Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is no longer a world-class player.
ESPN announced the selection of 100 world-class football players based on their performances in the 2024-25 season. Top players were chosen by position: center forward, winger, attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, center-back, fullback, and goalkeeper.
A total of 20 wingers were selected, and unfortunately, Son Heung-min's name was not included. From 20th place Brian Mbeumo (Brentford) to 17th place Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), 14th place Džeko (PSG), 13th place Bradley Barcola (PSG), 12th place Luis Díaz (Liverpool), and 11th place Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), notable players were included in the top 20.
Even Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), a global superstar, was ranked 8th among wingers. Had it been during his prime, he would have been the undisputed No. 1 worldwide, but now even Messi has barely made the top 10 among wingers.
Kim Min-jae was a member of the Napoli championship team, and Kvaratskhelia (PSG), who transferred to PSG and became a Champions League champion, is ranked 7th. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) is 6th, Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) is 5th, and Vinícius (Real Madrid) is 4th, among other well-known players.
Unfortunately, Son Heung-min's name was not included. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), who shared the Premier League top scorer title with Son Heung-min in 2022, held the steady No. 1 position. Son Heung-min's performance declined last season, but Salah topped the charts with 29 goals and 18 assists.
The 2nd place went to Barcelona's young talent Lamine Yamal, while 3rd place was taken by Raphinha. Yamal excelled with 9 goals and 13 assists. Raphinha also made significant contributions with 18 goals and 9 assists for Barcelona.
Unfortunately, Son Heung-min recorded only 7 goals and 9 assists last season due to injuries and poor performance. His streak of scoring more than 10 goals in the Premier League for 9 consecutive years has been broken. This was a symbolic event indicating that Son Heung-min has come down from his prime.
The outlet handling Tottenham, 'Hotspur HQ,' noted, 'At 32, Son Heung-min is walking the last downhill path of a brilliant career. Even with the title of Europa League champion, he still has the potential to contribute to Tottenham. Despite having the worst season in 2024-25 with 7 goals and 9 assists, he still achieved the highest attacking points in the team with 16, ahead of James Maddison.'
Chairman Daniel Levy is considering the possibility of selling Son Heung-min to the Saudi League. The 'Telegraph' reported that 'Levy might sell Tottenham legend Son Heung-min to the Saudi Pro League this summer and acquire a veteran winger. The rumors of Son Heung-min's transfer continue.'
[OSEN]