Yoo Sang-Chul of South Korea in action during the Lebanon 2000 Asian Cup. Photo: Ben Radford /Allsport
Cover Yoo Sang-Chul of South Korea in action during the Lebanon 2000 Asian Cup. Photo: Ben Radford /Allsport

The football star had just started coaching at Incheon United when he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer

Former South Korean footballer, Yoo Sang-chul, who participated in the World Cup semi-finals in 2002 for his country, has died at 49 after losing his battle against pancreatic cancer, according to the Korea Football Association (KFA).

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Yoo was a midfielder and a key part of the South Korean team when they played at the 2002 World Cup which the country hosted alongside Japan.

Yoo scored against Poland and led the team to defeat Italy and then Spain before they finally lost to Germany in the semi-finals. He was awarded FIFA's All-Star team of the tournament that year for his performance. 

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During his time as a footballer, Yoo spent 16 years of his club career in Asia and played in Japan's J.League as well as his country's K League.

He then moved into coaching with his latest stint beginning at Incheon United in 2019. However, he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer soon after and had to stop to take care of his health.

Fans were shocked at the star's sudden passing and many have been sharing messages of condolences and fond memories of his time in the sport online.

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