Son Heung‑min Says Goodbye: Tottenham’s Beloved Captain Leaves After a Decade of Glory
- Jomanda Heng
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Tottenham Hotspur fans around the globe are coming to terms with an emotional farewell: Son Heung‑min has officially announced his departure from Spurs this summer after 10 memorable years. The 33-year-old South Korean forward revealed the decision during a press conference in Seoul, describing it as the “most difficult choice” of his career.
Son’s choice to leave wasn’t sparked by a fallout or a contract dispute but by a deep personal desire for a new challenge after a decade in North London. Despite having one year left on his contract and commanding a weekly wage of nearly £200,000, Son admitted that he felt it was time to close this chapter and seek new horizons.
“I came here as a boy and I leave as a man. Tottenham gave me everything, but sometimes you need a change to keep growing,” Son told reporters in Seoul.
What’s Next for Son Heung‑min?
Multiple sources confirm that Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer are finalizing a £15 million deal to bring Son to the United States. Reports suggest the agreement is complete, with an official announcement expected soon. If confirmed, Son could make his MLS debut in mid‑August, instantly becoming one of the league’s biggest stars.
His farewell match in Seoul was an emotional spectacle: a packed 65,000-seat stadium saw Tottenham Hotspur draw 1–1 with Newcastle United, followed by a guard of honour and a thunderous ovation from fans who had travelled from across Asia to witness the moment.
A Decade at Tottenham: The Story of His Legacy
The Arrival (2015–2018)
Joining Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for £22 million, Son was then the most expensive Asian footballer ever. He quickly won over fans with his explosive pace, tireless work ethic, and sharp finishing.
The Peak Years (2018–2022)
Son played a pivotal role in Tottenham’s historic run to the Champions League final in 2019, scoring decisive goals along the way. In 2021–22, he became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot, sharing the accolade with Mohamed Salah after netting 23 goals. That same period also saw him win the FIFA Puskás Award for his breathtaking solo strike against Burnley.
Captain and Champion (2023–2025)
When Hugo Lloris departed in 2023, Son was handed the captain’s armband, symbolizing his leadership both on and off the field. Under his captaincy, Spurs finally ended their 17-year trophy drought by lifting the UEFA Europa League in May 2025, a crowning moment in his Spurs journey.
By the time of his exit, Son had scored 173 goals in 454 appearances, placing him among the club’s all-time greats.
Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Son’s influence transcends numbers. He became a trailblazer for Asian footballers, reshaping perceptions of what players from the continent could achieve on the global stage. His professionalism, humility, and relentless consistency made him a role model for fans worldwide.
Tottenham now faces the challenge of sustaining its strong Asian fanbase and global appeal without Son, but his impact on the club’s legacy is undeniable.
The Road Ahead
For Son: LAFC offers him a new stage to showcase his talents, boost the MLS profile internationally, and continue inspiring the next generation of Asian players.
For Tottenham: The post-Son era begins under Thomas Frank, with the club determined to build on the foundations laid by one of their greatest-ever signings.
As Son Heung‑min steps into this new chapter, one thing is certain: his decade in a Spurs shirt will be remembered as a golden era of inspiration, leadership, and unforgettable moments.
References
The Guardian – “Son Heung-min takes 'most difficult decision' and confirms Tottenham exit”https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/02/son-heung-min-announces-departure-from-tottenham-as-he-seeks-bit-of-change-after-decade-at-club
Cartilage Free Captain – “Tottenham, LAFC reach full agreement for transfer of Son Heung-Min”https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2025/8/3/24480407/tottenham-hotspur-transfer-news-rumors-son-heung-min-lafc-mls-full-agreement
Reuters – “Tottenham's Son bids emotional farewell in S. Korea”https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/tottenhams-son-bids-emotional-farewell-skorea-maddison-suffers-knee-injury-2025-08-03
The Guardian – “Tottenham need to find a way to capitalise on legacy of trailblazer Son”https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/03/tottenham-need-to-find-a-way-to-capitalise-on-legacy-of-trailblazer-son
The Uncommon Breed
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