Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur), holding the European stage victory trophy, has finally risen to become one of Tottenham's 'living legends.' There is no longer any room for disagreement.

On the 26th (Korean time), Tottenham released a special scene centered around Son Heung-min on their official website. Tottenham stated, "Son Heung-min received a heartfelt welcome from great players who represented Tottenham, such as Perryman, Jennings, Chivers, and Roberts, and stood at the top for the first time since lifting the European trophy in 1984."

On the same day, Tottenham hosted Brighton & Hove Albion at home for the final match of the Premier League's 38th round but succumbed to a 1-4 defeat. As a result, they finished the season with a disappointing record of 11 wins, 5 draws, and 22 losses, totaling 38 points, with a goal difference of -1. This was their lowest finish in club history at 17th place since the establishment of the Premier League, surpassing their previous worst record of 15th place from the 1993-1994 season.

Additionally, 22 losses tied the record for the most losses in a single season since the Premier League system was established. Even including the 42-match system, it remains one of the highest loss totals in club history.

Nevertheless, the result of the day was a secondary issue for Tottenham fans. For the team, which lifted the championship trophy after defeating Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final on the 22nd, it was merely a festive day. They had cast off the long-standing cycle of having no trophies since the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season, and captain Son Heung-min also obtained his first major trophy since his professional debut.

Immediately after the match against Brighton, the Tottenham squad shared the joy of victory once again in front of fans. Notably, Son Heung-min received a 'Guard of Honor' prepared by the club's legendary figures and was the first to appear on the field holding the UEL trophy.

The key figures who lifted the UEFA Cup in the 1983-1984 season personally came forward to welcome their junior. Despite already having experienced trophy ceremonies and parades through the streets of London, Son Heung-min did not let go of the trophy that day. He held the UEFA Europa League trophy, weighing 15 kg, high with a bright smile.

He then moved to the southern stand to interact with the crowd, after which he handed the trophy to his teammates. Later, Son Heung-min went around the stadium, waving to the fans, and at the end, he shook hands with Tottenham legends to express his gratitude.

That day, the club posted photos and videos of Son Heung-min lifting the trophy alongside legends like Perryman and Ardiles on their official channels, expressing that "Tottenham is filled with legends in every corner." They also added the phrase "True Legend" to the scene where Son Heung-min sat alone in the stadium, gazing at the trophy.

Football London also highlighted Son Heung-min's leadership and dedication. "Although he was absent due to injury, Son Heung-min was still at the center. He led the team and initiated the 'Lap of Honor,' being the first to lift the 100th trophy," it noted, emphasizing his presence.

It also reported that "Son Heung-min endlessly waved to fans as he circled the pitch after the match. His interaction with the legends was a symbolic moment."

Since its founding in 1882, only three captains have lifted the UEFA European competition trophy for Tottenham: Alan Mullery in 1972, Steve Perryman in 1984, and Son Heung-min in 2025. Tottenham shared an image featuring these three individuals, stating, "Son Heung-min is a member of the elite captain group that lifted the European trophy and a clear Tottenham legend."

Up until the middle of the season, Son Heung-min had said, "I am not yet a legend. I want to be called a legend after winning with Tottenham." However, after the final, he himself remarked with a smile, "Today, it's fine to call me a legend." He continued, "Over the past 17 years, there have been many great players, but we achieved what no one else could. Now, I feel it's truly okay to call myself a legend."

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