In the 65th minute, coach Thomas Frank substituted Son, replacing him with new signing Mohammed Kudus. Over 64,000 spectators at Seoul World Cup Stadium rose to their feet, applauding and capturing the moment on their phones. After 10 years, Son had played his final match for Tottenham.
Not only Tottenham players, but several Newcastle players also embraced Son before he left the pitch. Moments earlier, players from both teams had clashed, with Joelinton elbowing Archie Gray and Bruno Guimaraes grabbing Cristian Romero's neck. However, both Joelinton and Guimaraes embraced and consoled the Tottenham captain.
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Newcastle (green) and Tottenham players congratulate Son Heung-min during a friendly match at Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea on 3/8/2025. Photo: Osen |
Newcastle (green) and Tottenham players congratulate Son Heung-min during a friendly match at Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea on 3/8/2025. Photo: Osen
The players from both teams then formed a guard of honor for Son to walk through. Some players playfully patted him on the back. The 33-year-old star was visibly moved, shedding tears as he exited the field. He then shared hugs with the Tottenham substitutes and coaching staff. Many spectators in the stands were also emotional. Son's father, the famously strict Son Woong-jung, showed little emotion.
South Korean fans packed the Seoul World Cup Stadium primarily to witness Son's final match, rather than the game between Tottenham and Newcastle. In the 7th minute, corresponding to Son's jersey number at Tottenham, the crowd sang the chant "Nice One, Sonny" in unison. When the camera focused on Son Woong-jung, the crowd chanted again.
Following the 1-1 draw with Newcastle, Tottenham headed to the airport for Munich to prepare for their final friendly against Bayern. Son remained in Seoul with his family. He is set to join his new team, Los Angeles FC.
Sitting on the bench after leaving the pitch, Son covered his face and wept. He concluded his Tottenham career with his first club trophy, the Europa League. The final, in which Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 in Spain, was his last official match for the team.
At the post-match press conference, Son admitted he thought he wouldn't cry during his Tottenham farewell, but was overwhelmed with emotion. "Leaving the team I've been with for so long is truly difficult," he said. "Hearing the players' kind words, I cried. Today is a memorable and joyful day, so much so that I'll likely have trouble sleeping."
Compiled by Hoang An
