[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] On the 18th (Korean time), Park Yang-woo, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, sent a congratulatory message to Son Heung-min (Tottenham), the first Korean player to receive the FIFA Pusk?s Award, expressing congratulations and encouragement.
Minister Park stated, "Son Heung-min's award has not only brought great joy and pride to our people who are going through difficult times due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but also served as an opportunity to show that Korean football has the capability to attract worldwide attention." He emphasized, "The overseas activities of domestic sports stars like Son Heung-min go beyond personal honor and wealth, enhancing the national brand value and contributing to export growth."
He added, "We will continue to spare no support so that Korean players, including Son Heung-min, can fully demonstrate their skills on the global stage."
The Pusk?s Award, established in 2009 and named after the late Ferenc Pusk?s, a legend of Hungarian football, is awarded to the best goal scored in a football match during the year regardless of tournament, gender, or nationality.
Son Heung-min was selected as the recipient of the Pusk?s Award at 'The Best FIFA Football Awards 2020' ceremony held online at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, on the morning of the same day. He is the first Korean player and the second Asian player to receive this award, following Mohamed Faiz Subri (Malaysia) in 2016.
Last December, during a match against Burnley in the English Premier League (EPL), Son Heung-min received the ball in Tottenham's half, dribbled past six opposing defenders, ran approximately 70 meters to the penalty box, and scored with a right-footed shot. This goal received various awards, including the EPL 'Goal of the Month' for December, BBC's 'Goal of the Year,' The Athletic's 'Goal of the Year,' and the EPL office's 'Goal of the Season' for 2019?2020.
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