Born in 1992, Son Heung-min grew up in the small South Korean town of Chuncheon under the strict but loving guidance of his father, former footballer Son Woong-jung.

Forced to retire early due to injury, Woong-jung poured his heart into training his two sons, particularly Son, with a rigorous philosophy: repeating the same action thousands of times to make it instinctive. “Europeans don’t understand,” Son once shared. “I’ve been training since I was 5, but I didn’t join a team until I was 14.”

Woong-jung's method went beyond mere practice; it was a journey of building iron will and technical perfection. Son was taught to dribble, shoot, and move from every angle, using both his left and right foot.

The discipline instilled by his father, Woong-jung, from a young age was the foundation that helped Son soar in his career with Tottenham. Photo: Korean Times

The discipline instilled by his father, Woong-jung, from a young age was the foundation that helped Son soar in his career with Tottenham. Photo: Korean Times

In 2008, at the age of 16, Son left home, carrying big dreams and homesickness, to join Hamburg's academy in Germany. There, he shone like a meteor, flashing speed and efficiency in every move.

Five solid seasons at Hamburg led to his recruitment by Leverkusen in 2013. Just over a year later, he caught Europe's attention with a hat-trick in a 4-5 loss to Wolfsburg in 2/2015. In that match, the South Korean forward dispossessed goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, chipped the ball over him with the outside of his right foot, and then scored a long-range shot with his left. The impressive hat-trick prompted Tottenham to sign him just six months later.

On 28/8/2015, Son arrived in London, joining Tottenham for around 29 million USD, becoming the most expensive Asian player in Premier League history at the time. “The first time I saw Son train, I knew he had something special,” Ruud van Nistelrooy, a former Dutch star who played alongside Son at Hamburg, said of his younger teammate with absolute confidence.

Tottenham was still searching for a dynamic attacker to replace Gareth Bale, who had left for Real Madrid in the summer of 2013. Son fit the bill, with his speed, technique, and pressing ability—all aligning with manager Mauricio Pochettino's philosophy.

Despite a promising start in the 2015-2016 season with a brace in his Europa League debut against Qarabag and a decisive goal against Crystal Palace, Son's journey in England wasn’t an immediate fairytale. A foot tendon injury in 9/2015 disrupted everything. He played only 10 more Premier League games, often behind Erik Lamela, Dele Alli, and Christian Eriksen. During those days, Son felt lost in an unfamiliar environment, struggling with English and facing intense pressure. “I wasn’t feeling comfortable and wanted to go back to Germany,” he told the Evening Standard in 2019.

Son struggled to adapt to the new environment in the Premier League and at one point almost gave up the fight for a starting position at Tottenham. Photo: Livepics

Son struggled to adapt to the new environment in the Premier League and at one point almost gave up the fight for a starting position at Tottenham. Photo: Livepics

In the summer of 2016, after returning from the Rio Olympics with the South Korean U23 team, Son faced a crossroads. An offer from Werder Bremen promised a return to the Bundesliga, where he had previously thrived. He entered Pochettino's office, heart heavy, ready to say goodbye.

But Pochettino, who had tried to sign Son for Southampton in 2013, saw the fire within him. “We made it clear to Son that he had to fight for his place,” the Argentinian manager wrote in his book, "Brave New World," by journalist Guillem Balague. Son's decision to stay that summer not only changed his own career but also wrote a new chapter for Tottenham.

Son's transformation began in the 2016-2017 season. A 4-0 victory against Stoke City in 9/2016 was a memorable milestone, with Son scoring two goals and providing an assist, proving he belonged. From then on, he became an integral part of Tottenham’s soul. His explosiveness, intelligent movement, and ability to finish with both feet made him a threat to every defense.

His memorable moments spanned seasons: an 89th-minute winner against Watford (2016), the opening goal against Dortmund in the Champions League (2019), the first goal at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and especially, his iconic solo goal against Burnley in 2019, where he dribbled past multiple defenders from his own penalty area before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Nick Pope. This goal, a vivid illustration of his playing style, earned him the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of the year.

The 2021-2022 season marked the pinnacle of Son's career. He scored 23 Premier League goals, sharing the Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah—a historic milestone for an Asian player. His efficiency, scoring 23 goals from just 86 shots, was a testament to the rigorous training from his childhood. Crucially, in the final 10 games of that season, he scored 12 goals, helping Tottenham overtake Arsenal to finish 4th and secure a Champions League spot.

In 454 official matches for Tottenham, Son scored 173 goals, placing him 4th on the club's all-time scoring list. He won four Premier League Player of the Month awards, two Goal of the Month awards, and was named Tottenham's Player of the Year three times.

Beyond the 2021-2022 Premier League Golden Boot, the culmination of Son's 10-year journey with Tottenham was lifting the Europa League trophy in 5/2025 in Bilbao, ending Tottenham's 17-year wait for a major trophy since the 2007-2008 League Cup. Despite being a substitute that day, Son remained a major inspiration. Then-Tottenham manager Postecoglou emphasized, “I wanted the players to understand that this victory wasn't just for the club, but also for Sonny, who embodies the spirit of Tottenham.” As Son lifted the cup, tears streamed down his face, a mixture of joy, pain, and pride. “It was the moment his and Tottenham's journeys became one,” the BBC commented.

Son lifts the Europa League trophy with Tottenham after the 1-0 final victory against Bilbao at San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, Spain on 21/5/2025. Photo: Reuters

Son lifts the Europa League trophy with Tottenham after the 1-0 final victory against Bilbao at San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, Spain on 21/5/2025. Photo: Reuters

For a decade, alongside Harry Kane, Son became synonymous with Tottenham. “Sonny is Tottenham, and Tottenham is Sonny,” midfielder James Maddison shared before Son's final match for Tottenham—a friendly against Newcastle at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on 3/8.

His deep connection with the club was also evident in his off-field actions, steeped in affection. During a tour in South Korea in 2022, Son paid for the entire team's Korean barbecue feast and gave personal gifts to the entire staff. He surprised the team at Incheon Airport with a "Welcome to Seoul" sign and a beaming smile, eliciting a rock-star welcome from the crowd. "I was at the airport that day," renowned Korean sports journalist Lee Sungmo recounted to the BBC. "The crowd's reaction was like welcoming Oasis or Coldplay."

Son's generosity touched fans' hearts. After Tottenham beat West Ham in the 2021 League Cup, a young fan climbed over the barrier to reach Son before being surrounded by security. As the boy was led away, Son chased after him, took off his jersey, and gave it to him.

Son happily poses for photos with Asian fans. Photo: AFP

Son happily poses for photos with Asian fans. Photo: AFP

The South Korean star frequently signed autographs and recorded videos for fans after training sessions, even after his teammates had left. “Sonny always smiles, always cares about everyone,” defender Kevin Wimmer, a close friend of Son’s since his early days at Tottenham, told the BBC. Wimmer recalled a 2016 Spurs TV interview where they interviewed each other, and Son asked, “Kev, why are you my best friend?” Wimmer replied, “Because you’re sincere, kind, and it’s always fun being around you.” That simple but profound answer was a testament to Son's character.

In South Korea, Son is more than a footballer; he's a "national treasure," a symbol of national pride. According to research by AIA, Tottenham's shirt sponsor, around 12 million South Koreans—nearly a quarter of the population—are fans of the London club, largely thanks to Son. He appears on billboards advertising everything from fashion to ice cream, and his image is printed on buses in Seoul to promote tourism. In Chuncheon, a giant mural honoring him stands near the football academy founded by Son's family, a reminder that dreams can come from the smallest of places.

Writing in the Guardian, journalist John Duerden commented that Son is the first Asian player to become a true star in the Premier League, breaking down stereotypes about players from the continent. Before him, Park Ji-sung was remembered mainly for his work ethic at Man Utd, while Shinji Kagawa couldn't maintain his form.

With 173 goals and numerous awards, Son proved that Asian players can be on par with stars from South America or Africa. “Son showed the world that Asia can produce a player as exciting as anyone,” a Chinese journalist remarked in the Guardian. He won the Titan Sports' Asian Player of the Year award in 9 of the 12 times since its inception.

Son Heung-min faces goalkeeper Ederson in Tottenham's 0-2 Premier League loss to Man City on 14/5. Photo: Reuters

Son Heung-min faces goalkeeper Ederson in Tottenham's 0-2 Premier League loss to Man City on 14/5. Photo: Reuters

Son's popularity in South Korea rivals K-pop stars like BTS or Blackpink. Bars display large TVs with Son's smiling face in the corner of the screen during his matches, a symbol of hope.

In 2020, after completing his three-week military service, Son was among the top 5 performers out of 157, making South Korea proud. "Son is the pride of the entire nation," journalist Lee Sungmo affirmed.

In the 2024-2025 season, as captain, Son faced tough challenges. Injuries limited him to 7 goals and 9 assists in 30 Premier League appearances. His trademark explosiveness seemed to fade, and he missed some key matches during the Europa League campaign.

However, the victory in Bilbao fulfilled Son's greatest wish: bringing a trophy to Tottenham, something club legends like Ossie Ardiles or Martin Chivers couldn't achieve. “Now I'm a legend,” Son said with a beaming smile as he shook hands with former club greats after the final, as if he had just achieved a lifelong dream.

At a press conference in Seoul before the friendly against Newcastle, Son shared, his voice choked with emotion, “This is the hardest decision of my career. I need a new environment to challenge myself. 10 years is a long time, and I leave with pride.”

The match in Seoul, where Son captained the team, was an emotional farewell to his home fans. “If this is Sonny’s last game with the team, it’s wonderful that it’s in front of his home fans,” new manager Thomas Frank said in the pre-match press conference.

Son's departure leaves a void at Tottenham, both professionally and emotionally. Around 700 Son jerseys were sold at each match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, largely due to the large South Korean fanbase. “They are often wealthy fans, willing to buy bags of Son merchandise,” noted financial expert Kieran Maguire. However, he also suggested the financial impact wouldn’t be too significant, as revenue from Premier League standings is more crucial. Last season, Tottenham lost 4.6 million USD in prize money by dropping from 16th to 17th place in the domestic league.

Son applauds his home fans after the Tottenham-Newcastle friendly—his last match for the London club—at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on 3/8. Photo: AFP

Son applauds his home fans after the Tottenham-Newcastle friendly—his last match for the London club—at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on 3/8. Photo: AFP

Regardless of the future impact, Tottenham must now leverage Son's legacy to maintain its influence in Asia, where he elevated the club's profile. “Sonny will always be revered at Tottenham,” former player Micky Hazard declared.

Son is not just a Tottenham legend but also a pioneer for Asian football, someone who changed the world’s perception of players from the continent. His tears in Bilbao, his radiant smile in Seoul, and his warm heart for teammates and fans will forever be the pieces that make up a legend in the club’s history.

Compiled by Hoang Thong