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| Full name | Football Club Pohang Steelers 포항 스틸러스 프로축구단 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1 April 1973; 52 years ago (1 April 1973) (asPohang Iron & Steel Company FC) | ||
| Ground | Pohang Steel Yard | ||
| Capacity | 15,546 | ||
| Owner | POSCO | ||
| Chairman | Shin Young-gwon | ||
| Manager | Park Tae-ha | ||
| League | K League 1 | ||
| 2025 | K League 1, 4th of 12 | ||
| Website | www | ||
 Current season | |||
ThePohang Steelers (Hangul: 포항 스틸러스) are a South Korean professionalfootball club based inPohang,North Gyeongsang Province that compete in theK League 1, the top flight ofSouth Korean football. The club was founded on 1 April 1973 as Pohang Iron & Steel Company FC, named after the steel companyPOSCO, which still owns the club today.[1] They are one of South Korea's most successful teams, having won the K League five times and theAFC Champions League three times.[2]
The club was founded on 1 April 1973 as Pohang Iron & Steel Company FC.[1][3][4] Upon its establishment, the team consisted of 13 players, including South Korea internationalLee Hoe-taik, and was led by managerHan Hong-ki.[4] The following year, Pohang Steel won their first trophy, beatingSungkyunkwan University 2–1 in the final of thePresident's Cup.[5] The club also joined theKorean National Semi-professional Football League and won their first title in the spring league of 1975.[6] Their second title came in the autumn league of 1981, and when the competition was re-organised as an all-year league in 1982, Pohang lifted the trophy once again.[7][8]
Renamed as the Pohang Iron & Steel Dolphins, the club was one of the founding members of theKorean Super League in 1983.[9] The same year, Pohang became the first team in the league to field foreign players, signing midfielderSergio and forwardJose, who had previously been playing for the football team of a Brazilian steelmaking company.[10] Initially competing as asemi-professional club, the Dolphins turned professional in the 1984 season, and rebranded again a year later, this time as the Pohang Iron & Steel Atoms.[11][12]
In1986 they won their first championship, and enjoyed a spell of domination in the league; between 1985 and 1998 they were continuously in the top four of theK League. In 1995, the club was renamed again, becoming the Pohang Atoms. This name change was an attempt to further strengthen local ties with the region, and in 1997 they adopted their current name, the Pohang Steelers. The team won theAsian Champions Cup in1997 and1998.[13]
In the 2000s, the club struggled near the bottom of the table, but bounced back to the forefront of South Korean football by winning the first stage of the2004 K League Championship. The club qualified for the final Championship match of the2004 season, but lost 4–3 onpenalties toSuwon Samsung Bluewings.[14]
In 2007, the club won theChampionship play-off by beatingSeongnam Ilhwa Chunma, who finished in first place in theregular season of the K League. Pohang won the first leg 3–1 at home, and then traveled to Seongnam for the second leg game, recording a 1–0 victory to seal a 4–1 aggregate triumph. The Steelers had ended the K League season in fifth place, but then defeatedGyeongnam FC,Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i, Suwon Samsung Bluewings and finally Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in the play-offs to win the championship.[15]
Pohang again made the play-offs in the2008 season by finishing the season in fifth place, but were knocked out in their play-off game by Ulsan Hyundai after the penalty shoot-out. However, the club fared much better in the2008 Korean FA Cup. After beating Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in the quarter-finals, Pohang knocked outDaegu FC in the semi-finals and then defeated Gyeongnam FC in the final to ensure qualification for the2009 AFC Champions League.[16]
In the 2009 AFC Champions League, the Steelers defeatedUmm-Salal of Qatar 4–1 on aggregate in the semi-finals to advance to theirfirst ever AFC Champions League final.[17] The Steelers defeated Saudi clubAl-Ittihad 2–1 at theNational Stadium inTokyo, Japan to claim the title.[18][19] For the2009 K League season, Pohang once again qualified for the play-off phase of the league by finishing the regular season in second place, equal withFC Seoul on points, but ahead on goal difference. The Steelers had a bye to the semi-finals, but lost to Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma.[20] Nonetheless, their regular season placing saw them qualify for the2010 AFC Champions League Group stage.
Following the conclusion of the 2009 K League season, at the2009 FIFA Club World Cup in December, the Steelers finished inthird place after defeating Mexican sideAtlante 4–3 on penalties.[21]
Pohang saw further success on the pitch under new managerHwang Sun-hong with a unique playstyle dubbed 'Steel Taka', winning the2012 and2013 editions of the Korean FA Cup, and also the2013 K League season.[22] By winning both competitions, the Steelers became the first club to achieve adomestic double in South Korean professional football.[23] However, the club has not won a league title since 2013 asJeonbuk Hyundai Motors and later Ulsan rose to dominate the league, and went into an extended trophy drought.
In April 2019,Kim Gi-dong took over as manager. He led Pohang back to the top half of the league, and in2020, they finished third in the league, qualifying for the AFC Champions League. The club made a strong run in the2021 AFC Champions League, reaching thefinal but finishing as runners-up after losing to continental rivalsAl Hilal.[24]
In 2023, Pohang celebrated their 50th anniversary by winning theFA Cup, defeating Jeonbuk Hyundai in the final and securing their first FA Cup victory in ten years.[25]
After Kim Gi-dong left for FC Seoul in December 2023, Pohang appointedPark Tae-ha as the new manager. While they started the season well, their form deteriorated and the club finished sixth in the league. However, theywon the rebranded Korea Cup in 2024, defeating rivals Ulsan HD 3–1 in extra time in the final for a second consecutive cup victory.[26]
The Steelers' home is thePohang Steel Yard, completed in 1990 as South Korea's firstfootball-specific stadium.[27] The stadium opened in November 1990 with a match between Pohang andKorea University.[28] It is located in Pohang's industrial area, close to the POSCO steelworks and next to its head office.[29]
The team trains at the Songna Clubhouse, located in Songna-myeon in Pohang'sNorth District. It was completed in 2001 at the cost of approximately 8 billion won, making the Steelers the first club in the South Korean professional football league to have their own clubhouse.[30] In 2019, the club opened the Steelers Football Performance Center at a cost of 2 billion won to improve players' fitness and prevent injuries.[31]
The Steelers have a number of supporters groups, including Ultras Levante, Steel Warriors, Torcida, and Marines.[32][33] Members of supporters groups participated in the recording of the official club song "승리를 위하여 달려가자 — We are Steelers" (Let's run for victory — We are Steelers), written to commemorate the Steelers' 50th anniversary in 2023.[34] Steelers fans have friendly relations with the supporters ofSuwon Samsung Bluewings in a friendship dubbed the Supo Alliance (수포동맹). Suwon'sFrente Tricolor supporters group raised money for the city of Pohang in the aftermath ofTyphoon Hinnamnor.[35]
Pohang fans made headlines in 2025 when the supporters group Ultras Levante reposted social media posts uploaded by members featuring remarks considered derogatory toward theJeolla region, following a league match againstGwangju FC.[36] Ultras Levante issued an apology for the behaviour of its members.[37] Steelers chairman Lee Jong-ha initially dismissed the incident as an innocent mistake, suggesting the fans in question were too young to have intended any offence, causing further anger.[37] Gwangju FC contacted the club directly demanding formal disciplinary action over the incident. Several days after the initial controversy, the Steelers issued an official apology and banned two fans from Pohang's home match against Gwangju later in the season.[38]
The Steelers have links with theROK Marine Corps, the first division of which is based in Pohang.[39] Marines regularly attend matches at the Steelyard and are known for singing and cheering enthusiastically.[40] The club has hosted special matchday events to commemorate Marines Day, and in 2019 released a special kit to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Marine Corps.[41][42][43]
The club's arch-rival isUlsan HD, in a match dubbed theDonghaean derby.[44] The geographically close cities of Pohang andUlsan are two of the largest industrial cities in South Korea, with Pohang being home to POSCO, one of the world's largest steelmakers and Ulsan being home toHD Hyundai, the world's largest shipbuilding company. One of the most memorable matches between the two sides was played in the final round of the2013 K League Classic season. Ulsan were top of the table coming into the final round, and Pohang needed to defeat Ulsan away from home to win the title.Kim Won-il scored the winning goal for Pohang late in injury time for the club's fifth K League title.[45] Pohang also triumphed over Ulsan in the2024 Korea Cup final to secure their record sixth cup title.[46]
Another rivalry is shared withJeonnam Dragons, another club owned by POSCO and located inGwangyang, home to POSCO's largest steelworks that are even larger than the ones in Pohang. The two met in the final of the2007 Korean FA Cup, with Pohang losing both legs of the tie.
The club's original kit was orange, representing the colour of hot metal during the steelmaking process.[47] From 1984, red and black were established as the team's colours.[48] Pohang's home kit has usually featured red and black hoops, although the team wore cyan blue at home between 1996 and 1998.[49]
In recent years, the Steelers have released several special kits commemorating the club's history and culture. The 2018 home and away kits were released under the concept 'Back to the Original', featuring elements of designs from years gone by.[50] In 2019, a special kit was released to mark the 70th anniversary of the ROK Marine Corps.[51] The following year, the club unveiled another retro kit design, this time celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Steelers' home ground, the Steelyard.[52][53] In 2023, the club marked their 50th anniversary with an orange kit, bringing back the signature colour of the original POSCO FC.[54][55]
| Kit supplier | Period | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Adidas | 1984–1987, 1990–1992 | [56] |
| Prospecs | 1987–1989, 1993–1995 | |
| Adidas | 1996–2001 | |
| Diadora | 2002 | |
| Puma | 2003–2005 | |
| Kappa | 2006–2012 | |
| Atemi | 2013–2014 | |
| Hummel | 2015–2016 | |
| Astore | 2017–2020 | |
| Puma | 2021–present |
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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| Season | Division | Tms. | Pos. | Korean Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | 1 | 5 | 4 | — |
| 1984 | 1 | 8 | 5 | — |
| 1985 | 1 | 8 | 2 | — |
| 1986 | 1 | 6 | 1 | — |
| 1987 | 1 | 5 | 2 | — |
| 1988 | 1 | 5 | 1 | — |
| 1989 | 1 | 6 | 4 | — |
| 1990 | 1 | 6 | 3 | — |
| 1991 | 1 | 6 | 3 | — |
| 1992 | 1 | 6 | 1 | — |
| 1993 | 1 | 6 | 4 | — |
| 1994 | 1 | 7 | 3 | — |
| 1995 | 1 | 8 | 2 | — |
| 1996 | 1 | 9 | 3 | Winners |
| 1997 | 1 | 10 | 4 | Semi-final |
| 1998 | 1 | 10 | 3 | Semi-final |
| 1999 | 1 | 10 | 5 | Round of 16 |
| 2000 | 1 | 10 | 9 | Quarter-final |
| 2001 | 1 | 10 | 5 | Runners-up |
| 2002 | 1 | 10 | 6 | Runners-up |
| 2003 | 1 | 12 | 7 | Quarter-final |
| 2004 | 1 | 13 | 2 | Round of 32 |
| 2005 | 1 | 13 | 5 | Quarter-final |
| 2006 | 1 | 14 | 3 | Round of 16 |
| 2007 | 1 | 14 | 1 | Runners-up |
| 2008 | 1 | 14 | 5 | Winners |
| 2009 | 1 | 15 | 3 | Quarter-final |
| 2010 | 1 | 15 | 9 | Round of 16 |
| 2011 | 1 | 16 | 3 | Semi-final |
| 2012 | 1 | 16 | 3 | Winners |
| 2013 | 1 | 14 | 1 | Winners |
| 2014 | 1 | 12 | 4 | Round of 16 |
| 2015 | 1 | 12 | 3 | Quarter-final |
| 2016 | 1 | 12 | 9 | Round of 32 |
| 2017 | 1 | 12 | 7 | Round of 32 |
| 2018 | 1 | 12 | 4 | Round of 32 |
| 2019 | 1 | 12 | 4 | Round of 32 |
| 2020 | 1 | 12 | 3 | Semi-final |
| 2021 | 1 | 12 | 9 | Quarter-final |
| 2022 | 1 | 12 | 3 | Quarter-final |
| 2023 | 1 | 12 | 2 | Winners |
| 2024 | 1 | 12 | 6 | Winners |
| 2025 | 1 | 12 | 4 | Round of 16 |
All results list Pohang's goal tally first.
| Season | Round | Opposition | Home | Away | Agg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Group E |  Adelaide United | 0–2 | 0–1 | 3rd |
 Becamex Binh Duong | 0–0 | 4–1 | |||
 Changchun Yatai | 2–2 | 0–1 | |||
| 2009 | Group H | Central Coast Mariners | 3–2 | 0–0 | 1st |
 Kawasaki Frontale | 1–1 | 2–0 | |||
| Tianjin TEDA | 1–0 | 0–0 | |||
| Round of 16 | Newcastle Jets | 6–0 | N/a | N/a | |
| Quarter-final |  Bunyodkor | 4–1 (a.e.t.) | 1–3 | 5–4 | |
| Semi-final |  Umm-Salal | 2–0 | 2–1 | 4–1 | |
| Final |  Al-Ittihad | 2–1[a] | N/a | ||
| 2010 | Group H | Adelaide United | 0–0 | 0–1 | 2nd |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 2–1 | 3–4 | |||
| Shandong Luneng | 1–0 | 2–1 | |||
| Round of 16 | Kashima Antlers | N/a | 1–0 | N/a | |
| Quarter-final |  Zob Ahan | 1–1 | 1–2 | 2–3 | |
| 2012 | Play-off |  Chonburi | 2–0 | N/a | N/a |
| Group E | Gamba Osaka | 2–0 | 3–0 | 3rd | |
| Bunyodkor | 0–2 | 0–1 | |||
| Adelaide United | 1–0 | 0–1 | |||
| 2013 | Group G | Beijing Guoan | 0–0 | 0–2 | 3rd |
| Bunyodkor | 1–1 | 2–2 | |||
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 1–1 | 1–0 | |||
| 2014 | Group E | Cerezo Osaka | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1st |
| Buriram United | 0–0 | 2–1 | |||
| Shandong Luneng | 2–2 | 4–2 | |||
| Round of 16 |  Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 1–0 | 2–1 | 3–1 | |
| Quarter-final | FC Seoul | 0–0 | 0–0 (a.e.t.) | 0–0 (0–3p) | |
| 2016 | Play-off | Hanoi FC | 3–0 | N/a | N/a |
| Group H | Guangzhou Evergrande | 0–2 | 0–0 | 4th | |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | 1–0 | 1–1 | |||
| Sydney FC | 0–1 | 0–1 | |||
| 2021 | Group G | Ratchaburi Mitr Phol | 2–0[a] | 0–0[a] | 2nd |
| Nagoya Grampus | 1–1[a] | 0–3[a] | |||
 Johor Darul Ta'zim | 4–1[a] | 2–0[a] | |||
| Round of 16 | Cerezo Osaka | N/a | 1–0 | N/a | |
| Quarter-final | Nagoya Grampus | 3–0[a] | N/a | ||
| Semi-final | Ulsan Hyundai | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (5–4p)[a] | N/a | ||
| Final | Al-Hilal | N/a | 0–2 | N/a | |
| 2023–24 | Group J | Hanoi FC | 2–0 | 4–2 | 1st |
| Wuhan Three Towns | 3–1 | 1–1 | |||
| Urawa Red Diamonds | 2–1 | 2–0 | |||
| Round of 16 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 | |
| Season | Round | Opposition | Home | Away | Agg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | League stage | Shanghai Shenhua | N/a | 1–4 | 9th out of 12 (eliminated) |
| Shanghai Port | 3–0 | N/a | |||
| Buriram United | N/a | 0–1 | |||
| Shandong Taishan | 4–2 (voided) | N/a | |||
| Yokohama F. Marinos | N/a | 0–2 | |||
| Vissel Kobe | 3–1 | N/a | |||
| Kawasaki Frontale | 0–4 | N/a | |||
| Johor Darul Ta'zim | N/a | 2–5 |
| Season | Round | Opposition | Home | Away | Agg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 | Group H | BG Pathum United | 2–0 | 1–0 | 2nd |
 Kaya–Iloilo | 2–0 | 1–0 | |||
 Tampines Rovers | 1–1 | 0–1 | |||
| Round of 16 | Gamba Osaka | 1–1 |
| No. | Manager | Period | Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Han Hong-ki | 2 May 1973 – 29 November 1984 | |
| 2 | Choi Eun-taek | 29 November 1984 – 16 December 1986 | 1986 K League |
| 3 | Lee Hoe-taik | 16 December 1986 – 31 December 1992 | 1988 K League,1992 K League |
| C | Kim Soon-kiKim Chul-soo | 1989 | |
| C | Cho Yoon-ok | 1989–1990 | |
| 4 | Huh Jung-moo | 1993 – 25 November 1995 | 1993 League Cup |
| C | Kim Soon-ki | 1994 | |
| 5 | Park Sung-hwa | 12 December 1995 – 31 July 2000 | 1996 FA Cup,1996–97 Asian Club Championship,1997–98 Asian Club Championship |
| 6 | Choi Soon-ho | 1 August 2000 – 5 December 2004 | |
| 7 |  Sérgio Farias | 6 January 2005 – 20 December 2009 | 2007 K League,2008 FA Cup,2009 League Cup,2009 AFC Champions League |
| 8 | Waldemar Lemos | 8 January – 10 May 2010 | |
| C | Park Chang-hyun | 11 May – 7 November 2010 | |
| 9 | Hwang Sun-hong | 13 December 2010 – 29 November 2015 | 2012 FA Cup,2013 FA Cup,2013 K League |
| 10 | Choi Jin-cheul | 28 December 2015 – 24 September 2016 | |
| 11 | Choi Soon-ho | 26 September 2016 – 22 April 2019 | |
| 12 | Kim Gi-dong | 23 April 2019 – 14 December 2023 | 2023 FA Cup |
| 13 | Park Tae-ha | 15 December 2023 – present | 2024 FA Cup |
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