'Captain Who Delivered the Trophy'... Son Heungmin Cements His Status as a Tottenham Legend

Tottenham Defeats Manchester United 1-0 in Europa League Final
Son Heungmin Claims Emotional First Championship 15 Years After Debut

Son Heungmin lifted his long-awaited first championship trophy 15 years after making his professional debut.

On May 22 (local time), Son's team, Tottenham Hotspur, defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final held at Estadio San Mames in Bilbao, Spain.

Brennan Johnson, who has scored 11 goals in the English Premier League this season and is Tottenham's top scorer, netted the decisive goal in the 42nd minute of the first half. Pape Sarr delivered a sharp cross from the left, sending the ball close to Manchester United's goal, and Johnson rushed in to score. There was an element of luck involved. Johnson initially attempted a shot with his left foot, but it was not precise. The ball bounced and deflected off Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, and Johnson managed to push it in with his right foot to score the goal.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heungmin is cheering after securing his first championship in 15 years since his professional debut by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final held on the 22nd at Estadio San Mam?s in Bilbao, Spain. Photo by AFP

Son Heungmin contributed to the team's victory as a substitute. He came on to replace Richarlison, who had asked to be substituted due to exhaustion in the 67th minute, and played on the field for about 30 minutes until the end of stoppage time.

This is an emotional first championship for Son Heungmin. He made his professional debut with Hamburg in the Bundesliga in 2010, moved to Leverkusen, and then joined Tottenham for the 2015-2016 season, but had never won a title before. He reached the final of the UEFA Champions League, the top tier of European competition, in the 2018-2019 season, but Tottenham lost 2-0 to Liverpool, leaving him in tears. In the 2020-2021 season, he reached the final of the English Football League (EFL) Carabao Cup, but Tottenham lost 1-0 to Manchester City, resulting in another disappointment.

At a media day event on May 12, Son Heungmin said, "This final feels like it could be my last chance," expressing his determination. He finally kissed the long-awaited championship trophy.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heungmin is seen hugging his father Son Woongjung after securing his first championship in 15 years since his professional debut by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final held on the 22nd at Estadio San Mames in Bilbao, Spain. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

By bringing Tottenham their first trophy in 17 years, Son Heungmin earned the title of "captain who delivered the championship." He has further cemented his status as a Tottenham legend.

As of this season, Son Heungmin has played 10 seasons with Tottenham, appearing in 333 matches and recording 127 goals and 71 assists. His 127 career goals rank him tied for 16th in Premier League history. He was the first Asian player to surpass 100 Premier League goals, and in the 2021-2022 season, he became the first Asian to win the Premier League Golden Boot by scoring 23 goals. In the 16th round of the 2019-2020 season against Burnley, he scored a memorable goal after a 71-meter solo dribble, creating one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history. This goal was named the Goal of the Season. Son Heungmin has also won the Premier League Player of the Month award four times. For Tottenham, he ranks sixth all-time in appearances, fifth in goals, and holds the record for most assists in club history.

Most notably, while Harry Kane, regarded as Tottenham's greatest-ever player, left the club without ever winning a trophy, Son Heungmin stayed and finally fulfilled the club's long-held dream, further establishing himself as one of the team's most dedicated players.

Tottenham captured their first trophy in 17 years since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. In the Europa League, this is their third title, coming 41 years after their previous wins in the 1971-1972 and 1983-1984 seasons.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heungmin is cheering while holding the trophy after defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final held at Estadio San Mames in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd, securing his first championship in 15 years since his professional debut. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News