top football competition. Lingard’s arrival has brought excitement to the league, and his ability to contribute both on and off the pitch will be closely watched by football enthusiasts.
Ultimately, Lingard’s journey in South Korea is just beginning, and while the playful dance moment became a viral sensation, his focus remains on playing football, enjoying the game, and building a new chapter in his career. Fans of both FC Seoul and football worldwide will be keeping an eye on his progress as he embarks on this fresh adventure in the K League.