"I am a legend. The happiest person in the world."
Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the 2024-2025 season UEFA Europa League final held at San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korean time). They took the lead with an own goal from the opponent in the 42nd minute of the first half and maintained it.
This victory was a meaningful moment in the history of the Tottenham club. After 17 years without a trophy since the 2007-2008 League Cup, Tottenham ended their long drought and recorded their third UEFA Europa League title (1971-72, 1983-84, 2024-25) on the European stage. At the same time, they also secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League for next season.
The match also held special significance for Son Heung-min. He started his professional career in 2010 with Hamburger SV in Germany, joined Bayer Leverkusen, and then came to Tottenham in 2015, where he has been a key striker for the team. However, he has experienced numerous near misses on grand stages. From finishing second in the Premier League (2016-17) to runner-up in the UEFA Champions League (2018-19) and League Cup (2020-21), many challenges presented themselves, but the final step always eluded him.
His only title before was a gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. This UEFA Europa League victory is the first trophy Son Heung-min has lifted in his club career and makes him the second Korean player to win in this competition, including the UEFA Cup era. Former manager Cha Bum-kun previously won the UEFA Cup with Frankfurt in 1980 and 1988.
Before the final, there was significant interest regarding Son Heung-min's participation. Recovering from a recent foot injury, he assessed his condition through matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, but ultimately, coach Ange Postecoglou decided to exclude Son from the starting lineup and keep him on the bench.
In the 67th minute, Son Heung-min replaced Richarlison on the field. While he did not register a direct contribution to the offense, his characteristic agile movements and proactive dedication infused vibrancy into the team. In the 81st minute, he attempted a shot during a counterattack but was blocked by the opposing defense, and in the 84th minute, he stepped up as a free-kick taker, contributing to the attack flow.
Tottenham, leading by an own goal in the first half, fended off Manchester United's attacks to maintain their lead, and as the final whistle blew, Son Heung-min dashed from the bench to embrace his teammates, sharing the joy of victory. He then draped a Korean flag over his shoulder and slowly walked towards the trophy, lifting it with both hands.
Son Heung-min’s eyes were shimmering with emotion. After two years as captain of Tottenham, he has steadfastly held the team together amid injuries and the team's struggles. This victory held more significance for him than just a trophy. Throughout the match and after the victory, Son Heung-min operated as a representative leader of the team.
After the match, Son Heung-min expressed in an interview published by TNT Sports, "I will call myself a legend. Just today, just today! For 17 years (there have been great players at the club, but no one has achieved a victory). Today was that day, and because of that, I want to say that I am a legend today. I will enjoy and celebrate today."
He continued, "I am truly happy to win. It was something I had been dreaming of. Today is the day I fulfilled that dream. It's hard to say anything other than that I am happy. I am the happiest person in the world."
[OSEN]