The Seoul World Cup Stadium recently bore witness to an event that transcended a mere friendly football match. It was a moment laden with emotion, marking what is widely anticipated to be the final appearance of Tottenham Hotspur`s long-serving captain and South Korean icon, Heung-min Son, in a Spurs shirt. His departure from the club, confirmed following a decade of dedicated service, signifies not just a player transfer, but the closing of a significant chapter in Premier League history and the opening of an intriguing new one.
An Emotional Departure in His Homeland
In a poignant spectacle, Son, aged 32, received a guard of honor from both his Tottenham teammates and their opponents, Newcastle United, as he was substituted in the 65th minute of the match. The gesture, typically reserved for legends and retirees, underscored the immense respect Son commands across the footballing world. Handing the captain`s armband to Ben Davies, Son was embraced by staff and players alike, a scene that reportedly brought tears to his eyes, despite his initial resolve.
“I didn`t think I was going to cry at first but after hearing a few words from my teammates, leaving the club I`ve spent so much time with felt really tough,” Son remarked after the match. “I felt really, really happy playing this match. Thanks to my fans, my teammates and also my opponents, I`ve had an unforgettable day. My career is not over yet, and I want to continue to bring joy. I know I have more things I want to accomplish as a football player.”
This public farewell in his home country, surrounded by adoring national supporters, provided a uniquely fitting backdrop to an emotional transition. It allowed for a collective acknowledgment of his profound impact, both as a footballer and as a cultural ambassador.
A Decade of Dedication: The Tottenham Legacy
Heung-min Son arrived at Tottenham in 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen, making history as the most expensive Asian transfer in Premier League history at approximately $20 million. What followed was a remarkable ten-year tenure marked by prolific goal-scoring, tireless work rate, and an infectious smile that endeared him to millions.
His time at Spurs saw him develop into one of the league`s most consistent and dangerous forwards, culminating in the shared Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season. While individual accolades are notable, a significant team triumph also came during his final season. Son played a pivotal role in Tottenham`s victory in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League, a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the final, which delivered the club its first trophy in 17 years. This silverware, achieved as captain, provided a tangible reward for his unwavering commitment and a memorable capstone to his career in North London.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe`s comments after the game encapsulated the widespread admiration for Son. “The reaction was instinctive from my players. That speaks volumes about him. It`s not just the talent he has but the way he has carried himself over the years. He`s seen as one of the game`s great Premier League players,” Howe stated, highlighting Son`s impeccable character alongside his undeniable skill.
The Next Chapter: Los Angeles and Major League Soccer
The football world now watches with keen interest as Son prepares for his reported move to LAFC in Major League Soccer (MLS). This transition marks a significant shift, both geographically and professionally, for a player who has spent the prime of his career at the pinnacle of European football. For MLS, the acquisition of a player of Son`s calibre and global renown represents a considerable coup, further elevating the league`s profile and attracting new viewership.
While some might view a move to MLS as a step down, Son`s stated ambition to “continue to bring joy” and “accomplish more things as a football player” suggests a desire for new challenges rather than a gentle winding down. His arrival will undoubtedly bring a surge of excitement and technical quality to the Californian club and the league as a whole, offering him a fresh platform to showcase his talents and expand his already considerable influence.
Heung-min Son`s departure from Tottenham is a moment of reflection on a career well spent, marked by individual brilliance and collective achievement. His emotional farewell in Seoul was a testament to the global affection he has garnered. As he embarks on his new journey with LAFC, football fans worldwide will be eager to see how this global icon continues to shape his legacy, proving that even after a decade of elite European football, the passion for the beautiful game and the pursuit of new triumphs burn as brightly as ever.
Dominic Ashworth