"The first Korean captain."
Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 on the 22nd (Korea time) in the final of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League held at San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain. After taking the lead with an own goal from the opponent in the 42nd minute of the first half, they maintained that lead to rise to the top of European competitions.
This victory was a significant moment in the history of the Tottenham club. After 17 years without winning a trophy since the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season, Tottenham ended a long drought and recorded their third Europa League victory in total (1971-72, 1983-84, 2024-25) on the European stage. At the same time, they also secured a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League.
The match carried special weight for Son Heung-min as well. Having started his professional career with Hamburger SV in Germany in 2010, he joined Tottenham in 2015 after passing through Bayer Leverkusen and has served as the team's key striker since then. However, he has finished as a runner-up in numerous prominent competitions until now. Despite many challenges, including finishing 2nd in the Premier League (2016-17), runner-up in the UCL (2018-19), and runner-up in the League Cup (2020-21), the last step always fell short.
His only winning record was a gold medal at the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games in 2018. This Europa League victory is the first trophy Son Heung-min raised in his club career, and he became the second Korean player to win the tournament, including the UEFA Cup era. Former manager Cha Bum-kun had previously won the UEFA Cup with Frankfurt in 1980 and 1988.
Ahead of the final, Son Heung-min's participation was a major point of interest locally. Recently recovering from a foot injury, he checked his condition through matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. However, on this day, manager Ange Postecoglou made the decision to exclude Son Heung-min from the starting lineup and keep him on the bench.
In the 67th minute, Son Heung-min stepped onto the field, substituted for Richarlison. Although he did not directly score, his characteristic agile movements and active dedication invigorated the team. In the 81st minute, he attempted a shot during a counterattack but was blocked by the opponent's defense, and in the 85th minute, he also participated as a free-kick taker, contributing to the offensive flow.
Tottenham, who took the lead with an own goal in the first half, defended against Manchester United's onslaught and maintained their lead until the final whistle. As the game ended, Son Heung-min rushed off the bench to embrace his teammates and share in the joy of victory. He then draped the Korean flag over his shoulder and slowly walked to the trophy, lifting it with both hands.
Son Heung-min's eyes were filled with tears. Having worn the captain's armband for two years and steadfastly holding the team together despite injuries and the team's struggles, this victory held more meaning for him than just a trophy. Throughout the match and after the victory, Son Heung-min played on the field as the representative leader of the team.
In a post-match interview published by TNT Sports, Son Heung-min said, "Call me a legend. Just today! For 17 years (there were many great players at the club, but no one could win). Today was that day, and that's why I want to say I am a legend today. I will enjoy and celebrate today."
He added, "I am really happy to win. It was something I had dreamed of for a long time. Today is the day I fulfilled that dream. It is difficult to express anything beyond saying I am happy. I am the happiest person in the world."
Meanwhile, Tottenham's official website praised Son Heung-min, stating he is "the first Korean captain to lead the team to the top of Europe." Online, fans also sent enthusiastic applause to Son Heung-min and brilliantly recorded his achievement.
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