K League 1 Top Scorer Award

The K League 1 Top Scorer Award went to Stefan Mugoša of Incheon United. This season, Mugoša played in all 38 of Incheon's matches and scored 15 goals.

Mugosa’s outstanding performance began in Round 3 with a multi-goal game against Ulsan, and he maintained impressive form throughout the season. He scored 11 goals with his right foot, 1 with his left foot, and 3 with his head, showcasing his versatility in attack. Mugosa also displayed consistency by scoring 6 goals at home and 9 on the road.

As a result, Mugosa was responsible for nearly half of Incheon’s total goals (38) this season, solidifying his role as a key attacking threat for the team.

Mugosa first joined Incheon in 2018, debuting in the K League that year. Aside from a one-year stint with J-League club Vissel Kobe from the summer of 2022 to the summer of 2023, he has spent seven seasons in the K League as a veteran striker. This season marked Mugosa’s second-highest personal goal tally, following his 19 goals in 2018, and his first time winning the Top Scorer Award.

Additionally, this is the first time in four years that a foreign player has won the K League 1 Top Scorer Award, the last being Junior (Ulsan) in 2020. Incheon also celebrated its second-ever Top Scorer Award winner, with the first being Yoo Byung-soo in 2010, 14 years ago.

K League 1 Top Assists Award

The K League 1 Top Assists Award went to Anderson of Suwon FC. In his debut season in the K League, Anderson played all 38 matches for Suwon FC, scoring seven goals and delivering 13 assists. His 20 total goal contributions led all players in K League 1 this season.

Anderson recorded his first assist in Round 4 against Gimcheon, making an almost immediate impact. He then claimed the lead in assists by teeing up a teammate in three consecutive games from Rounds 11 to 13. By maintaining steady form for the remainder of the season, Anderson secured the Top Assists Award.

Notably, Anderson was the only player in K League 1 to reach double-digit assists this season. He is also the first foreign player to win the Top Assists Award in six years, the last being Cesinha (Daegu) in 2018 In his first season, Anderson emerged as one of the league’s top playmakers, earning a nomination for MVP as a result of his stellar performances.

K League 1 Best XI

Goalkeeper 

Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan HD)

Jo Hyeon-woo, Ulsan’s stalwart goalkeeper, played every minute of the 38 matches this season, conceding 40 goals and keeping 14 clean sheets. His consistent and stable performances were key to Ulsan’s third consecutive league title. Jo earned Round MVP honors twice and was named to the Round Best XI 11 times.

With this award, Jo set a historic milestone by being named the Best XI goalkeeper for the eighth consecutive season since 2017 in K League 1. Including his K League 2 honors in 2015 and 2016, he has achieved this feat for 10 straight seasons.

Defenders (DF)

Lee Myung-jae (Ulsan)

Played 28 matches, contributing three assists while covering Ulsan’s flanks. Lee made his professional debut with Ulsan in 2014 and this season marks his first-ever Best XI selection.

Park Seung-wook (Gimcheon)

Featured in 32 matches, providing two assists and delivering reliable defensive performances. Park helped Gimcheon achieve its highest-ever finish in K League 1 (3rd place) and earned his first Best XI selection.

Kim Kee-hee (Ulsan)

Captain for the second consecutive year, Kim played 22 matches and led Ulsan to their third straight league title. This was Kim’s first Best XI honor with Ulsan and his second overall, following his selection in 2015 with Jeonbuk.

Hwang Mun-ki (Gangwon)

A standout performer, Hwang earned 10 votes from coaches, 11 from captains, and 109 from the media, securing the Best XI right-back spot with 90.09 points, the highest score among all awardees this season. Hwang played 36 matches, contributing two goals and seven assists, setting career highs in both categories while leading Gangwon to a runner-up finish.

Midfielders 

Anderson (Suwon FC)

Played all 38 matches, scoring seven goals and delivering 13 assists—the most assists and attack points in the league this season. Anderson earned nearly unanimous votes and was named to the Best XI.

Ko Seung-beom (Ulsan)

A key midfield connector, Ko recorded four goals and three assists in 28 matches, contributing significantly to Ulsan’s success. This is Ko’s first inclusion in the Best XI.

Oberdan (Pohang)

For the second consecutive year, Oberdan was named the Best XI central midfielder. He played 35 matches, tallying three goals and two assists, showcasing his dominance in Pohang’s midfield.

Yang Min-hyuk (Gangwon)

Yang was named both Young Player of the Year and a Best XI midfielder, solidifying his breakout season. He played all 38 matches, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists, earning overwhelming votes across all categories.

Forwards

Lee Dong-gyeong (Gimcheon)

Played 26 matches across two teams (Ulsan and Gimcheon), scoring 12 goals and delivering six assists, marking his best career season and earning his first Best XI selection.

Lee Sang-heon (Gangwon)

Scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 37 matches, earning Round MVP honors three times and Round Best XI honors six times. Lee ranked second in total attack points with 19, trailing only Anderson (20).