How wonderful it must have been. Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is still savoring the afterglow of the trophy he has long dreamed of.
On the 22nd (Korea time), Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final for the 2024-2025 season, held at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain.
With this victory, Tottenham broke a 17-year trophy drought since the 2008 League Cup. At the same time, Son Heung-min successfully claimed a major trophy with his club for the first time in 15 years of his professional debut. Winning a European tournament is a feat not achieved in 41 years.
This final was not just a championship; it was an important match with a direct qualification for the UEFA Champions League next season at stake. Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League this season, Tottenham achieved a remarkable turnaround, while Manchester United had to bow out of the final, which had over £100 million (about 186 billion won) in revenue at stake.
Tottenham took the lead in the 41st minute with a decisive goal from Brennan Johnson and weathered the intense attacks from Manchester United until the end. Especially in the second half, Micky van de Ven made a crucial defense on the goal line, saving the team.
In the 67th minute, captain Son Heung-min was substituted in for Richarlison. Son Heung-min participated actively in the counterattacks with aggressive pressing and active movements from the front, creating a shooting opportunity himself in the 81st minute.
After the final whistle, Son Heung-min draped himself in the Taegukgi and raised the trophy high. Surrounded by the cheers of his teammates, he lifted the final trophy at the center of the field, completing the long-awaited championship moment for "Captain Son."
The official channel of the UEFA Europa League did not miss this moment. UEFA noted, "It was an unbelievable sight. Tottenham players sang and danced with fans, basking in joy," adding, "Son Heung-min approached the stands for a solo celebration and received applause from the packed crowd. The player most deserving of this moment was undoubtedly this South Korean forward."
After the match, Son Heung-min participated in an interview with the broadcasting company TNT Sports. Panelists included Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand and Tottenham legend Gareth Bale. Son Heung-min said, "I feel really awesome right now. Tottenham has not lifted a trophy in 17 years. It took a long time, and today is that day. I think now I can say I am 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've always dreamed of, and today that dream has come true. I'm so happy. I feel like I am the happiest person in the world right now," adding, "I am really proud. I am so proud to be Korean, and I really thank the fans who supported us crazily even at 4 a.m. I dedicate this trophy to them. This is for all of us."
It didn't end there. Son Heung-min, who roared with joy offline, even changed his social media profile picture, utilizing every way to enjoy the moment. His teammates, noticing Son Heung-min's Instagram, all chimed in, praising him with remarks like "Our legend," and "Long live the captain." It was a scene that truly reflected Son Heung-min's overwhelming popularity within the team.
Veteran also joined in. It was none other than Glenn Hoddle, hailed as the greatest legend in Tottenham's history. He was the ace who led Tottenham to their last Europa victory before Son Heung-min. After the match, he personally paid tribute to Son Heung-min, expressing his excitement and speaking to him.
Hoddle first put his arm around Son Heung-min's shoulders and said, "The player in our squad who deserves to lift this trophy the most and should hold it high is 'Son'—that’s you. Your passion, goals, the way you play, your dedication are all part of our legend. It's all sincere."
For Son Heung-min, it was truly the moment he had always dreamed of. How desperately he must have wanted it. Throughout the award ceremony, he expressed his emotions actively, and even at the moment he boarded the plane for the return trip, he held the trophy tightly as he took his seat. This symbolizes just how much this trophy means to Son Heung-min.
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