He is making history.
Tottenham's Son Heung-min returned home through Incheon International Airport on the 27th (Korean time) after completing the long, eventful, and happy 2024-2025 season. After lifting the much-desired club championship trophy, he enjoyed a short break before joining the national team to aim for 11 consecutive qualifications for the World Cup finals.
On the 26th, Tottenham invited Brighton & Hove Albion to their home for the final match of the Premier League 38th round but bowed down with a score of 1-4. 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 marked the lowest finish in the club's history since the inception of the Premier League, ranking 17th and surpassing the previously worst record of 15th place in the 1993-1994 season.
Additionally, the 22 losses tie for the most losses in a single season since the introduction of the Premier League. Even including up to the 42-match system, it remains among the highest number of losses in the club's history. After this match, jeers were directed once again at Chairman Daniel Levy and Coach Ange Postecoglou. However, after the Brighton game, the celebration continued with cheers.
Already having defeated Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final held on the 22nd, the team that lifted the trophy after 17 years regarded the day as merely a festive occasion. They broke a long-standing drought without a title since the 2007-2008 season League Cup, and Captain Son Heung-min also achieved his first major trophy since turning professional.
Immediately following the match against Brighton, the Tottenham squad shared the joy of winning with fans once again. In particular, Son Heung-min received a 'guard of honor' prepared by the club's legendary figures, and he was the first to enter the pitch holding the UEL trophy. The key players who had lifted the UEFA Cup in the 1983-1984 season personally greeted their junior.
Even after experiencing the trophy ceremony and the London street parade, Son Heung-min did not let go of the trophy that day. Weighing 15 kg, he held the UEFA Europa League trophy until the end, beaming with a bright smile. Following the conclusion of the championship celebration, Son Heung-min returned home through Incheon Airport.
At Incheon Airport, Son Heung-min, dressed in a white t-shirt, blue jacket, and black pants, received a warm welcome from numerous fans waiting for him as he walked out of the arrival hall. Lifting the long-desired championship trophy, Son Heung-min waved with both hands towards the fans, greeting them warmly as he continued the celebratory festivities.
Son Heung-min approached the fans, receiving bouquets, gifts, and letters in turn, and even shook hands with some fans. Just before getting into a vehicle, he smiled and, fulfilling fans' requests to put on the medal, wore the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League (UEL) championship medal and smiled widely once again.
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min will join the national team as captain after a short break under coach Hong Myung-bo. The men's football national team, led by coach Hong, will face Iraq in Basra, Iraq, for the 9th match of Group B in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 North American World Cup on June 6. They will then return to Seoul World Cup Stadium on June 10 for the final match of the third round of qualifying against Kuwait.
Currently sitting at the top of Group B, they could drop to the fourth qualifying round if they lose both matches. However, if they achieve at least a draw in the away match against Iraq, they can secure an impressive 11 consecutive qualifications for the World Cup finals. As Son Heung-min is central to this, he has been selected for the national team despite the aftermath of an injury.
Coach Hong Myung-bo revealed Son Heung-min's physical condition when announcing the national team roster on the 26th. He explained the reason for selecting Son despite injury concerns, saying, "I communicated with him after the Europa League final, and he said he had no major issues playing. I believe it will not affect his performance, so I selected him."
He added, "Son Heung-min has always been the best in terms of personal performance over a long time, but this time, as a team, he could win a major tournament, and to do so as captain is a very, very joyful thing. We believe this is something we should all be very proud of."
Coach Hong Myung-bo stated, "The best thing for a player who has gone through a long season and deserves recognition is for the team to become champions. I congratulate Son Heung-min, and I hope this atmosphere well carries over to our national team."
Now, Son Heung-min's next goal after achieving results at Tottenham is to qualify for the World Cup finals for the 11th consecutive time with the national team. At the heart of this unprecedented achievement is Son Heung-min. It remains to be seen whether he can carry this momentum from lifting the Europa trophy to achieve another remarkable feat.
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