Departing Son Heung-Min was left in tears as Tottenham drew 1-1 with Newcastle during a highly emotional farewell match at Seoul World Cup Stadium. This pre-season friendly marked the likely…
Full Name: Son Heung-min
Date of Birth: July 8, 1992 (Age: 33)
Place of Birth: Chuncheon, South Korea
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position: Forward / Winger
Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
National Team: South Korea
Youth Clubs: FC Seoul Youth (South Korea), Hamburger SV Youth (Germany)
Son Heung-min is one of the most prominent footballers to come out of South Korea, recognized globally for his blistering pace, versatile attacking skills, and leadership qualities. With an impressive career that spans both club football in Europe and international duty with South Korea, Son has made a significant impact in world football, becoming one of the top forwards in the Premier League and earning a reputation as a key player for the South Korean national team.
Son Heung-min was born in Chuncheon, South Korea, into a footballing family. His father, Son Woong-jung, was a former professional footballer who recognized his son’s talent at an early age. Encouraged by his father, Son started his football journey with FC Seoul’s youth academy. He honed his skills in Seoul, where his technical ability and pace quickly stood out.
At the age of 16, Son’s footballing journey took a significant step forward when he moved to Germany to join the youth academy of Hamburger SV in 2008. His decision to move to Europe at such a young age proved to be a turning point in his career, marking the beginning of his development into one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
In 2010, Son made his professional debut for Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga, and by 2011, he had become a key player for the senior team, showcasing his exceptional speed, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals. His time at Hamburg helped him gain exposure to European football, eventually leading to a move to Bayer Leverkusen, where he continued to shine.
Off the pitch, Son is known for his humility and dedication. He completed his mandatory military service in South Korea, finishing in the top five of his training group. Son is also involved in various charitable endeavors, including donations to disaster relief efforts in South Korea.
Son Heung-min began his professional career with Hamburger SV in 2010, making his Bundesliga debut at just 18 years old. Over the course of his first two seasons, Son became known for his raw pace and clinical finishing, scoring several important goals and making a mark on the Bundesliga. During his time at Hamburg, Son played in 87 matches, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists, establishing himself as a young talent to watch in Europe. His performances in Germany caught the attention of several top clubs, leading to his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
Son’s move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2013 marked the next phase of his development as a footballer. At Leverkusen, Son truly came into his own. Under the guidance of coach Roger Schmidt, Son blossomed into one of the most exciting attackers in Germany, known for his ability to cut inside from the wing and take defenders on with his quick feet. Over two seasons, he played in 63 matches, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists. His performances in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League earned him a spot in the starting XI and attracted the attention of bigger clubs.
In August 2015, Son Heung-min made a high-profile move to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a then-record £22 million, making him the most expensive Asian footballer at the time. His arrival in England was met with much anticipation, and it didn’t take long for him to prove his worth. In his first season with Spurs, Son netted 21 goals in all competitions, quickly establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards.
Since joining Tottenham, Son has become one of the club’s most influential players, forming a deadly attacking partnership with Harry Kane. He has earned numerous individual accolades, including multiple Premier League Player of the Month awards and a place in the PFA Team of the Year. Son’s versatility has allowed him to play across various attacking roles, from the left-wing to a central striker, making him an invaluable asset for Tottenham.
In 2019, Son helped Tottenham reach the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in the club’s history, although they were defeated by Liverpool. Despite this setback, Son’s performances on the European stage further solidified his status as one of the world’s best.
More recently, in 2025, Son led Tottenham to win the UEFA Europa League, securing his first major international club title. Tottenham also extended his contract until 2026, ensuring his continued presence at the club as their captain and a key figure in their attacking setup.
Son Heung-min’s international career with South Korea began in 2010 when he was called up to the senior national team at the age of 18. Since then, Son has been a key player for his country, representing them in numerous international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup.
Son’s most notable international achievement came in 2018, when he played a crucial role in South Korea’s victory at the Asian Games. His team’s success at the Games meant Son was exempt from South Korea’s mandatory military service, an achievement that was celebrated nationwide. He also helped South Korea secure qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Son played for the national team under manager Jürgen Klinsmann in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Throughout his career, Son has earned more than 130 caps for South Korea and scored over 50 goals. He remains one of the nation’s most influential players, captaining the team and regularly contributing both goals and assists in key international fixtures. His leadership qualities and ability to perform under pressure have made him an integral part of the South Korean national team.
Son Heung-min is known for his blistering pace, technical ability, and clinical finishing. He is capable of playing in various attacking roles, though he is most commonly deployed as a winger or second striker. His versatility allows him to operate on either wing, and his two-footedness makes him a threat regardless of which side of the field he is attacking from.
Some of Son’s key strengths include:
| Club | Years | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2015–2025 | 431 | 169 | 90 |
| Bayer Leverkusen | 2013–2015 | 63 | 17 | 9 |
| Hamburger SV | 2010–2013 | 87 | 20 | 7 |
| Country | Years | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 2010–2025 | 134 | 51 |
