Spurs icon before record transfer: Heung-Min Son can't stop crying

Spurs icon before record transfer Heung-Min Son can't stop crying 05.08.2025, 06:41

After ten years, Heung-Min Son's time at Tottenham Hotspur is over. His farewell in his South Korean homeland was tearful. The striker is likely headed to the USA to join Los Angeles FC, who are even willing to pay a record fee.

Again and again, Heung-Min Son wiped the tears from his cheeks. One last appearance in a Tottenham Hotspur jersey, and in his home country of all places, was too much for the club legend. "At first, I didn't think I would cry," the soccer star said in Seoul, but it was hard to avoid during the emotional farewell, and the tears wouldn't stop flowing.

After ten years, it's over for the captain. Son is leaving the European Cup winners, likely heading to the USA to join Los Angeles FC. According to ESPN, the Californian franchise is reportedly paying the MLS-record sum of $26 million (€22.5 million) for the Asian's services. The striker had already announced his decision before Sunday's friendly against Newcastle United (1-1 draw), and there were tears in his eyes. For the 33-year-old, Tottenham was the most formative stop in his career.

"A boy who couldn't even speak English"

"I came to North London as a child, a boy who couldn't even speak English," said Son, who leaves two years after Harry Kane as the second figurehead, recalling his early days in England. Now he leaves the club as a "grown man, a very proud man."

Teammates and opponents lined up as Son left the field in front of 66,473 spectators in Seoul. Everyone wanted to high-five the likeable player, even the referee. It took three minutes before the game could resume, and the hugs on the sidelines seemed endless. "Sonny" sat crying on the bench afterward, and after the final whistle, his teammates threw him into the air.

Big wish just comes true

With the Europa League triumph, which came in May after beating Manchester United in the final in Bilbao, Son's last wish came true. It was the only title with Spurs for the former Premier League top scorer (2021/22). In 454 games, the winger scored 173 goals and provided 101 assists for Tottenham. However, last season was the first time since his debut season that Son reached single figures in goalscoring.

Leaving now was "the most difficult decision" of his career, emphasized the former Bundesliga pro (Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen), but with the European Cup victory, he felt like "I had achieved everything I could." Polite as ever, Son thanked everyone after the farewell for an "unforgettable day," and Spurs bid him an emotional farewell. "Our captain and his Seoul mates"—his soulmates—was the club's play on social media headline. Now, their paths are parting.