Only Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) raised the trophy for Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur won the title against Manchester United 1-0 in the 2024-2025 season 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 2008 League Cup, breaking their title drought. At the same time, Son Heung-min succeeded in winning his first major trophy with his club after 15 years of professional debut. Winning a European competition is a significant achievement, marking the first time in 41 years.

This final was not just a title win; it was a crucial match for qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League. Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League this season, Tottenham made a dramatic turnaround, while Manchester United had to bow out in the final with revenues exceeding £100 million (approximately 186 billion won).

Tottenham took the lead with the decisive goal from Brennan Johnson in the 41st minute and held out against Manchester United's fierce attacks until the end. Notably, in the second half, Micky van de Ven made crucial defensive plays on the goal line, saving the team.

In the 67th minute, captain Son Heung-min was substituted in for Richarlison. Son actively contributed to the counterattack with aggressive pressing and lively movement up front, even creating a shooting opportunity in the 81st minute.

After the final whistle, Son Heung-min wrapped himself in the Korean flag and lifted the trophy high. Amid the cheers of his teammates, he raised the final trophy at the center, completing the long-awaited victory scene of 'Captain Son.'

The official UEFA Europa League channel did not miss this scene. UEFA noted, "It was an unbelievable sight. Tottenham players sang and danced with fans, enjoying their joy," adding, "Son Heung-min approached the stands again and performed a solo celebration, receiving thunderous applause from the packed stadium. The player who deserves to enjoy this moment the most is this Korean striker."

After the match, Son Heung-min participated in an interview with broadcaster TNT Sports. Panelists included Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand and Tottenham legend Gareth Bale. Son said, "I feel absolutely fantastic. Tottenham hasn't lifted a trophy in 17 years. It took a long time, and today is that day. I now feel I can call myself a legend of this club. This is the only day! 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 became a reality. I'm so happy. I think I'm the happiest Saramin in the world right now."

He added, "I am truly proud. I am proud to be Korean, and I want to sincerely thank the fans who cheered passionately even at 4 a.m. I dedicate this trophy to them. It belongs to all of us."

But it didn't end there. Having roared in person, Son Heung-min changed his social media profile picture and embraced joy in every way possible.

After seeing Son Heung-min's Instagram, teammates Jed Spence, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, and Dane Scarlett all praised him with comments like, "Our legend" and "Long live the captain." It was a scene that vividly demonstrated Son's overwhelming popularity within the team.

Global media outlet The Athletic noted, "With this victory, the Tottenham squad will likely be remembered as legends. Son Heung-min achieved what Gareth Bale, Harry Kane, and Luka Modric could not, centered around him." It added, "Now, Son Heung-min, who has played for Tottenham for 10 years, may surpass Kane to become the greatest player in Tottenham's modern history."

In fact, both Kane and Son lifted the trophy, but their paths were different. Kane left Tottenham to lift a trophy with Bayern Munich, while Son stayed with Tottenham and fought to the end to lift the trophy. From the perspective of Tottenham fans, it is understandable that they would have a stronger connection to the latter.

The Athletic also pointed this out, emphasizing, "While various players have played for Tottenham, only Son Heung-min stayed to lift the trophy. Kane left to win trophies, but Son stayed to prove that those doubting him and the team were wrong, ultimately lifting the trophy."

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