Son Heung-min (Tottenham) has been recognized as the best player.

FIFA noted, "For young soccer talents in Asia, the U-17 Asian Cup is the first step onto the world stage," adding, "It is an opportunity to widely announce their names to the world beyond Asia. Here are five star players who have firmly grasped this opportunity."

FIFA stated on the 6th (Korea time) that "Son Heung-min's tremendous talent was clearly evident since the 2008 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-16 Championship. The following year, at the Nigeria World Cup, he scored three goals, significantly contributing to Korea's advance to the quarterfinals," explaining, "Expectations for Son Heung-min were already high in his home country. It did not take long for the world to learn his name."

FIFA also praised, "Son Heung-min, who began his European career at Hamburger SV, quickly drew attention with his outstanding dribbling and lethal finishing. After playing for Bayer Leverkusen (Germany), he joined Tottenham in 2015. With consistent performances in North London, he captained the team in 2023. Son Heung-min is a pioneer, the first individual to open an era where Asian talents are recognized as key players in European clubs."

Son Heung-min, who was a key player on the U-17 national team led by coach Lee Kwang-jong, contributed to Korea's runner-up finish at the 2008 AFC U-16 Championship, the predecessor of the current U-17 Asian Cup, by scoring four goals in six matches.

He played a significant role in helping Korea secure a spot in the U-17 Nigeria World Cup in 2009.

He excelled in the World Cup as well, forming a three-top with Yoon Il-rok (Gangwon FC) and Lee Jong-ho (retired), accumulating three goals in five matches and contributing to the team's ticket to the quarterfinals.

In particular, Son Heung-min shook the net with a powerful long-range shot from the right midfield area during the 40th minute of the first half, trailing 0-1 in the quarterfinal against Nigeria. At that time, Son's goal was selected as FIFA's goal of the day.

Son Heung-min has recorded a total of 223 goals over 16 seasons as a professional. He scored 20 goals in 78 matches for Hamburger, 29 goals in 87 matches for Leverkusen, and 173 goals in 449 matches for Tottenham.

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