Lee Ho-jae scores on debut for German club Darmstadt

South Korean forward Lee Ho-jae made an immediate impact in Germany, scoring on his debut for second-division club SV Darmstadt in their opening match of the 2026-2027 Bundesliga 2 season.

Lee, who recently completed his transfer from K League 1 side Pohang Steelers, entered the game as a substitute in the 60th minute of the match against Holstein Kiel at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor. With his team trailing 0-2, Lee pulled one back in the 76th minute, firing a powerful right-footed shot into the net after receiving a pass from Kai Klefisch on the right side of the penalty area.

The goal provided a much-needed boost for Darmstadt, who managed to equalize in the 86th minute through Aleksandar Vukotić. The 2-2 draw earned Darmstadt a valuable point in their season opener.

Darmstadt holds historical significance for South Korean football, as it was the club where legendary player Cha Bum-kun began his professional career in Germany. Lee's successful debut adds another chapter to the club's connection with Korean talent.