In sports, a "one-club man" refers to an athlete who spends most—or all—of their professional career with a single team. In basketball, Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers, 1996–2016) stands as a prime example. In football, the likes of Giuseppe Bergomi (Inter Milan, 1979–1999), Paolo Maldini (AC Milan, 1985–2009), Francesco Totti (AS Roma, 1992–2017), and Ryan Giggs (Manchester United, 1990–2014) embody the same ideal.

There is a romanticism to the one-club man. In today’s fast-moving professional sports landscape, such figures have become increasingly rare. That rarity makes them more than just players who’ve stayed with one team; to fans, they represent joy and hope—a source of emotional connection and inspiration that binds club and supporter in profound and lasting ways. Even in esports, where player careers tend to be shorter, one name stands out as an extraordinary exception—Faker, Lee Sang-hyeok.

On July 27, Faker announced a four-year contract extension with T1. Since debuting as a high school student in 2013, Faker has remained loyal to the same organization. Should he continue through 2029, he will go down as a once-in-a-lifetime figure—someone who remained with a single team from his teenage years into his mid-30s.

A Defining Moment

Faker’s decision will go down as a defining moment in the history of esports. Throughout his storied career, he has undoubtedly received offers with better terms and greater temptations. Yet, he never wavered—he chose T1. This choice stems from the deep trust and unshakable bond he has built with the team. For fans, his loyalty resonates on an emotional level, serving as a testament to their own dedication. The four-year extension feels less like a contract and more like a powerful reaffirmation of unity between Faker, T1, and the millions who support them.

Born in 1996, Faker is no longer considered young by pro-gaming standards. Signing a four-year deal at this stage speaks volumes. With five World Championship titles and ten LCK championships under his belt, he could easily rest on his laurels. But instead, this contract is a declaration: that he has no intention of slowing down, that he will continue to perform at the highest level, and that he will keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in professional play.

His résumé is already the stuff of legend, yet his renewed commitment shows a mindset that remains relentlessly forward-looking. That determination will undoubtedly inspire generations of younger players in the years to come. Faker is no longer just a player—he is the very embodiment of an “immortal legend.”

For at least four more years, fans will get to witness new chapters in Faker’s epic story. And he, in turn, will continue to rise to the challenge—for the team, for himself, and for the people who have supported him for over a decade. Twelve years into his pro career, the future of this veteran icon looks brighter than ever.