"A statue of SON should be erected in front of the stadium." After 17 years of waiting, the praise sent to Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) was truly overwhelming.
On the 22nd (Korea time), in the final of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League held at San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 and lifted the trophy.
With this victory, Tottenham has secured a trophy for the first time in 17 years since the League Cup in 2008, and Son Heung-min experienced a major victory at the club for the first time since joining in 2015. The disappointment of losing in the Champions League final in 2019 was finally washed away.
This final was a crucial match for both teams. Tottenham aimed for their first ever Europa League title, while Manchester United had a critical game that could directly impact their revenue of nearly £100 million from the Champions League.
The decisive goal came from Brennan Johnson's foot. In the 42nd minute of the first half, Pape Sarr's low cross from the left side hit Luke Shaw and deflected, and Johnson, remaining focused, shook the net. That single goal ultimately became historic.
On that day, Son Heung-min started the match on the bench, but was substituted in for Richarlison in the 67th minute, directly contributing to the team's victory journey. Exhausted both physically and emotionally, he knelt and sat on the ground after the match, and immediately wrapped himself in the Taegukgi and lifted the trophy.
British media outlet TBR Football reported on the 22nd, "Son Heung-min is the captain who has fulfilled Tottenham's long-cherished desire to win in Europe. Fans did not hold back in bestowing the title of legend upon him right after the match," conveying local reactions.
One fan said, "Son Heung-min couldn't stop his tears. It was a scene that showed what kind of player he is. He dedicated his prime to this moment, and now it's truly time to erect a statue." Another fan wrote, "Form is temporary, but class is forever. There is no one more deserving of this victory than Son Heung-min."
Son Heung-min has previously stated, "I will not call myself a legend until I win." Fans reflected on his actions, saying, "If that is the standard, then Son Heung-min is now indisputably a legend."
In fact, after the match, Son Heung-min told the 'TNT Sports' commentators in an interview when asked, "Will you now call yourself a legend?" that "Yes, just for today."
Since joining Tottenham in 2015, Son Heung-min chose to stay even when local boy Harry Kane left the team in search of victory. With records of 453 matches, 173 goals, and 101 assists, he has also experienced numerous heartaches of being a runner-up. He always fell just short of that last step in every competition, including the Premier League, Champions League, and League Cup.
This time was different. The Europa League trophy symbolized the conclusion of all those narratives and a new beginning. After the match, Son Heung-min stated, "We did it. I never doubted it. This moment is the most special scene of my life," wiping away tears.
Now, Tottenham fans will remember 'the captain Son Heung-min with a trophy' instead of 'the legend without a title.' Loyalty, commitment, and finally achieving victory. Son Heung-min has become the most fitting captain for the name Tottenham. And the fans believe that a statue must be erected for him.
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