"I am happy to be on such a wonderful team."
Tottenham held an open-top parade on the 24th (Korean time) in downtown London to celebrate their victory in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League (UEL). On the 22nd, Tottenham lifted the trophy after defeating Manchester United (Man U) 1-0 in the final held at Estadio San Mames in Bilbao, Spain.
With this victory, Tottenham has reached the top of an official competition for the first time in 17 years since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. In European competitions, this is the first time in 41 years since the UEFA Cup in the 1983-1984 season. Due to a foot injury, Son Heung-min was excluded from the starting lineup for the final against Man U, but he came on as a substitute in the second half to maintain the team’s lead.
Having made his professional debut in Hamburg, Germany, in 2010, he experienced his first victory in a decade since joining Tottenham in 2015. This UEL victory is particularly special for him. After debuting in the German Bundesliga in Hamburg in 2010, he tasted victory for the first time in his career with the club.
This victory for Tottenham is also drawing attention as Son Heung-min lifted the trophy after his dedication. Riding on the bus while wearing sunglasses and a victory shirt, Son Heung-min received cheers from fans as he toured downtown London. The Tottenham squad shared their joy by traveling approximately 3 kilometers through the streets of London for two hours.
Around 150,000 fans gathered in the streets. They created an enthusiastic atmosphere by bursting blue and white smoke bombs and climbing on traffic lights and streetlights. The British media outlet "Daily Mail" reported that "the parade route became a festival venue." From the bus, Son Heung-min exclaimed, "Look at this. It feels truly amazing. I will never forget this moment. Wow."
He added, "I dreamed of this moment. I am really happy to win while wearing a Tottenham uniform. I am so proud of our team. Two days since the match against Man U passed too quickly. It feels like I’ve only slept for five hours, and it’s already Friday. We accomplished something that nobody has done for 17 years. It is even more meaningful as this achievement happened while I was the captain. It’s hard to put into words."
Finally, he stated, "I have said for a long time that I really want to win at Tottenham. So today is a truly special day. I am so happy that I cannot express it in words."
'Daily Mail' reported that Son Heung-min lost his voice from joy after two days of celebrating. Meanwhile, Tottenham did not hold a parade when they won the League Cup in 2008 but only showcased the trophy to fans before the UEFA Cup match. The last official parade was held in 1991 after the FA Cup victory near White Hart Lane (the former home ground).
Comments from teammate James Maddison are also drawing attention. Although he could not play in the final due to injury, when the victory was secured, he hugged Son Heung-min, and they both shed tears. During the parade, he stated, "Son Heung-min is the best person I have ever met, so I really like him," adding, "It was so nice to see him lift the trophy for Tottenham."
Maddison remarked, "Son Heung-min lifted the trophy at the club he loves and has been with for over 10 years. This is our job, but it is still so moving. At least in my life moving forward, it seems really difficult to meet someone better than him 'as a person.' He is truly the best 'person.'"
As praised by his deputy, Son Heung-min has established himself as the best captain of the Tottenham squad. He expressed during an official interview with the UEFA website, "The victory was truly an indescribable emotion. At the end, when I lifted the trophy, someone bumped into me, and my head hit the trophy, leaving a bruise. But even that bruise is a good memory."
Son Heung-min said, "Honestly, I am really thankful to my teammates. I may not be the best captain they have ever met, but they have always supported me. I feel their respect for me," adding, "So I sincerely want to say thank you. I am truly a lucky person to be on such a wonderful team."
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