As Heung-min Son bids farewell to Tottenham Hotspur after an illustrious decade, we reflect on his incredible journey, remarkable achievements, and the indelible mark he leaves on the club.
The curtain is drawing on an extraordinary era at Tottenham Hotspur as club captain Heung-min Son has confirmed his departure. Having joined from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2015, Son has completed ten seasons with Spurs, culminating in the historic Europa League title victory last season. During his time in the Premier League, he amassed an impressive 127 goals and 71 assists, forming one of the most formidable attacking partnerships in the league`s history alongside Harry Kane.
Tottenham now embarks on a new chapter under coach Thomas Frank, and Son, the South Korean icon, will not be part of this transition. His next destination is widely anticipated to be Los Angeles FC. The MLS club, no stranger to attracting Tottenham legends (having previously signed Gareth Bale, who helped them win the MLS Cup), is reportedly considering a $20 million deal for Son, according to Tom Bogert. Securing Son would be a significant coup for LAFC, potentially bolstering their pursuit of the Western Conference crown alongside Denis Bouanga.
“I just want to share information that I have decided to leave this club this summer. Respectfully, the club is helping me with this decision. It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. The main reason is I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge. I came to North London as a kid. A boy came to London who couldn`t speak English. I leave this club as a man. Thanks to all the Spurs fans who have given me so much love. I spoke with only a few guys, ones I`ve spent a long time with. They`re disappointed but in a respectful way.”
Son`s heartfelt statement from a press conference in Seoul underscores the profound nature of his decision. He expressed his gratitude to the club for their support in his departure and emphasized that he felt he had achieved all he could at Tottenham, necessitating a new challenge. His reflection on arriving in London as a young “kid” who couldn`t speak English and leaving as a “man” resonated deeply, as did his thanks to the Spurs faithful and his teammates` understanding.
To commemorate his remarkable ten seasons, let`s revisit some of Son`s most iconic moments in a Tottenham shirt:
5. Son`s 100th Premier League Goal
Son has a knack for scoring spectacular goals, particularly in pivotal moments, and his 100th Premier League strike was no exception. In 2023, after just 260 Premier League appearances, he curled an unstoppable shot from outside the box against Brighton, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. This landmark goal also made him the first Asian player to reach 100 goals in the league.
4. Four Goals Against Southampton
A truly memorable performance unfolded in 2020 at Saint Mary`s Stadium, where Son incredibly scored four goals against Southampton in just 30 minutes. This match perfectly showcased the telepathic connection between Son and Harry Kane, as all four goals were assisted by Kane. Son was quick to acknowledge his strike partner`s brilliance post-match:
“I wouldn`t have scored four goals without this guy. He`s amazing. Four assists, he deserved the man of the match today.”
Such humility and team-first attitude undoubtedly contributed to his eventual role as team captain.
3. Puskas Award for the “Coast-to-Coast” Goal
While often associated with basketball, a “coast-to-coast” play is a rarity in football, but Son defied convention with his sensational goal against Burnley. Collecting the ball deep in his own defensive half, Son embarked on a breathtaking solo run, dribbling past numerous Burnley players before calmly slotting the ball into the net. This astounding effort, which even saw Jan Vertonghen credited with an unconventional assist, rightfully earned Son the prestigious Puskas Award for the most beautiful goal of the year, cementing its place as one of his most iconic Spurs moments.
2. Lethal Partnership with Harry Kane
The bond between Heung-min Son and Harry Kane, both on and off the pitch, was truly extraordinary. Their attacking partnership holds the Premier League record for most goal contributions between two players, with an incredible 47. Their intuitive understanding of each other`s movements and their precise passing made them a nightmare for opposing defenses. This record stands 11 goals clear of the next best duo, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard (36 goals), solidifying its potential to remain unbroken for years. Their collective journey also included a memorable run to the Champions League final in 2019.
1. Europa League Glory
Undoubtedly, lifting the Europa League trophy stands as Son`s crowning achievement with Tottenham. Although it came during an unusual season where Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, the enduring image will be of Son, as club captain, hoisting a European trophy in his tenth season. This triumph perfectly encapsulates his dedication and the positive impact he had on the club, leaving it in a significantly stronger position than when he first arrived.
