"Let’s build a statue of Son Heung-min!".
On the 22nd (Korean time), Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the final of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League at San Mames in Bilbao, Spain. After taking the lead with an own goal from the opponent in the 42nd minute of the first half, the team maintained this lead until the end.
This victory was a meaningful scene in Tottenham's club history. After not winning a trophy for 17 years since the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season, Tottenham ended a long period without silverware and achieved their third Europa League title (1971-72, 1983-84, 2024-25) on the European stage. At the same time, they also secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League for the next season.
The match held special significance for Son Heung-min as well. Starting his professional career at Hamburg SV in Germany in 2010, he joined Tottenham in 2015 after playing at Bayer Leverkusen, consistently serving as a key forward for the team. However, despite numerous high-profile stages, he had only finished as a runner-up multiple times. There were many challenges, such as finishing 2nd in the Premier League (2016-17), runner-up in the UCL (2018-19), and runner-up in the League Cup (2020-21), but that final step always eluded him.
His only trophy record was the gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. This Europa League victory is the first trophy Son Heung-min has lifted in his club career and he became the second Korean player to win in this tournament, including the UEFA Cup era. Former coach Cha Bum-kun had previously won the UEFA Cup with Frankfurt in 1980 and 1988.
Ahead of the final, the status of Son Heung-min's participation was a significant concern locally. Recently recovering from a foot injury, he checked his condition through matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, but ultimately, coach Ange Postecoglou decided to exclude Son from the starting lineup and kept him on the bench.
In the 67th minute, Son Heung-min was substituted in for Richarlison. Although he did not directly contribute to the scoring, he injected vitality into the team with his characteristic swift movements and proactive dedication. He attempted a shot during a counter-attack in the 81st minute, but it was blocked by the opposing defense, and in the 85th minute, he participated in the attack as a free-kick taker.
Tottenham, who took the lead with an own goal in the first half, defended against Manchester United's offensive and maintained their lead until the final whistle. When the final whistle blew, Son Heung-min rushed out from the bench, embracing his teammates and sharing the joy of victory. He then draped the Korean flag over his shoulders and slowly walked toward the trophy, lifting it with both hands.
Son Heung-min's eyes were filled with tears. After wearing the captain's armband for two years at Tottenham, this victory held more meaning for him than just a trophy, especially as he had maintained his role as a central figure amid injuries and the team's struggles. Son Heung-min played as a leader representing the team.
SpursWeb commented, "Behind the glorious moment of Tottenham lifting the trophy after 17 years was Son Heung-min. He has dedicated himself to the team like no other and deserves to be immortalized alongside Harry Kane in a mural."
SpursWeb reported that Tottenham has been creating murals on the exterior walls of the club to honor the achievements of iconic players over the past few years. The first was for legendary defender Ledley King in 2022. In 2023, a mural was added to commemorate Harry Kane's club record for the most goals. Amid this trend, the sentiment that it is now Son Heung-min's turn is growing stronger.
SpursWeb emphasized, "Many stars have passed through Tottenham, but Son Heung-min is the only player to have directly led the team to victory. Although there were clearly opportunities to move to bigger stages, he chose to stay with the team, and ultimately that choice was rewarded with a trophy on the European stage."
It also argued, "Son Heung-min is a more symbolic figure than anyone and should be etched on the wall alongside Kane."
TBR Football reported on fans' reactions, noting that there are many opinions supporting the idea that "a statue of Son Heung-min should be erected outside the stadium." Some fans praised him, saying, "Class is not a temporary form but an eternal asset," "Who else but Son Heung-min deserves this honor?" and "He is the best player in Tottenham history throughout the Premier League era."
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