The barren spell is broken.
Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final held at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korean time).
With this victory, Tottenham lifted a trophy for the first time in 17 years since the League Cup in 2008, breaking their barren streak. At the same time, Son Heung-min also succeeded in winning a major trophy with his team for the first time in 15 years since his professional debut. This marks the first European title in 41 years.
The final was not just a victory but an important game as it was tied to qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the next season. Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League this season, Tottenham achieved a dramatic turnaround, while Manchester United had to lower their heads in a final that could yield more than £100 million (approximately 186 billion won) in revenue.
Tottenham took the lead with a decisive goal from Brennan Johnson in the 41st minute, and then they managed to withstand Manchester United's fierce attacks until the end. In particular, in the second half, Micky van de Ven made a crucial defensive play on the goal line that saved the team.
In the 67th minute, captain Son Heung-min was substituted in for Richarlison. Son actively participated in the counterattacks with aggressive pressing and active movements, even creating a shooting opportunity himself in the 81st minute.
After the final whistle, Son Heung-min wrapped himself in the Korean flag and raised the trophy high. Amid the cheers of his teammates, he lifted the final trophy in the center of the field, completing the long-awaited victory scene for 'Captain Son.'
The official UEFA Europa League channel did not miss this moment. UEFA noted, "It was an incredible sight. The Tottenham players sang and danced with the fans, fully enjoying the joy of victory," adding, "Son Heung-min approached the stands again, performing a solo celebration and receiving a round of applause from the packed stadium. The player most deserving of this moment was undoubtedly this Korean striker."
After the match, Son Heung-min was interviewed by the broadcasting company TNT Sports. The panel included Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand and Tottenham legend Gareth Bale. Son Heung-min expressed his feelings, saying, "I feel really great right now. Tottenham has not lifted a trophy for 17 years. It’s taken a long time, and today is that day. I think I can now say that I am a legend of this club. Just today! I want to enjoy this moment."
He continued, "It really feels like a dream. It’s a moment I have always dreamed of, and today that dream came true. I’m so happy. I feel like I’m the happiest person in the world right now."
He expressed joy, saying, "I am really proud. I am so proud to be Korean, and even at 4 a.m., I am so grateful to the fans who are cheering like crazy. I dedicate this trophy to them. This is for all of us."
But it didn't end there. Son Heung-min, who roared freely offline, even updated his social media profile picture, utilizing every way to enjoy the happiness.
Upon seeing Son Heung-min's Instagram, his teammates totalled in. Jed Spence, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, and Dane Scarlett, among others, praised him with comments like "Our legend" and "Long live the captain." It was a scene that clearly showed Son Heung-min's overwhelming support within the team.
A welcome guest appeared here. It was Harry Kane, Son Heung-min's soul partner. He left Tottenham to win the championship and moved to Bayern Munich, where he lifted the Bundesliga trophy this season. After winning the league, he expressed his wishes for Tottenham's Europa victory, including for Son Heung-min.
Kane, who passionately hoped for Tottenham's victory himself, also left a reply on Son Heung-min's social media. Unlike other teammates who call Son a legend, he showed their bond by saying, "Congratulations, my brother."
[OSEN]