Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) finally fulfilled his long-cherished wish in his professional career after a long wait. The 15 years of being trophyless since stepping onto the professional stage in the German Bundesliga in 2010 came to an end in Bilbao, Spain.
Tottenham crowned the champion after defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League final held at San Mamés in the early hours of the 22nd (Korea time). With this victory, Tottenham secured a major trophy for the first time in 17 years since the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. At the same time, they secured a ticket for the group stage of the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League, signaling a genuine resurgence.
This victory holds great significance for Son Heung-min personally. After joining Tottenham in 2015 and serving as a key striker, he faced several final stages but repeatedly fell short of winning. He was the runner-up in the Premier League in the 2016-17 season, the UEFA Champions League in the 2018-19 season, and the EFL Cup in the 2020-21 season. Son Heung-min, who had repeatedly missed out on trophies, finally fulfilled his longing in this final. Until now, his only winning experience was a gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games.
With this victory, Son Heung-min added another line to the history of Korean football. He became the second South Korean player to experience victory in the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) after former national team coach Cha Bum-kun. Cha won the tournament while affiliated with Eintracht Frankfurt in 1980 and 1988. Son Heung-min followed in his footsteps through the 2024-25 season of the Europa League.
Prior to the match, Son Heung-min's starting status was a major concern. Recently recovering from a foot injury, he had played about 30 minutes against Crystal Palace and roughly 70 minutes against Aston Villa as he was working on his return. Local media provided mixed predictions regarding his appearance, and ultimately, coach Ange Postecoglou opted to start Richarlison instead of Son Heung-min.
Son Heung-min was substituted in at the 67th minute. He continued active movements from the middle of the second half to regain his match fitness and attempted a shot during a counterattack at the 81st minute, but it was blocked by the defense. He also took a free kick, demonstrating a proactive stance and becoming integrated into the game. Although he did not create any visible decisive moments on the pitch, he played a significant role in leading the atmosphere as captain.
The winning goal came in the first half. Tottenham took the lead due to a defensive error leading to an own goal by Manchester United, and they maintained their lead by fending off the relentless attacks from United until the end of the match. Son Heung-min celebrated joyfully after confirming the goal scene from the bench. Immediately after the final whistle, he embraced his teammates while carrying the Taegeukgi, sharing a moment of overwhelming emotion.
This Europa League victory signifies more than just a trophy for Son Heung-min. It not only lifted the long shadow of being trophyless but also stands as a symbolic milestone in opening a new era for the team as captain.
A moment 15 years in the making. Son Heung-min finally lifted the trophy. It was the moment that put an end to the question he had posed to himself throughout his playing career. At the highest peak of his football life, Son Heung-min wept uncontrollably.
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