Jesse Lingard, former Manchester United midfielder and current FC Seoul captain, has once again captured the internet’s attention—but this time, not for his football skills. Celebrating the launch of Squid Game Season 3, Lingard went viral after dressing up as one of the infamous pink guards from the popular Netflix series. The bold gesture reflects not only his fun-loving personality but also his growing cultural integration into South Korean society.
Lingard’s Big Reveal: The Pink Guard Transformation
In a series of photos and videos shared across social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Lingard can be seen wearing the unmistakable red-pink uniform complete with the faceless black mask made iconic by Squid Game’s guards. Adding his own touch, Lingard captioned the post with a playful message: “Phone’s on DND. Game on.”
The phrase was a clever nod to binge-watching culture, suggesting that like millions of others, Lingard was clearing his schedule to watch the new Squid Game season uninterrupted. The timing of the post coincided perfectly with the official release of Season 3, fueling even more buzz across sports and entertainment communities.
Embracing Korean Pop Culture: More Than Just a Footballer
What makes Lingard’s Squid Game stunt stand out is how genuinely it reflects his ongoing adaptation to life in South Korea. Since his move to FC Seoul, Lingard has not only focused on football but has also shown active interest in Korean culture, music, and entertainment.
He has attended local K-pop events, participated in Korean variety shows, and even experimented with Korean fashion styles. His Squid Game cosplay is yet another chapter in his cultural journey—bridging the gap between European football stars and Korean pop culture enthusiasts.
From Manchester to Seoul: Lingard’s Career Pivot
Lingard’s transformation is as much about personal growth as it is about public perception. Once a rising star at Manchester United, Lingard enjoyed a few brilliant seasons in the Premier League. He later had a memorable loan spell at West Ham United before moving to Nottingham Forest. However, inconsistent form and injuries made it difficult for him to regain his spot in England’s top-flight football.
After his contract ended with Nottingham Forest, Lingard took a bold decision: moving abroad for the first time in his career. Joining FC Seoul in early 2024 marked a new beginning. Though initially met with skepticism, Lingard has since silenced critics by not only delivering solid performances on the pitch but also becoming one of the K-League’s biggest foreign ambassadors.
Social Media Frenzy: Fans React to Lingard’s Squid Game Look
Lingard’s Squid Game post quickly became a trending topic across multiple platforms. Fans from both South Korea and around the world flooded his comment sections with praise and laughing emojis.
Comments like “You’re part of K-drama history now,” “Lingard Level: Korean Pop Culture Icon,” and “From Old Trafford to Netflix sets!” show how well-received the stunt was. Football-focused fan pages and entertainment outlets alike shared his images, further amplifying the reach.
His clever use of the phrase “Phone’s on DND” resonated widely with fans who themselves were preparing for an uninterrupted Squid Game binge session.
Leading FC Seoul: Captain on and off the Field
While Lingard’s Squid Game tribute made headlines off the field, his leadership at FC Seoul is also drawing positive attention. Appointed captain ahead of the 2025 K-League season, Lingard has embraced his role with maturity.
His on-field performances have helped FC Seoul climb to a top-half finish in the domestic league. Additionally, the team secured qualification for the AFC Champions League, Asia’s premier club competition. Lingard’s creative playmaking and experienced presence have been crucial to the team’s success.
Players and coaching staff have often highlighted his positive influence in the dressing room. His efforts to learn Korean and communicate with teammates are widely appreciated.
Lingard’s Broader Cultural Engagement in Korea
Lingard’s Squid Game stunt wasn’t an isolated event. Since moving to Seoul, he has engaged in multiple projects showcasing his appreciation for Korean culture.
He recently released a rap single featuring a few Korean phrases, titled “Kamsahamnida,” meaning “Thank you.” The track gained traction among both local fans and international followers. He has also appeared in K-pop dance challenges, Korean fashion shoots, and charity events supporting local causes.
Such consistent involvement has made Lingard one of the most recognizable foreign athletes in South Korea—not just for football but for cultural ambassadorship.
Squid Game and Lingard: A Perfect Marketing Crossover
Lingard’s timing couldn’t have been better. Netflix’s Squid Game remains one of the most-watched series globally, and the anticipation for Season 3 was massive. By tying his social media moment to the show’s premiere, Lingard cleverly positioned himself at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and pop culture.
The stunt is also a case study in personal branding. As athletes look for ways to stay relevant beyond the pitch, Lingard’s playful yet strategic approach offers a model for how to do it authentically.
For Netflix, this type of celebrity crossover only boosts the series’ global visibility. For Lingard, it adds another layer to his growing legacy as not just a footballer but a cultural influencer.
The Modern Athlete: More Than Just a Game
Lingard’s recent Squid Game-themed appearance underscores a broader trend: athletes today are evolving into multimedia personalities. Whether it’s launching clothing lines, releasing music, or engaging in viral internet trends, the modern footballer’s life now extends well beyond the stadium.
By participating in one of Korea’s biggest pop culture moments, Lingard strengthens his bond with local fans and showcases his versatility to international followers.
What’s Next for Lingard?
Fans are already speculating whether Lingard might take his Squid Game fandom even further. Could there be an actual cameo in future K-dramas? Will he recreate other iconic moments from Korean TV shows or movies?
Given his track record, more creative stunts and social media moments seem likely. For now, Lingard’s Squid Game guard look has set a new benchmark for how sports stars can embrace entertainment trends with authenticity.
Final Thoughts: Lingard’s Winning Play Beyond Football
Jesse Lingard’s playful tribute to Squid Game Season 3 goes beyond just a costume reveal. It reflects his adaptability, sense of humor, and ability to connect with fans across cultures.
From Premier League battles to K-League leadership, from English rap to Korean TV show homages, Lingard’s journey shows the power of reinvention. His pink guard outfit is more than just cosplay—it’s a symbol of how athletes today can transcend traditional boundaries and become part of global conversations.
For fans, whether you’re cheering him on at Seoul World Cup Stadium or double-tapping his latest Instagram post, one thing is clear: Jesse Lingard isn’t just playing the game—he’s changing it.