Choe Il-son is a 17-year-old striking sensation from DPR Korea who has quickly become one of the most dominant forces in women’s youth football. In 2024, she achieved a historic quadruple crown, leading her nation to four major international titles in just ten months. Known for her relentless pressing and clinical finishing, Choe is a complete forward who blends intense physical work with world-class technical skill. Her ability to perform in the biggest moments has earned her global recognition as a true game-changer for the next generation.
At a Glance
- Full Name: Choe Il-son
- Date of Birth: January 1, 2007
- Place of Birth: Kwail County, South Hwanghae Province, DPR Korea
- Position: Striker / Center Forward / Inverted Winger
- Current Club: April 25 Sports Club (4.25 SC)
- National Team: DPR Korea
The Story So Far
Choe Il-son’s journey began in Kwail County, but her footballing identity was forged at the April 25 Sports Club, an elite institution linked to the military. The club is legendary for its intense training focused on extreme fitness and discipline, which became the foundation of Choe’s high-intensity game. Unlike many stars who focus on personal fame, Choe remains deeply motivated by national service, often stating that her biggest pleasure is wearing her national flag.
The year 2024 was her official arrival on the world stage. She began by helping the U-20 team win the Asian Cup in March, proving she could physically compete with players three years older than her. She then returned to her own age group for the U-17 Asian Cup in May, where she delivered a performance of absurd proportions—most notably scoring five goals in just 47 minutes against Indonesia.
Her crowning achievement came at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. Choe was the undisputed star of the tournament, scoring the winning goals in both the semi-final against the USA and the final against Japan. She swept the individual awards, taking home both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot. Just weeks later, she joined the U-17 World Cup squad to win her fourth major trophy of the year, completing a perfect season that few players in history will ever match.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Choe is a nightmare for defenders because of her low center of gravity. Standing at 1.58 meters, she uses her short stature to turn quickly and maintain perfect balance during physical contact. She is a left-footed specialist who often starts on the right wing and cuts inside diagonally to shoot. Her shooting technique is characterized by immense power with very little backlift, allowing her to surprise goalkeepers from distance.
Tactically, she is far more than just a goal-scorer. She is frequently called the first defender because of her suffocating pressing. She hunts the ball relentlessly, forcing mistakes from the opposition’s backline and cutting off passing lanes. Her spatial awareness is also elite; she consistently drops into the pockets of space between the midfield and defense to receive the ball and turn towards goal instantly. This combination of defensive work rate and offensive flair makes her the centerpiece of the North Korean system.
Future Outlook
Having essentially completed youth football at just 17, Choe is expected to bypass transitional phases and become the immediate starting striker for the DPR Korea senior national team. Her next major target is the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, where analysts predict she will be a top contender for the Young Player Award. While she currently plays domestically, her world-class talent and technical style would make her a perfect fit for top European clubs in the future.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
- AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup: Winner (2024)
- AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup: Winner (2024)
- FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Winner (2024)
- FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Winner (2024)
- FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Ball (Best Player): (2024)
- FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Boot (Top Scorer): (2024)
- AFC Youth Player of the Year (Women): Winner (2025)
The Record
| Season | Club |
| 2024 | April 25 Sports Club |
