Only Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) lifted a trophy after playing for Tottenham for 10 years.
Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the 2024-2025 season UEFA Europa League final held at the Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korea time).
With this victory, Tottenham lifted a trophy for the first time in 17 years since the League Cup in 2008, breaking the streak of no trophies. 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 victory in a European competition is the first in 41 years.
The final was not just a championship; it was a crucial match that determined qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League. Despite a disappointing 17th place in the Premier League, Tottenham achieved a dramatic turnaround, while Manchester United had to bow their heads in a final that could yield over £100 million (about 186 billion won) in revenue.
Tottenham took the lead with Brennan Johnson's decisive goal in the 41st minute of the first half, and they withstood fierce 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, saving the team.
In the 67th minute, captain Son Heung-min entered the field as a substitute for Richarlison. Son actively participated in counterattacks with aggressive pressing and movement from the front, even creating a shooting opportunity in the 81st minute.
After the final whistle, Son Heung-min wrapped himself in the Korean flag and raised the trophy high. Amid cheers from his teammates, he lifted the final trophy in the center, completing the long-awaited victory scene of 'Captain Son.'
The official UEFA Europa League channel did not miss this moment. UEFA stated, "It was an incredible sight. Tottenham players sang and danced with the fans, enjoying their joy," and noted, "Son Heung-min approached the stands again to perform a solo ceremony and received thunderous applause from the packed stadium. The player most deserving of this moment was this Korean striker."
After the match, Son Heung-min went on an interview with the broadcaster TNT Sports. The panel included Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand and Tottenham legend Gareth Bale. Son Heung-min said, "I feel really great right now. Tottenham hadn’t lifted a trophy for 17 years. It took a long time, and today is that day. I think I can finally call myself a legend of this club. Just today! I want to enjoy this moment."
He continued, "It really feels like a dream. This is the moment I have always dreamed of, and today that dream has become a reality. I am so happy. I think I am the happiest person in the world right now."
He expressed his joy, saying, "I am really proud. I am so proud to be Korean, and I truly thank the fans who cheered frantically despite it being 4 a.m. I dedicate this trophy to them. This is for all of us."
This was not the end. Son Heung-min, who roared joyfully offline, even changed his social media profile picture, using every means to enjoy the moment.
His teammates also showed up after seeing Son Heung-min's Instagram. Jed Spence, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Dane Scarlett, and others praised him with comments like "Our legend" and "Long live the captain." This scene clearly confirmed Son Heung-min's overwhelming popularity within the team.
Veterans also joined in. Glen Hoddle, regarded as the greatest legend in Tottenham's history, led the last Tottenham Europa victory before Son Heung-min. He personally came out to praise Son Heung-min. After the match, in an interview, he excitedly spoke to Son Heung-min.
Hoddle first threw an arm around Son Heung-min and said, "The player in our squad who deserves to receive this trophy the most and hold it high is "Son"—it is you. Your passion, goals, the way you play, and dedication to this team are all legendary. It is all sincere."
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