**Nam Tae-hee ** (born 3 July 1991 in Busan) is a South Korean professional footballer who plays for J1 League club Yokohama F. Marinos and the South Korea national team. He has also played in England, France, and Qatar. He is a versatile midfielder and can play as attacking midfielder or central midfielder. He is known for his honed technique, smooth movement, and dribbling.

Club career

Nam played in the Reading's Youth Academy through KFA Youth Project, but was unable to sign for the club due to work permit issues. In July 2009, his first professional contract signed in France with Valenciennes FC. He played his debut on 8 August 2009 against AS Nancy and is currently the youngest Asian player to play in the Ligue 1 at age 18. In the winter break of the 2011–12 season, Nam agreed to leave Ligue 1 for Qatar Stars League club Lekhwiya SC on 26 December 2011.

Lekhwiya

Nam made his debut on 1 January 2012 against Al Kharitiyath. He scored his first league goal from a free kick on 19 January 2012. He made his AFC Champions League debut for Lekhwiya (now Al-Duhail) on 7 March 2012, scoring the only goal against Saudi Al Ahli, thereby scoring the first ever goal for Lekhwiya in any regional competition. In November 2018 while on international duty, Nam tore his ACL.

Al Sadd

On 8 February 2019, Al Sadd SC announced that they acquired Nam from fellow Qatari club Al-Duhail SC. Under their agreement, Nam will join Al Sadd in the 2019–20 season and will play for them for three years.

Return to Al-Duhail

On 8 July 2021, Nam returned to Al-Duhail after two years. On 30 July 2023, Al-Duhail confirmed that Nam would leave the club.

Yokohama F. Marinos

On 1 August 2023, Nam signed with J1 League club Yokohama F. Marinos.

International career

Nam has represented South Korea at U-13, U-15 and U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels. He made his debut for the Korean senior team on 9 February 2011 in a friendly against Turkey. Nam represented South Korea at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He appeared as a substitute as Korea beat Japan in the bronze medal match at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. On 22 December 2014, Nam was named in South Korea's squad for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup held in Australia. In the team's second group match, Nam scored the only goal as Korea defeated Kuwait 1–0 to ensure qualification to the knockout stage. On 20 November 2018, it was announced that Nam would miss the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the UAE after being ruled out for six months because of a knee injury.

Career statistics

Club

Updated 27 March 2024.

International goals

Honours

Lekhwiya/Al-Duhail Al-Sadd South Korea U23 South Korea Individual

Background

Nam is hailed as the 'Korean Messi' by Valenciennes fans and has also been touted as a 'magician' and 'wonderkid'. He was Most Valuable Player three times in his youth career in the National Championships in South Korea. Nam became the youngest Korean footballer to play in a professional league in Europe as a result of this game. He is known for his very energetic playing style.