First European Title in 15 Seasons Since Debut
"A Scar Like This Is an Honor" Lifts Trophy High
After 15 seasons since making his European debut, Son Heungmin (Tottenham) finally broke his trophy drought and, quite literally, earned a "glorious scar." On the 22nd (Korean time), at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League final, lifting the club's first major European trophy.
After 15 seasons since his European stage debut, Son Heungmin (Tottenham) literally earned a "glorious scar." On the 22nd (Korean time), at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League final, lifting the club's first major European trophy. Reuters·Yonhap News
This match was more important to Son Heungmin than any other. The victory was especially meaningful because he had never won a title in his 15 seasons as a professional, starting from the 2010-2011 season with Hamburg in the German Bundesliga. Wearing the captain's armband, Son Heungmin led Tottenham's championship celebration after the final whistle by lifting the 15kg trophy high above his head.
In the process, a vivid red mark appeared on Son Heungmin's forehead, seemingly caused by contact with the trophy. In a broadcast interview immediately after the victory ceremony, Son Heungmin pointed to the wound and smiled brightly. "Look at this! Someone pushed me while I was lifting the trophy, and it hit my forehead, causing this wound," he said. In a video posted on Tottenham's official social media account, Son Heungmin was seen celebrating with fans, saying, "Of course, a scar like this is an honor," expressing his happiness.
In the process, a red mark that looked like it had been hit by the championship trophy remained clearly on Son Heungmin's forehead. In a broadcast interview immediately after the victory celebration, Son Heungmin pointed to the wound on his forehead and smiled brightly. "Look at this! Someone pushed me while I was lifting the trophy, and it hit my forehead, causing this wound," he said. Reuters·Yonhap News
Son Heungmin's "glorious scar" quickly spread across social media and fan communities. Fans expressed their deep emotion, calling it "the true mark of a champion" and "proof of a storybook victory." With this win, Tottenham secured the club's first major European title in its history. Son Heungmin's leadership as captain and his focus on the grand stage were widely praised. The scar on his forehead, earned at the moment he lifted the trophy, is expected to remain a symbol of his 15 years of determination. Thanks to this season's victory, Tottenham has qualified for the European Super Cup next season. Son Heungmin is also expected to continue delivering top performances for both his club and the national team.
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