Who Is Cha Bum-kun? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Cha Bum-kun is 72 years old. Renowned for his incredible football skills, Cha started his professional career in the 1970s, quickly becoming a household name in South Korea and beyond. He played primarily as a forward, known for his remarkable speed and scoring ability. His career highlights include playing for the South Korean national team, where he became the first player from Asia to gain significant recognition in European football, particularly during his time with Bundesliga clubs.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 22, 1953 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Hwaseong, South Korea |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | South Korea |
Popularity
Cha Bum-kun's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Cha Bum-kun stands at an impressive height of 1.82 m (5 feet 11.5 inches) and maintained a playing weight around 76 kg (168 lbs) throughout his career. As of 2025, while his playing days are behind him, he remains active in promoting football and engaging with the community.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Cha Bum-kun has been known to keep his personal life relatively private. He has been married for several years, and his wife's name is Hee-kyung. Together they have raised two children, who are also involved in sports, influenced by their father’s legacy. There is no public information regarding any extramarital relationships, confirming Cha’s dedication to his family life.
Cha moved into management with K League side Hyundai Horang-i, coaching them from 1991–94. His next appointment in January 1997 was Korean national team coach and he led the nation to the 1998 FIFA World Cup; however, a disastrous 5–0 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands in Korea's second group game got Cha fired.
He later blamed the KFA for the bad performance, citing lack of bonuses and alleging pro soccer games in Korea were fixed. The association promptly slapped a five-year ban on him and he soon left the country with his wife.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Cha Bum-kun’s estimated net worth is approximately $20 million. His earnings stem from a successful football career, various endorsement deals, and investments in sports-related businesses. Additionally, he has dabbled in commentary and coaching, further bolstering his financial portfolio.
Career, Business and Investments
Cha Bum-kun had a storied career spanning decades. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching and sports broadcasting. His investments include football academies, youth training programs, and partnerships with various sports organizations to promote talent development in South Korea.
Cha is also known as a philanthropist, supporting numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the sports culture in South Korea and providing scholarships for young athletes.
He originally joined Yeongdo Middle School to learn football, but the school's football club was dissolved as soon as he joined there. He started his football career by transferring to Kyungshin Middle School after playing field hockey for Yeongdo for one and a half years.
In his high school days, he tried to leave school due to older students' violence, but continued to play football with the manager Chang Woon-soo's help. He became a notable player of Kyungshin High School, and was selected for the South Korean under-20 team in 1970.
Social Network
In today's digital age, Cha Bum-kun effectively engages his fanbase on social media platforms. He is active on Instagram and Twitter, where he shares insights into his life, career, and personal thoughts on football, while also inspiring the next generation of players. His social media presence helps maintain his relevance in the public eye, connecting with thousands of fans worldwide.
Education
Cha Bum-kun attended Kyonggi University, where he honed not only his football skills but also his understanding of sports management. His educational background has positively impacted his post-retirement career, allowing him to approach coaching and business ventures with a strategic mindset.
After being discharged from the military service completely, Cha still wanted to play in Bundesliga, and joined Eintracht Frankfurt at age 26 in July 1979. He scored in three consecutive games from third to fifth matchday of the Bundesliga, making an immediate impact early in his new club.
After the first half of his first season in Germany, he was classified as world class in the kicker-Rangliste. He was also acclaimed by showing great performances helping Eintracht to win its first-ever UEFA Cup title.
He was evaluated as the "unstoppable player" by Sir Alex Ferguson (Aberdeen's manager at the time), and "one of the best attackers in the world" by Lothar Matthäus (an opponent player at the UEFA Cup final and the Bundesliga).
In addition to a UEFA Cup title, he was named along with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Kevin Keegan in the Bundesliga Team of the Season by kicker. On 23 August 1980, Cha's spine had been cracked by Jürgen Gelsdorf, who had tackled behind him, but came back to the stadium after a month.
Afterwards, he scored six goals in six matches of the 1980–81 DFB-Pokal, leading Eintracht to the title. He became Eintracht's top goalscorer for three consecutive seasons.
Conclusion
In 2025, Cha Bum-kun remains a pivotal figure in South Korean sports. His legacy is not just defined by his achievements on the field but also by his contributions off it. Whether through family, social engagement, or business endeavors, Cha continues to influence the world of football, inspiring future generations with his remarkable story and dedication to the sport.
