The captain, draped in the Taegeukgi, raised the trophy high. It is a historic moment.
On the 22nd (Korea Standard Time), Tottenham Hotspur won the UEFA Europa League final for the 2024-2025 season, defeating Manchester United 1-0 at the Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain.
With this victory, Tottenham lifted the trophy for the first time in 17 years since the 2008 League Cup, breaking the streak of being trophy-less. At the same time, Son Heung-min successfully secured his first major trophy with his team after 15 years of professional debut. It marks the first European competition victory in an astounding 41 years.
The final was not just a simple victory, but a crucial match with qualification for the next season's UEFA Champions League on the line. Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League this season, Tottenham accomplished a dramatic turnaround, while Manchester United had to bow their heads in the final that featured over £100 million (about 186 billion won) in revenue.
Tottenham took the lead in the 41st minute with a decisive goal from Brennan Johnson, and then withstood strong attacks from Manchester United until the end. In particular, in the second half, Micky van de Ven made a crucial defensive play on the goal line to save the team.
In the 67th minute, captain Son Heung-min came onto the field, replacing Richarlison. Son actively participated in the counterattacks with aggressive pressing and lively movement, even creating a shooting opportunity himself in the 81st minute.
After the final whistle blew, Son Heung-min, draped in the Taegeukgi, raised the trophy high. Amid the cheers of his teammates, he lifted the final trophy at the center, completing the long-awaited winning moment for 'Captain Son.'
The official UEFA Europa League channel did not miss this moment. UEFA noted, "It was an unbelievable sight. Tottenham players sang and danced with their fans, reveling in the joy," and added, "Son Heung-min made a solo celebration as he approached the crowd, receiving a round of applause that filled the stadium. The player most deserving of this moment was none other than this Korean forward."
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