Son Heung-min bids emotional farewell in Seoul as Spurs face life without a legend
Son Heung-min joined Tottenham in 2015

Son Heung-min bids emotional farewell in Seoul as Spurs face life without a legend

Son Heung-min’s Emotional Spurs Farewell in Seoul Highlights His Lasting Legacy

Son Heung-min was given a heartfelt farewell as he played his final game for Tottenham Hotspur, receiving a guard of honour from both team-mates and Newcastle United players in a memorable 1-1 friendly in Seoul, South Korea.

The 33-year-old was substituted in the 65th minute to a standing ovation at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, visibly moved as he passed the captain’s armband to Ben Davies and was embraced by the Spurs bench.

“I didn’t think I was going to cry at first,” Son said.

“But after hearing a few words from my teammates, leaving the club I’ve spent so much time with felt really tough.”

Son confirmed on Saturday that his departure from Spurs was “the most difficult decision” of his career, and he is now in advanced talks with MLS side Los Angeles FC.

A Legacy Beyond Numbers

Since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen for £22m in 2015, Son’s impact at Tottenham has been nothing short of legendary:

  • 173 goals in 454 appearances – 5th all-time for Spurs

  • 101 assists, including a club-record 71 in the Premier League

  • 127 Premier League goals – tied for 16th in league history

  • 2021-22 Premier League Golden Boot (shared with Mohamed Salah)

  • Three-time Spurs Player of the Year

His influence extended well beyond goals and assists. Even in a tough 2024-25 campaign, Spurs won just 7% of league games without Son, compared to 42% with him. With Son on the pitch, Tottenham averaged 2.1 goals and 1.4 points per game. Without him: just 1.0 goal and 0.4 points.

What’s Next for Spurs?

The Tottenham and Newcastle players give Son a guard of honour

The Tottenham and Newcastle players give Son a guard of honour

Head coach Thomas Frank, visibly emotional after the match, acknowledged both the joy and sadness of the occasion.

“Sometimes in life and football things can be both beautiful and brutal,” Frank said.

“It looks like a bad injury for Madders (James Maddison) and then, on the other side, unbelievable scenes for Son.”

Spurs will now look to summer signing Mohamed Kudus (£55m) to help fill the attacking void. But replacing Son’s leadership, connection with fans, and big-game presence will be a much taller order.

Emotional Scenes in Seoul

Son’s final match in front of his home fans was rich in symbolism. From Brennan Johnson copying his signature goal celebration to Newcastle players joining in the guard of honour, the farewell highlighted Son’s universal respect.

While the 1-1 draw was secondary to the occasion, it also served as a warning. With Son’s exit and James Maddison leaving the field on a stretcher, the new season begins with uncertainty.

Son, who captained Spurs to their long-awaited Europa League title last May, leaves as one of the greatest Asian players in football history. His career isn’t over—but his time at Tottenham will forever be remembered.

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