Son Heung-min to Leave Tottenham After 10 Years: Spurs Captain Set for Emotional Farewell
Tottenham Legend Son Heung-min Confirms Summer Exit After a Decade in North London
In an announcement that tugs at the heartstrings of Tottenham fans worldwide, club captain Son Heung-min has confirmed he will leave Spurs this summer after a remarkable 10-year spell. The South Korean superstar, who arrived as a fresh-faced 23-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, will depart having scored 173 goals in 454 appearances, leaving behind a legacy that firmly cements him as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
Now 33 and still under contract until 2026, Son is in advanced talks to join Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. For a man who has given a decade of service, lit up the Premier League with dazzling goals, and led his team to silverware, the decision to leave was anything but simple.
“This is the most difficult decision I have made in my career,” Son admitted while sitting alongside new Spurs manager Thomas Frank. “I came to north London as a kid – a very young boy who didn’t even speak English. Leaving this club as a grown man is a very, very proud moment.”
The Perfect Ending in Front of Home Fans?
Tottenham are currently in Seoul for their pre-season preparations, and Son is expected to start and captain the side in Sunday’s friendly against Newcastle United. If all goes as planned, it could be his final appearance for Spurs—played out in his home country, in front of thousands of adoring South Korean fans.
“If that is the last game for Sonny, what a place to do it—here in front of his home fans,” said Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou as head coach in June. “It could be a beautiful ending.”
While Tottenham also face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on 13 August, Son’s move to LAFC could be completed before then, making this Sunday’s friendly a fitting send-off.
A Career Defined by Records and Milestones
Son Heung-min Leaves Tottenham After 10 Years
Since making his debut for Spurs in September 2015, Son has become an icon of the Premier League. His 333 league appearances and 127 goals place him level with Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the competition’s all-time scoring charts, ahead of names like Dwight Yorke, Steven Gerrard, and Ian Wright.
Son was the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot, sharing the 2021-22 award with Mohamed Salah after scoring 23 goals. A year later, he became the first Asian player to reach 100 Premier League goals—another milestone that underscores his extraordinary contribution to English football.
Beyond goals, Son’s creativity has been just as impactful. With 101 assists in all competitions, including a club-record 71 in the Premier League, he has been as much a provider as a finisher, linking up famously with Harry Kane in one of the most prolific partnerships the league has ever seen.
From Champions League Final to Europa League Glory
Son’s journey with Spurs has been full of highs and heartbreaks. He was part of the team that reached the Champions League final in 2019, though Liverpool ultimately prevailed 2-0. That loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but perseverance finally paid off in May this year when, as captain, he led Tottenham to a Europa League triumph over Manchester United—ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
Winning that European title, Son says, was the moment he felt his mission in North London was complete. “It felt like I had achieved everything I possibly could,” he reflected. “I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little bit of change—10 years is a long time.”
A True Spurs Legend
Son’s influence extends far beyond statistics. He has been a model professional, a beacon of humility, and a bridge between cultures. His work ethic and infectious smile have made him a fan favourite not just in London, but across the globe.
His 454 appearances for the club place him sixth on Spurs’ all-time list, behind only Cyril Knowles, Pat Jennings, Gary Mabbutt, Steve Perryman, and Glenn Hoddle. For a player who once struggled to adapt to English football in his early days, that longevity speaks volumes.
Frank summed it up simply: “He’s a true Spurs legend and one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League.”
Looking Ahead: LA Awaits
A move to Major League Soccer will open a new chapter for Son both professionally and personally. Los Angeles FC, one of MLS’s most ambitious and well-supported clubs, offers him a platform to continue playing at a high level while experiencing a fresh environment and lifestyle. The move also carries commercial and cultural significance, with Son’s star power certain to draw even more attention to the league.
For Tottenham, his departure will mark the end of an era. Replacing his influence, leadership, and sheer quality on the pitch will be no easy task. Yet, for Son, the time feels right to explore something different.
“I spent a lot of time reflecting on whether I wanted to experience football in a different environment, and I had those conversations with myself over and over again,” he explained. “Now I know the answer.”
Farewell to the Smiling Assassin
From the thunderous long-range goals to the intricate assists, from the Golden Boot to the Europa League trophy, Son’s time at Spurs has been nothing short of extraordinary. And while he may soon swap North London for the Californian sunshine, the memories he’s created will remain with Tottenham fans forever.
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment!