It was a victory that they both hoped for together. And finally, on different paths, that desire became a reality. Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) and Harry Kane (32, Bayern Munich), two friends who shared an era, raised the trophy while wearing their respective uniforms.
Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 to claim the championship in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League final held at San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korean time).
With the decisive goal from Brennan Johnson, Tottenham took the lead and held off Manchester United’s fierce offensive until the final whistle, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of European football. This victory marks their first title in 17 years since the 2007-2008 League Cup and their third champion in European competitions.
Immediately after the news of the victory broke, Harry Kane posted an image congratulating Tottenham on their Europa League win on his social media. He genuinely celebrated his former team's first European trophy. Although their uniforms were different, their hearts remained the same.
Kane made his senior debut in 2010 after progressing through Tottenham’s youth system and was the heart and symbol of Tottenham for 13 seasons. Three-time Premier League top scorer, his name is synonymous with Tottenham's history, including the record for 'most combined goals' he set with Son Heung-min.
Ultimately, Kane did not get a trophy at Tottenham. They remained runners-up in the Premier League, League Cup, and Champions League, and that disappointment led to his decision to transfer in the summer of 2023. While wearing the Bayern Munich uniform, Kane said, "I was desperate for a title." However, Bayern ended the season without a trophy in his first year after the transfer.
Of course, this season Kane fulfilled his dream. Under coach Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich succeeded in winning the Bundesliga, and Kane secured his career's first trophy. Son Heung-min revealed, "I sent Kane a congratulatory message, and he called me on video. He was so happy. I felt that joy too." He added, "I hope Kane's positive energy is transmitted to our team as well."
That statement became a reality. Tottenham held on to Brennan Johnson's strike until the end, finally ending a 17-year wait. Son Heung-min enjoyed the joy of victory for the first time since joining Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. Starting on the bench while wearing the captain's armband, he was substituted in the second half and raised the trophy draped in the Korean flag, marking the moment when Son Heung-min's name was finally completed with the trophy.
Tottenham, which plummeted to 17th in the league and disappointed fans, did not falter in the Europa League. After enduring pain throughout the season, they authored a historic moment and shed the label of 'trophy-less club.'
Kane was also watching the scene. He joined in the joy of Tottenham by leaving a congratulatory message on his social media. Just as he called Son Heung-min on video to celebrate when he secured a title at Bayern, this time he shared the happiness in reverse. Now both of them have become 'players with trophies.'
In an interview with 'TNT Sports' after the match, Son Heung-min said, "We were long-time friends and the best partners. I was really glad that Kane won in Germany, and I finally won. We both deserve to celebrate each other."
He added about the possibility of meeting Harry Kane in the Champions League next season, "Yes. The Champions League is always a stage where you compete against the top teams. If we face each other, it would be a really wonderful thing. It would be great if we could play together again."
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