Ultimately, he proved himself through results. Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) overcame numerous criticisms directed at him and successfully validated his worth through performance.

On the 24th (Korean time), Tottenham held an open-top parade in downtown London to celebrate winning 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 Mamés in Bilbao, Spain.

With this, Tottenham reached the top of an official tournament for the first time in 17 years since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. In terms of European competitions, it has been 41 years since winning the UEFA Cup in the 1983-1984 season. Due to an ankle injury, Son Heung-min was excluded from the starting lineup against Man U in the final but was substituted in the second half to help maintain the team’s lead.

He debuted professionally in Hamburg, Germany, in 2010, and after joining Tottenham in 2015, he experienced his first championship 10 years later. This UEL victory is particularly special for him. He had his first taste of victory with his team after making his professional debut in the Bundesliga with Hamburg in 2010.

This victory for Tottenham has also become a major topic as Son Heung-min lifted the trophy after his dedication. On the bus, wearing sunglasses and a victory shirt, Son Heung-min toured downtown London while receiving cheers from fans. The Tottenham squad shared their joy by traveling about 3 kilometers through London in two hours.

Around 150,000 fans flocked to the streets. They created an enthusiastic atmosphere by setting off blue and white smoke bombs and climbing traffic lights and lampposts. The British media outlet ‘Daily Mail’ reported, “The parade route became a festival.” From the bus, Son Heung-min exclaimed, “Look at this. It feels amazing. I will never forget this moment. Wow.”

He continued, “I dreamed of this moment. I am so happy to win while wearing the Tottenham uniform. I am so proud of our team.” He added, “Two days since the Man U match have passed too quickly. It feels like I’ve only slept for five hours, and it’s already Friday. We achieved what no one has done in 17 years. It is even more meaningful as it is an achievement made during my time as captain. It’s hard to put into words.”

'Daily Mail' reported that Son Heung-min lost his voice from excessive joy over the past two days. Meanwhile, Tottenham did not hold a parade during the League Cup victory in 2008. They simply revealed the trophy to fans before the UEFA Cup match. The last official parade took place in 1991, following their FA Cup victory near their former home ground, White Hart Lane.

Additionally, the remarks of teammate James Maddison have garnered attention. Although he could not participate in the final due to injury, he hugged Son Heung-min and shed tears when the victory was secured. He said during the parade, "Son Heung-min is the best I’ve ever met, and I really like him," adding, "It was so great to see him lift a trophy for Tottenham."

Maddison praised, "Son Heung-min lifted a trophy at a club he loves and has been with for over 10 years. While this is our job, it is still very emotional. At least in my life moving forward, it will be really hard to meet someone better 'as a person' than him. He is truly the best 'person.'"

These words were a great comfort to Son Heung-min, who endured criticisms regarding his leadership throughout the season. In fact, during a rough season for Tottenham, some experts claimed the reason was Son Heung-min’s leadership. Former player and commentator Jamie O’Hara was a representative figure of those criticisms.

O’Hara stated during the season, "Son Heung-min is a fantastic player and has shown tremendous dedication to Tottenham, but when the team is struggling, he is not a player who can unite the team," adding, "As captain, he should lead from the front, encourage the players, and help pull the team out of crises. However, Son Heung-min is not that type of player. He should now step down from the captaincy and give the opportunity to another player."

Overcoming such criticisms, Son Heung-min has established himself as the best captain for the Tottenham squad. He opened up in an interview with the UEFA website, saying, "Winning was an indescribable feeling. At the end, when I lifted the trophy, someone pushed me, and my head bumped into the trophy, causing an injury. But even that injury is a good memory."

Son Heung-min noted, "Honestly, I am truly thankful to my teammates. I may not be the best captain they have met, but they always supported me. I feel their respect for me," emphasizing, "So I genuinely want to say thank you. I am really lucky to be a part of such a wonderful team."

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