Son’s Heartfelt Message to Korean Fans
After leading Tottenham Hotspur to their first major trophy in 17 years, South Korean football star Son Heung-min delivered an emotional message to fans.
Speaking in Korean during a post-match interview, Son thanked supporters and acknowledged the long wait.
He acknowledged that public opinion had been divided throughout his career, saying he was aware that not everyone supported him.
To those who had stood by him, he expressed regret that it had taken so long to deliver this moment of victory.
And to those who had not been as supportive, he said he hoped the win might help shift their perspective, even if only slightly.
Son also spoke of his pride in being Korean and credited the unwavering support, cheers, and love from fans as the final piece that completed what he described as the “perfect puzzle.”
A Journey Marked by Struggle and Resilience
Additionally, Son opened up about the early challenges he faced. He left South Korea at just 15 to pursue his dream in Germany, where the language and culture were unfamiliar.
He cried every day during that period, feeling tired, lonely, and overwhelmed.
However, he said the dream of becoming a footballer pushed him forward. Even during those hard times, he reminded himself to face challenges head-on.
He also reflected on what winning the Europa League meant to him personally. Son shared that he has always chosen the harder path, preferring to take on challenges others might avoid.
“I’m incredibly proud to have achieved something today that no one else has in the past 10 years at Tottenham.”
The Long-Awaited Win
On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, Tottenham secured a 1–0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final at San Mamés Barria in Bilbao, Spain.
The win marked Tottenham’s first European trophy in 41 years and the first major trophy of Son’s career.
Despite more than a decade in Europe, where he played for Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen before joining Spurs in 2015, Son had never lifted a major trophy at club level.
While he did win gold at the 2018 Asian Games with South Korea, he has yet to win a senior international title with the national team.
Speaking to the media, he said the moment made him feel like “the happiest man in the world,” BBC reported.
Gratitude for Supporters Back at Home
Son also acknowledged the Korean fans who stayed up late to catch the match live, despite the seven-hour time difference between Spain and South Korea.
He thanked them, saying, “Thanks to your support, cheers, and love, we completed the perfect puzzle.”
The Europa League win came after a season filled with pressure, both professionally and personally, and some criticism over his recent performances.
Still, Son’s emotional words and leadership on the field reminded many of his deep connection to his roots and supporters.
About Son Heung-min
Born on 8 July 1992 in Chuncheon, South Korea, Son Heung-min began his football journey at 16, joining Hamburger SV’s youth academy in Germany.
He made his Bundesliga debut in 2010 before transferring to Bayer Leverkusen in 2013.
In 2015, he signed with Tottenham Hotspur, where he became a key player known for his speed, technical skills, and adaptability.
Achievements
- He has represented South Korea in three FIFA World Cups and played a major role in helping the national team win gold at the 2018 Asian Games.
- In the 2021–22 season, he became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot.
- He was also awarded the Cheongnyong Medal, South Korea’s highest sporting honour.
- In 2023, he was named the Best Footballer in Asia for the eighth time.
Most recently, Son captained Tottenham to a 1–0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain.
The win ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy and marked the first of Son’s professional career.
Watch the videos here: YouTube
@sonnymybeloved 🥺🫶 Sonny’s emotional message to Korean fans. “Sorry for taking so long (to get trophy).” He’s been through a lot lately #sonheungmin #손흥민 #heungminson #tottenhamhotspur #fyp
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