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Son Heung-min (Korean: 손흥민; pronounced [son.ɣɯŋ.min]; born 8 July 1992)[note 2] is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC[6] and captains the South Korea national team.[3] Known for his speed, finishing, two-footedness, and ability to link play, he is the top Asian goalscorer in both Premier League and UEFA Champions League history,[7][8][9] and is widely regarded as the greatest Asian player of all time.[β]

Key Information

Born in Chuncheon, South Korea, Son relocated to Germany to join Hamburger SV at 16, making his debut in the Bundesliga in 2010. In 2013, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen for a club record €10 million before signing for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur two years later.[16] While at Spurs, Son soon established himself as one of the best forwards in the world. He contributed to the club reaching the Champions League final in 2018–19 and the EFL Cup final in 2020–21. In 2019–20, Son scored a solo effort in the league that earned him the FIFA Puskás Award. In the 2021–22 season, he jointly won the Premier League Golden Boot award with 23 goals, becoming the first Asian player to win it.[17] In April 2023, he became the first Asian player to score 100 Premier League goals. Appointed club captain later in 2023, he led Spurs to the UEFA Europa League title, his first major honour, in 2025, his final season, while also ending a 17-year trophy drought for the club.

A full international since 2010, Son has represented South Korea at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups and is his country's joint top scorer at World Cups, tied with Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan on three goals. Son has also represented South Korea at the 2018 Asian Games, where the team won gold, and the 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 editions of the AFC Asian Cup; Korea was the runner-up in 2015.

Outside of football, Son is viewed as a symbol of national pride in South Korea for his achievements, and has been listed in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 since 2019, where he ranked second in 2024.[18][19][20] In June 2022, Son received the Order of Sport Merit, Cheongnyong class, the highest order of merit for achievement in sports given to a South Korean citizen, for his achievements in football.[21] Son has been credited for having raised the profile of Spurs among South Koreans, with the club's marketing and social media strategy catering extensively to Korean supporters.[22]

Early life

[edit]

Son Heung-min was born in Chuncheon, South Korea.[23] He is of the Miryang Son clan [ko].[24] His father, Son Woong-jung, is a retired footballer turned manager who once played for the South Korea national B team.[25]

Son came through the academy at FC Seoul, the same club that former Spurs defender Lee Young-pyo played for.[26] Son was a ball boy in an FC Seoul home match in 2008 when he was a FC Seoul youth player.[27] At that time, his role model was midfielder Lee Chung-yong, who played for Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers.[28][29] Apart from his native language Korean, Son is also fluent in German and English. His agent Thies Bliemeister said Son was so determined to make himself a success in Europe that he learned German by watching episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants.[30]

Club career

[edit]

Hamburger SV

[edit]

In August 2008, Son dropped out of Dongbuk High School's football club (formerly FC Seoul under-18 team)[31] and joined Hamburger SV's youth academy at age 16 through Korean FA Youth Project [ko].[32][33] A year later, he returned to South Korea. After participating in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, he formally joined Hamburger SV's youth academy in November 2009.[34]

Son warming up for Hamburger SV in 2011

He was impressive in the 2010–11 pre-season, leading the team with nine goals, and signed his first professional contract on his 18th birthday.[35] After scoring against Chelsea in August, he was out for two months due to a foot injury. He returned on 30 October 2010 to score his first league goal, against 1. FC Köln in the 24th minute. The goal made Son the youngest Hamburg player to score a goal in the Bundesliga at 18, breaking the record held by Manfred Kaltz.[36][37]

Son signed a new deal with Hamburg through 2014. Pundits said he had what it took to become the next Cha Bum-kun, a legendary Bundesliga forward and fellow South Korean.[38] Son scored three goals in 14 matches in all competition during the 2010–11 season.[39]

During the 2011–12 pre-season, Son was explosive, scoring 18 times in only nine matches.[40][41][42] After missing the opening match due to a fever, Son scored two goals within three matches.[43] On 27 August, Son picked up an ankle injury in the 4–3 loss to 1. FC Köln and was initially projected to be out of action for four to six weeks.[44] His recovery was quicker than expected and he returned to action only three weeks later as a substitute in a 1–0 loss against Borussia Mönchengladbach on 17 September. Over the course of the 2011–12 season, he made 30 appearances for Hamburg and scored five goals,[45] including crucial goals against Hannover 96 and 1. FC Nürnberg at the end of the season to help ensure that Hamburg remained in the Bundesliga.[46]

Following Hamburger SV's 2012–13 offseason moves, which saw the transfers of the team's strikers Mladen Petrić and Paolo Guerrero to Fulham and Corinthians respectively, manager Thorsten Fink chose to name Son a starter. The 2012–13 season was a breakthrough season for Son as he scored two goals in an away fixture against Borussia Dortmund on 9 February 2013, helping his team to a 4–1 victory. Son was chosen Mann des Tages (Man of the Match) by kicker.[47] On 14 April, Son netted two goals in a 2–1 win against Mainz 05. He finished the season with 12 goals, becoming the fifth South Korean footballer to achieve double digits in goals in Europe.[48] He finished the 2012–13 season with 12 goals in 34 matches in all competitions.[49]

Bayer Leverkusen

[edit]
Son playing for Bayer Leverkusen in 2014

On 13 June 2013, Bayer Leverkusen confirmed Son's transfer for reportedly €10 million, which was the highest transfer fee in the club's history at the time. He agreed to a five-year deal with the team.[50] Son adjusted quickly to his new club in the pre-season, scoring three goals in his first three appearances for the team in exhibition matches (against 1860 Munich, Udinese and KAS Eupen respectively).[51]

On 9 November 2013, Son scored a hat-trick for Leverkusen in a 5–3 win against his former club Hamburger SV.[52] On 7 December, Son scored a crucial goal against Borussia Dortmund to put his club just four points off the summit of the Bundesliga. On 10 May 2014, Son scored another goal against Werder Bremen ensuring his team a spot for the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League.[53] He finished the 2013–14 season with 12 goals in 43 matches.[54]

Son scored a hat-trick against VfL Wolfsburg on 14 February 2015, in a 4–5 defeat, scoring when they were losing 0–3.[55] He finished the 2014–15 season with 17 goals in 42 matches.[56]

Tottenham Hotspur

[edit]

2015–16: Debut season

[edit]

On 28 August 2015, Son joined Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for £22 million (€30 million) on a five-year contract, subject to work permit and international clearance.[57][58] Upon his signing, he became the most expensive Asian player in football history.[16] The record had been held since 2001 by Japanese Hidetoshi Nakata, who transferred from Roma to Parma for €25 million.[59]

Son made his debut on 13 September away to Sunderland, being replaced by Andros Townsend in the 62nd minute of a 1–0 win.[60] In Tottenham's first match of the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League on 17 September, Son netted his first two goals for the club in a 3–1 win against Qarabağ FK.[61] Three days later, he scored his first Premier League goal, against Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane, netting in the 68th minute to give Tottenham their first home Premier League win of the season.[62] On 28 December in the match against Watford, Son replaced Tom Carroll in the 80th minute and scored Tottenham's winning goal in the 89th minute.[63] On 2 May, he scored the second goal against Chelsea in a crucial match to give Spurs hope of winning the Premier League. Chelsea equalised in the second half, however, handing over the title to Leicester City.[64]

2016–2018: Breakthrough and Premier League runner-up

[edit]
Son playing for Tottenham Hotspur in 2016

Before the season, he reportedly asked Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino for permission to leave Tottenham in an attempt to get more playing time, but was instead given a chance to fight for his place at Spurs.[65] On 10 September 2016, Son scored two goals and created a third in his first appearance of the season, in a 4–0 win against Stoke City.[66] Son followed that performance up with a second brace, coming at Middlesbrough on 24 September, earning his team a 1–2 victory.[67] Upon equalling his league goal total from the previous season in 25 fewer matches, Son was hailed by Pochettino as "a different person – he's more mature and he knows the league and he's settled in fantastically now."[68] Son continued his excellent run of form with his fifth goal in five matches on 27 September in the Champions League. Playing at CSKA Moscow, Son slipped a shot past goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev for the only goal of the match.[69] On 14 October, Son was named the Premier League Player of the Month for September, being the first South Korean and first Asian to receive the award.[70]

Following the Christmas break Son continued to score the odd goal over the following couple of months and then on 12 March 2017 he scored his first Spurs hat trick in the FA Cup against Millwall in a 6–0 win.[71] In the same match, he was racially abused by a section of the Millwall fans who chanted "DVD" and "he's selling three for a fiver" whenever he touched the ball, referencing a stereotype towards east Asians.[72] He scored in the 2–0 victory away at Burnley on 1 April 2017,[73] and four days later he scored in the 91st minute to put Spurs ahead at Swansea, in a game where they were losing 1–0 after 88 minutes and ended up winning 3–1.[74] A brace at home to Watford the following weekend brought his season total to 18 goals, 11 in the Premier League, his best ever goals return.[75] On 12 May 2017, Tottenham announced that Son had won the Premier League Player of the Month for April, the second time of his career and thus becoming the only player in 2016–17 to win the award 2 times.[76] On 18 May 2017, Son bagged a brace away to Leicester City as part of a 6–1 rout of their former title rivals. With 21 goals in all competitions, Son joined Harry Kane and Dele Alli as the first trio of Spurs players with over 20 goals on the season.[77]

Son with the Best Footballer in Asia (2017) award in 2018

Son scored his first goal of the 2017–18 season in the UEFA Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund on 13 September 2017 at Spurs temporary home Wembley Stadium, which Spurs won 3–1.[78][79] He scored his first Premier League goal in the season when Spurs beat Liverpool 4–1 at home.[80] On 5 November 2017, Son scored the only goal in the 1–0 win against Crystal Palace. The goal brought his tally in the Premier League to 20 and in doing so he became the top Asian goalscorer in Premier League history, breaking the record set by Park Ji-Sung at Manchester United.[81] On 13 January 2018, Son scored a goal and provided an assist in a game against Everton, matching the club record set in 2004 by Jermain Defoe of scoring in five consecutive home games.[82] On 28 February 2018, Son scored a brace and assisted Fernando Llorente as Tottenham beat Rochdale 6–1 in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Son also converted a penalty, but his goal was overruled by the video assistant referee.[83] Son has become the first Asian to finish the season as a top-10 goal scorer in the English Premier League.[84]

2018–19: Champions League runner-up

[edit]

On 20 July 2018, Son signed a new five-year deal extending his contract with Tottenham until 2023.[85] The first goals of the season came in October 2018 when he scored a brace in his 150th game for Tottenham in the 2018–19 EFL Cup match against West Ham.[86] He scored his first league goal in the season, his 50th goal for the club in all competitions, in a solo effort in the 3–1 home win against Chelsea, inflicting the first defeat for Chelsea in the Premier League this season.[87][88] This goal won the Premier League's Goal of the Month award for November.[89] On 13 February 2019, Son scored the first goal in a 3–0 win over Borussia Dortmund, in the first leg of the round of 16, UEFA Champions League.[90] At the end of the month he was named Premier League Player of the Year at the London Football Awards.[91] On 3 April 2019, Son scored the first professional goal at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a 2–0 victory over Crystal Palace.[92][non-primary source needed]

On 9 April 2019, Son scored the first European competition goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a 1–0 win against Manchester City in the quarterfinals of the 2018–19 Champions League.[93] In the return leg, Son scored twice to earn Tottenham a 4–4 aggregate win on the away goals rule and help the club reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 1962, and only the second time ever. His brace also saw him become the highest scoring Asian player in the history of the tournament with 12 goals, overtaking the previous record holder, Maxim Shatskikh.[94] On 4 May 2019, Son received his first red card in the Premier League due to his vindictive action against Jefferson Lerma.[95]

2019–20: Puskás Award

[edit]

Son opened his 2019–20 account on 14 September 2019 by scoring two goals against Crystal Palace in the Premier League with a final result of 4–0.[96] On 21 October, Son was named in the 30-man shortlist for the 2019 Ballon d'Or.[97] On 3 November, Son was sent off during a 1–1 draw with Everton after sliding into André Gomes from behind, causing him to fall awkwardly and suffer a severe ankle injury. The injury prompted great concern and anguish from the players and supporters; Son was visibly highly distressed by the incident.[98] Following a red card for a challenge on Gomes, Son also received suspension for three Premier League games.[99] However, many professionals including former Everton player Kevin Kilbane expressed criticism of the red card decision, and Tottenham made an appeal to the Football Association against the dismissal. The FA accepted the appeal and Son's red card was rescinded on 5 November.[100][101] Three days after this incident, in a 4–0 Champions League away game to Red Star Belgrade, in which Son scored a brace, rather than celebrating his first goal, he apologised to the camera for what happened at Goodison Park.[102][103]

On 23 November 2019, Son scored Tottenham's first goal with José Mourinho as manager, earning him Man-of-the-match in a 3–2 Spurs victory against West Ham.[104] On 7 December, in the match against Burnley, Son ran from one end of the pitch to the other, going past seven Burnley players, to score an individual goal that was immediately labelled a goal of the season contender. The nature of the goal saw Mourinho dub him "Sonaldo Nazario" in reference to the type of goal former Brazilian international Ronaldo would score.[105] In January 2020, Son was awarded the Premier League goal of the month for December for his goal against Burnley,[106] eventually winning him the Goal of the Season award.[107] The goal was further recognised by FIFA with a Puskás Award as the best goal of the past 12 months in December 2020.[108]

On 22 December 2019, facing Chelsea, Son was sent off after raising his boot against Antonio Rüdiger's ribs.[109] On 16 February 2020, Son scored two goals at Villa Park and earned a 3–2 victory for Tottenham, in which he became the first Asian footballer to score 50 goals in the Premier League, with 51 scored goals in 151 Premier League matches.[110] Son played the full game despite suffering a fracture to his arm at the 31st second of the game.[111] Head coach José Mourinho declared at a later stage that he was not optimistic regarding Son's injury and that it was likely that the South Korean would be sidelined for the rest of the season.[112]

On 6 April 2020, while football was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, it was confirmed that Son would carry out his mandatory military service for South Korea.[113] After completing a two-week quarantine on his return to Korea, he served with the Marine Corps for three weeks on Jeju Island.[114]

2020–21: PFA Team of the Year

[edit]
Son with Tottenham Hotspur in 2021

In the second Premier League match of the 2020–21 season, Son scored four goals, all assisted by Harry Kane, in a 5–2 win against Southampton and the first League win and away win of the season. This was the first time in Premier League history in which a single player scored four goals in a match while being assisted by the same teammate.[115] In the Premier League game on 4 October, he scored a brace against Manchester United to help Tottenham win 6–1, which is the biggest win for Tottenham at Old Trafford and their best result against United since a home win in 1932.[116] Based on his performances, Son received his third Premier League Player of the Month award on 13 November 2020.[117]

On 28 January 2021, Son's counterpart on the Korean Women's National Team, Cho So-hyun joined FA WSL side Tottenham Hotspur on loan for the remainder of the 2020–21 season.[118] With Son already at the club it gave Spurs the rare distinction of having both the Men's and Women's Korean National Team Captains at one club.[119]

On 2 January 2021, Son scored his 100th goal for Tottenham in the 3–0 win against Leeds.[120] On 10 February 2021, he provided three assists, but Tottenham lost 5–4 to Everton in the FA Cup.[121] On 7 March, Son provided an assist to Harry Kane in a 4–1 win against Crystal Palace, and this, their 14th combined goal effort whereby one assisted another, set a record for the most goal combinations in a single Premier League season.[122] After the end of the season, he and Kane were selected for the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, although Tottenham finished in seventh place.[123]

2021–22: Premier League Golden Boot

[edit]

On 23 July 2021, Son extended his contract with Tottenham until 2025.[124] On 15 August, he scored his first goal of the season in the opening match against Manchester City, which ended in a 1–0 win.[125] On 4 November, he scored in new manager Antonio Conte's first match in charge, a 3–2 victory over Vitesse in the group stage of the Europa Conference League. In doing so, Son had the distinction of scoring the first goal under each of Tottenham's last three permanent managers.[126][non-primary source needed][127] On 26 February, Son scored a goal against Leeds United in a 4–0 win; the goal was assisted by Harry Kane meaning this was the 37th time Kane and Son had combined to score, which set a new record in goal-scoring partnerships in the Premier League.[128]

On 9 April, Son scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa to give Spurs a 4–0 away win at Villa Park, and also break into Tottenham Hotspur all-time top 10 goalscoring list.[129][130] Son scored twice in a 5–0 win against Norwich City on the last day of the season securing a Champions League qualification for Tottenham, after finishing in fourth place in the Premier League, while also winning the Premier League Golden Boot alongside Mohamed Salah with 23 goals, becoming the first Asian player to do so.[131]

2022–23: 100th Premier League goal

[edit]

After winning the Golden Boot the previous season, Son had a poor start to the 2022–23 season, failing to score any goal in the first eight games and proving only one assist.[132] He ended his goal drought in the game against Leicester City on 17 September, when he came off the bench to score a hat-trick in 13 minutes to help Tottenham win 6–2.[133] On 1 November, Son collided with Marseille's Chancel Mbemba during the final matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage, which caused an orbital fracture in his left eye.[134] Son managed to recover enough to play in the 2022 World Cup for South Korea, wearing a protective mask in all his matches.[135]

On 19 February 2023, after scoring a 72nd-minute goal against West Ham to secure a 2–0 victory, Son was subjected to online racist abuse, which was condemned as "utterly reprehensible" by Tottenham and the Kick It Out anti-racism organisation.[136] Despite enduring a difficult season for Tottenham, on 8 April, Son scored his 100th Premier League goal in a 2–1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, and became the first Asian player to reach that landmark.[137]

The day after Tottenham's last league game of the season against Leeds United, on 29 May, Son underwent an operation to treat a hernia issue.[138] In an interview with TV Chosun, Son revealed that he carried the injury with him for 8–9 months, which allowed him to play only at 60% of his normal ability for much of the season.[139]

2023–2025: Captaincy and Europa League victory

[edit]
Son with the Best Footballer in Asia (2022) award in 2023

On 12 August 2023, it was announced that Son had been made Tottenham's new captain, replacing Hugo Lloris.[140] On 2 September, he scored his first hat-trick as club's captain in a 5–2 away win over Burnley.[141] On 24 September, he scored two equalisers as Spurs drew 2–2 away against Arsenal in the North London derby, becoming the sixth player in the club's history to score 150 goals, after netting his 149th and 150th goals in the derby. Following the match, Son earned the praise of his manager Ange Postecoglou, stating that "he's been outstanding as a leader and as a player [...] we have put him in that nine position now and he just works so hard. He is so team-first orientated, it is incredible".[142] He scored the opening goal against Liverpool on 1 October in a 2–1 victory at home, in Spurs' first victory against them in five years. This was his 200th professional goal in all competitions across top-division European football.[143] For his six goals in four games in September, he was later named Premier League Player of the Month, his fourth time receiving the award. He had a goal and two assists in a 4–1 victory over Newcastle United on 10 December, becoming Tottenham's all-time assist leader in the Premier League with 83 assists.[144]

On 10 February 2024, Son made his return from the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, assisting teammate Brennan Johnson to score a 90+6th-minute goal, a late minute winner in a 2–1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. This prompted Postecoglou to hail him as "the best attacking player in the competition".[145] On 19 December, Son scored directly from a corner in a 4–3 win over Manchester United in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.[146]

On 7 January 2025, Tottenham announced they had exercised their option to extend Son's contract by an additional 12 months until June 2026.[147] On 21 May, Son lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy after playing as a substitute at the 2025 UEFA Europa League final which ended in a 1–0 win over Manchester United. The Europa League title was Tottenham's first title since the 2007–08 Football League Cup and Son's first title in his professional career.[148][149] On 1 August, in a pre-season press conference in Seoul, Son announced that he was set to depart Tottenham before the beginning of the season.[150][151] Son's final appearance for the club came the following day in a friendly against Newcastle United in the Seoul World Cup Stadium; when Son was substituted off in the 67th minute, players from both sides formed an impromptu guard of honour.[152][153]

Los Angeles FC

[edit]

On 6 August 2025, Son moved to Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC in a deal worth $26.5 million, an MLS record, departing Tottenham Hotspur after 10 years. He became just the second South Korean player in the club's history, the other being Kim Moon-hwan.[154][155][156] On 23 August, Son scored his first goal for LAFC by converting a free kick in a 1–1 draw with FC Dallas.[157] On 17 September, Son scored his first hat-trick for LAFC to help lead the team to a 4–1 away win at Real Salt Lake.[158]

International career

[edit]

2009–2014: Youth level and first major tournaments

[edit]

Son was a member of the South Korea national team that participated at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Nigeria.[159]

On 24 December 2010, Son was named in South Korea national team's squad for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup,[160] making his debut for the national team in a pre-tournament friendly against Syria on 30 December.[161] At the tournament finals, Son scored his first international goal during a 4–1 group stage win against India.[162]

On 7 October 2011, after initially missing the first two matches of South Korea's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign on 2 and 6 September 2011 due to an ankle injury, Son played in a friendly against Poland, and was again featured in 11 October World Cup qualifier against the United Arab Emirates.[163][164] His selection for national team play was a point of concern for Son's father, however, who caused a stir by asking the Korea Football Association not to select his son for the national team in the immediate future so he can rest and mature more as a player. Cho Kwang-rae, then the South Korea head coach, responded by saying that he would continue to call up Son when needed.[165]

Son being interviewed after playing for South Korea in 2013

Son turned down the opportunity to participate in the 2012 London Olympics, opting to concentrate on his club career at Hamburger SV. Son was quoted as saying, "In Korea, an Olympic appearance has a special meaning, but I want to speed up for Hamburg. What matters is to pour all my time into team training."[166] Son did, however, play for the national team in the autumn of 2012 for two 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lebanon and Iran,[167] and became a regular call-up in friendlies and World Cup qualifying matches in 2013. In the World Cup qualifier against Qatar on 23 March 2013, Son came on as a substitute in the 81st minute and scored the winning goal in the 96th minute.[168]

In June 2014, Son was named in South Korea's squad for the 2014 World Cup.[169] On 22 June, he scored in a 4–2 defeat to Algeria in the team's second group match.[170] The Korea Football Association requested Bayer Leverkusen to allow Son to play in the 2014 Asian Games, as winning the gold medal at the tournament would grant Son exemption from military service. Despite Son affirming his interest and the KFA's efforts, Bayer Leverkusen refused to release him, as his absence would mean the team would lose him for at least six matches.[171]

2015–2018: Asian Cup runner-up and Asian Games gold

[edit]
Son with South Korean fans at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Son was selected for South Korea for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia. At the quarter-final stage, he scored both of the team's goals in the 2–0 extra time defeat of Uzbekistan.[172] In the final against the hosts, managed by future manager Ange Postecoglou, he equalised in added time, but his team lost 2–1 after extra time.[173] He was chosen as one of three forward in the Team of the Tournament.[174][non-primary source needed]

In June 2016, Son was named as one of the three overage players in South Korea under-23 squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Son amassed two goals in the group stages with a goal against Fiji and another against Germany, helping his team to top the group with two wins and a draw. South Korea was eliminated by Honduras in the quarterfinals, with Son missing crucial chances.[175]

On 3 September 2015 at the Hwaseong Stadium, Son scored a hat-trick in an 8–0 home win over Laos in the second round of qualification for the 2018 World Cup.[176]

Son playing for South Korea against Mexico at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

On 13 June 2017, Son broke his right forearm after falling awkwardly on his arm during a World Cup qualifier match in Doha against Qatar.[177] He was part of the team that saw Korea qualify for the 2018 World Cup after a 0–0 draw against Uzbekistan on 5 September 2017.[178] On 4 June 2018, Son was selected in 23-man squad for the World Cup.[179] On 23 June, Son scored a goal from outside the penalty area – a curling strike into the top corner – though his side was defeated with a 2–1 loss to Mexico in their second group stage match of the World Cup.[180] On 27 June, during their final group stage match, he scored the second goal in the 97th minute in their 2–0 victory over world champions Germany, sealing their elimination.[181]

Son was selected as one of three overage players permitted in the under-23 team for the football tournament at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.[182] He captained the team in the final game of the group stage against Kyrgyzstan, scoring the only goal of the match to help the team reach the knockout rounds.[183] He also captained the team in the knockout rounds and reached the final after the Taeguk Warriors beat Vietnam, 3–1.[184][185] In the gold medal match, Son assisted in both extra-time goals in a 2–1 victory over Japan, which guaranteed the entire squad's exemption from his country's mandatory military service.[186][187]

2019–present: Assuming the captaincy

[edit]
Son playing for South Korea at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup

Son was called up as captain for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates by Paulo Bento, but missed the first two group matches due to an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur related to his call-up.[188] His play at the tournament was generally lethargic without a goal.[189] He contributed to South Korea's both goals by providing an assist and winning a penalty in a 2–0 win over China.[189] In contrast with the good start, he made one successful dribble (out of seven attempts) and one shot on target in the knockout rounds against Bahrain and Qatar.[189] He returned to London after a 1–0 defeat to eventual champion Qatar in the quarter-finals.[190]

Despite still recovering from an eye injury, in October 2022, Son was named to lead the 26-man South Korean squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[191] Due to the tenderness of his injury, Son wore a mask that covered nearly half his face. Son failed to score a goal for his nation's group stage matches, but successfully led South Korea to the round of 16, for the first time since 2010, following a match winning assist to Hwang Hee-chan in a shock 2–1 victory against Portugal on 2 December,[192] before being eliminated by Brazil following a 4–1 defeat on 5 December.[193]

Son was called up under manager Jürgen Klinsmann in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. He won a penalty and converted it into the opening goal in the second group stage match against Jordan, which ended in a 2–2 draw.[194] He scored South Korea's first penalty, contributing to a 4–2 penalty shoot-out win over Saudi Arabia in the round of 16.[195] His best performance in the competition came in a 2–1 quarter-final win over Australia, where he won a crucial penalty during the second half of stoppage time and scored the winning goal with a free-kick in the first half of extra time.[196] South Korea once again met Jordan in the semi-finals but lost 2-0.[197]

On 9 September 2025, Son started against Mexico in an international friendly at Geodis Park in Nashville, joining current manager (then player) Hong Myung-bo and Cha Bum-kun in becoming the most capped player for the South Korean national team with 136 appearances.

Style of play

[edit]

Son is a versatile player who can play in any forward position,[3][198] (winger, second striker, striker) and can even be deployed as an attacking midfielder or wing-back if necessary. He himself has confirmed this, saying, "I don't care where I play. The main thing is I'm in the game. I can play as a second striker or behind. Whatever the coach says, I'll do. I don't have a favorite position. I'll be anywhere and always on the throttle."[199][200]

Son is known for his two-footed ability, explosive pace, positional sense, movement, close control and clinical finishing which make him especially effective on the counter-attack.[201] Moreover, he has drawn praise from teammates and in the media for his selfless work-rate and defensive contribution, and is capable of providing assists for teammates, in addition to scoring goals himself.[200][202] In a 2021 interview, Sir Alex Ferguson mentioned Son as a player that he wished he could have managed, calling him and then-teammate Harry Kane "excellent players."[203]

Sponsorship and media

[edit]

Son has a sponsorship deal with sportswear and equipment supplier Adidas.[204] Since 2022, he has been a brand ambassador for British luxury fashion house Burberry.[205] In March 2023, Son was named as the global face of the Burberry's first campaign under its new chief creative officer Daniel Lee along with Georgia May Jagger.[206]

In February 2022, Son was selected as brand ambassador for American high-end luggage brand Tumi.[207] In February 2024, he was upgraded to become a global ambassador for Tumi and appeared on its global campaign with the new TUMI 19 Degree Aluminum collection.[208] On 7 August 2022, Son was named brand ambassador for Calvin Klein Underwear in South Korea.[209]

Son has two officially licensed NFT collections that have been released in collaboration with NFTStar (a sports fandom social platform with a web3 community) that are available for purchase on OpenSea.[210] His first NFT collection is called the 'NFTStar Fan Pass – Son Heung Min', and the second NFT collection called 'Golden Shiny Boot' was a free mint project available for fan pass holders.[211]

Son has a Fortnite outfit.[212]

Personal life

[edit]

Son used the suspension of football during the COVID-19 pandemic to complete South Korean mandatory military service. He was exempted from military service with a gold medal at the Asian Games, but he had to do basic military training regardless of exemption. He completed basic training in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps in Jeju in April–May 2020, finishing in the top five of 157 trainees.[213][214]

As a South Korean player, Son has suffered racist abuse from fans during games and online.[136][215] He is part of UEFA's Real Scars campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of online abuse and harassment of football players.[216]

Son opened Son Football Academy in his hometown Chuncheon with his father and his brother, at a cost of £11 million, most of it funded by Son himself.[217]

On 27 August 2025, Son threw the first pitch for the Major League Baseball team Los Angeles Dodgers to kick-off their game against the Cincinnati Reds.[218]

Son is godfather to the children of his former Spurs team-mate Ben Davies.[219]

Philanthropy

[edit]

In 2019, Son donated around £100,000 to the victims of the Goseong Fire, which left vast devastation in Goseong County, Gangwon, in his native South Korea.[220] In 2020, Son donated £65,000 in aid, to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea.[221]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 18 October 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Hamburger SV II 2009–10[222] Regionalliga Nord 6 1 — — — 6 1
Hamburger SV 2010–11[222] Bundesliga 13 3 1 0 — — 14 3
2011–12[222] Bundesliga 27 5 3 0 — — 30 5
2012–13[222] Bundesliga 33 12 1 0 — — 34 12
Total 73 20 5 0 — — 78 20
Bayer Leverkusen 2013–14[222] Bundesliga 31 10 4 2 — 8[c] 0 43 12
2014–15[222] Bundesliga 30 11 2 1 — 10[c] 5 42 17
2015–16[222] Bundesliga 1 0 0 0 — 1[c] 0 2 0
Total 62 21 6 3 — 19 5 87 29
Tottenham Hotspur 2015–16[223] Premier League 28 4 4 1 1 0 7[d] 3 40 8
2016–17[224] Premier League 34 14 5 6 0 0 8[e] 1 47 21
2017–18[225] Premier League 37 12 7 2 2 0 7[c] 4 53 18
2018–19[226] Premier League 31 12 1 1 4 3 12[c] 4 48 20
2019–20[227] Premier League 30 11 4 2 1 0 6[c] 5 41 18
2020–21[228] Premier League 37 17 2 0 3 1 9[d] 4 51 22
2021–22[229] Premier League 35 23 2 0 4 0 4[f] 1 45 24
2022–23[230] Premier League 36 10 3 2 0 0 8[c] 2 47 14
2023–24[231] Premier League 35 17 0 0 1 0 — 36 17
2024–25[232] Premier League 30 7 2 0 4 1 10[d] 3 46 11
Total 333 127 30 14 21 5 70 27 454 173
Los Angeles FC 2025[222] Major League Soccer 10 9 — — 0 0 10 9
Career total 484 178 41 17 21 5 89 32 635 232
  1. ^ Includes DFB-Pokal, FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes Football League/EFL Cup
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  4. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ Six appearances and one goal in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in UEFA Europa League
  6. ^ Appearances in UEFA Conference League

International

[edit]
As of match played 14 October 2025[233]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
South Korea 2010 1 0
2011 7 1
2012 3 0
2013 11 4
2014 12 2
2015 12 9
2016 6 1
2017 9 3
2018 13 3
2019 13 3
2020 2 0
2021 7 4
2022 12 5
2023 8 6
2024 15 10
2025 7 2
Total 138 53
As of match played 9 September 2025
Scores and results list South Korea's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Son goal.[233][234][235]
List of international goals scored by Son Heung-min
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 18 January 2011 Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar 3  India 4–1 4–1 2011 AFC Asian Cup [236]
2 26 March 2013 Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea 13  Qatar 2–1 2–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification [237]
3 6 September 2013 Incheon Football Stadium, Incheon, South Korea 17  Haiti 1–0 4–1 Friendly [238]
4 4–1
5 15 October 2013 Cheonan Stadium, Cheonan, South Korea 20  Mali 2–1 3–1 Friendly [239]
6 5 March 2014 Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, Greece 23  Greece 2–0 2–0 Friendly [240]
7 22 June 2014 Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil 27  Algeria 1–3 2–4 2014 FIFA World Cup [241]
8 22 January 2015 Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia 37  Uzbekistan 1–0 2–0 (a.e.t.) 2015 AFC Asian Cup [242]
9 2–0
10 31 January 2015 ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Australia 39  Australia 1–1 1–2 (a.e.t.) 2015 AFC Asian Cup [243]
11 16 June 2015 Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand 43  Myanmar 2–0 2–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification [244]
12 3 September 2015 Hwaseong Stadium, Hwaseong, South Korea 44  Laos 2–0 8–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification [245]
13 5–0
14 7–0
15 17 November 2015 New Laos National Stadium, Vientiane, Laos 46  Laos 3–0 5–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification [246]
16 5–0
17 6 October 2016 Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon, South Korea 50  Qatar 3–2 3–2 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification [247]
18 10 October 2017 Tissot Arena, Biel/Bienne, Switzerland 59  Morocco 1–3 1–3 Friendly [248]
19 10 November 2017 Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon, South Korea 60  Colombia 1–0 2–1 Friendly [249]
20 2–0
21 28 May 2018 Daegu Stadium, Daegu, South Korea 64  Honduras 1–0 2–0 Friendly [250]
22 23 June 2018 Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don, Russia 69  Mexico 1–2 1–2 2018 FIFA World Cup [251]
23 27 June 2018 Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia 70  Germany 2–0 2–0 2018 FIFA World Cup [252]
24 26 March 2019 Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea 79  Colombia 1–0 2–1 Friendly [253]
25 10 October 2019 Hwaseong Stadium, Hwaseong, South Korea 84  Sri Lanka 1–0 8–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification [254]
26 5–0
27 13 June 2021 Goyang Stadium, Goyang, South Korea 91  Lebanon 2–1 2–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification [255]
28 7 October 2021 Ansan Wa~ Stadium, Ansan, South Korea 93  Syria 2–1 2–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification [256]
29 12 October 2021 Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran 94  Iran 1–0 1–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification [257]
30 16 November 2021 Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar 96  Iraq 2–0 3–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification [258]
31 24 March 2022 Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea 97  Iran 1–0 2–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification [259]
32 6 June 2022 Daejeon World Cup Stadium, Daejeon, South Korea 100  Chile 2–0 2–0 Friendly [260]
33 10 June 2022 Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon, South Korea 101  Paraguay 2–1 2–2 Friendly [261]
34 23 September 2022 Goyang Stadium, Goyang, South Korea 103  Costa Rica 2–2 2–2 Friendly [262]
35 27 September 2022 Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea 104  Cameroon 1–0 1–0 Friendly [263]
36 24 March 2023 Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan, South Korea 109  Colombia 1–0 2–2 Friendly [264]
37 2–0
38 17 October 2023 Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon, South Korea 114  Vietnam 4–0 6–0 Friendly [265]
39 16 November 2023 Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea 115  Singapore 3–0 5–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification [266]
40 21 November 2023 Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre, Shenzhen China 116  China 1–0 3–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification [267]
41 2–0
42 20 January 2024 Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar 119  Jordan 1–0 2–2 2023 AFC Asian Cup [268]
43 25 January 2024 Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, Qatar 120  Malaysia 3–2 3–3 2023 AFC Asian Cup [269]
44 2 February 2024 Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, Qatar 122  Australia 2–1 2–1 (a.e.t.) 2023 AFC Asian Cup [270]
45 21 March 2024 Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea 124  Thailand 1–0 1–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification [271]
46 26 March 2024 Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand 125  Thailand 2–0 3–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification [272]
47 6 June 2024 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore 126  Singapore 3–0 7–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification [273]
48 5–0
49 10 September 2024 Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat, Oman 129  Oman 2–1 3–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification [274]
50 14 November 2024 Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait 130  Kuwait 2–0 3–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification [275]
51 19 November 2024 Amman International Stadium, Amman, Jordan 131  Palestine 1–1 1–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification [276]
52 6 September 2025 Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, United States 135  United States 1–0 2–0 Friendly [277]
53 9 September 2025 Geodis Park, Nashville, United States 136  Mexico 1–1 2–2 Friendly [278]

Honours

[edit]

Tottenham Hotspur

South Korea U17

South Korea U23

South Korea

Individual

Records

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Son Heung-min

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Son Heung-min (born 8 July 1992) is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC and captains the South Korea national team.[1][2][3] Born in Chuncheon, South Korea, to former professional footballer Son Woong-jung, he began his youth career at FC Seoul before moving to Hamburger SV in Germany at age 16, where he made his senior debut in 2010.[4][5] After stints at Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen, he joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 for a club-record fee, becoming a key player and eventually club captain, scoring 127 Premier League goals over 333 appearances and becoming the first Asian player to win the Golden Boot in the 2021–22 season with 23 goals.[6][7] In August 2025, after a decade at Tottenham, he transferred to Los Angeles FC on a contract until 2027, where he quickly made an impact by winning the 2025 MLS Goal of the Year award.[8][9] Renowned for his speed, two-footed finishing, and versatility, Son has earned numerous accolades, including the FIFA Puskás Award in 2020 for his solo goal against Burnley, eight South Korean Footballer of the Year honors, and a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games with South Korea.[10][11] Internationally, he has over 100 caps for South Korea since his debut in 2010, leading the team as captain in major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup.[4] Often regarded as one of Asia's greatest footballers, his career highlights his rise from a promising talent in Europe to a global icon, marked by loyalty, record-breaking performances, and cultural impact in South Korea.[12][13]

Early years

Early life

Son Heung-min was born on 8 July 1992 in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea.[14] His father, Son Woong-jung, was a former professional footballer who retired at age 28 after suffering an Achilles tendon injury that ended his career in 1990, while his mother, Eun Ja-kil, provided steady family support.[14][15] The family also included an older brother, Son Heung-yun, who shared in the early football-focused upbringing and later pursued a playing career in lower German leagues.[14] Growing up in a football-oriented household in eastern Gangwon Province before later moving to Suncheon in South Jeolla Province, Son was immersed in the sport from a young age.[15] His father began providing rigorous personal training when Son was six years old, emphasizing fundamental ball control through daily sessions of up to six hours focused on dribbling and juggling, without advancing to passing or shooting until mastery was achieved.[15][16] This disciplined regimen, which included thousands of repetitive exercises like double-unders with a jump rope and keepy-uppies as punishment for errors, fostered early signs of exceptional talent that drew attention within local South Korean youth football circles.[16][5] From a modest socioeconomic background, the family emphasized cultural values of perseverance and strict discipline, with Son Woong-jung adopting a "tiger dad" approach that involved physical corrections and nutritional adjustments, such as feeding his son rice mixed with milk to build strength.[15][16] This environment not only honed Son's technical skills but also instilled a strong work ethic, laying the groundwork for his transition to structured youth academies around age 10.[14]

Youth development

Son Heung-min began his formal youth development by joining the FC Seoul youth academy around the age of 10, marking the start of his organized football training in South Korea. Influenced heavily by his father, Son Woong-jung, a former professional forward and coach, Son's early sessions focused on building foundational skills through repetitive drills emphasizing ball control and technique, often without allowing shooting practice until age 15 to prioritize fundamentals over results.[17][16][18] In August 2008, at the age of 16, Son relocated to Germany as part of an exchange program organized by the Korean Football Association, joining the Hamburger SV youth academy on a free transfer without any professional guarantees. Adapting to a new environment proved challenging; he did not speak German initially, experienced cultural isolation, and encountered racism from some peers and opponents during matches. Despite these hurdles, Son quickly integrated, living in academy dorms and immersing himself in the rigorous German youth system.[19][20][21][22] During his time in Hamburger SV's academy from 2008 to 2010, Son demonstrated rapid progression through the youth ranks, competing in the B-Junioren (U17) and A-Junioren (U19) Bundesliga leagues, where he scored seven goals in the 2008–09 U17 season alone, showcasing his speed, finishing, and technical ability. The academy's training regimen stressed physical conditioning alongside tactical drills, helping Son build the stamina and versatility needed for higher levels. His standout performances earned him promotions to training with the senior squad by the 2010 preseason, paving the way for his professional breakthrough.[23][17]

Club career

Hamburger SV

Son Heung-min signed his first professional contract with Hamburger SV in June 2010, shortly after turning 18, marking the transition from the club's youth academy to the senior team. His Bundesliga debut came on 30 October 2010, entering as a substitute in a 3–2 away defeat to 1. FC Köln, where he scored the equalizing goal just 24 minutes into his appearance, becoming the second-youngest goalscorer in Hamburger SV history at 18 years and two months.[19] This early impact highlighted his potential as a dynamic forward, though initial opportunities were limited due to injuries and competition in the squad. Over the 2010–2013 period, Son made 73 appearances and scored 20 goals across all competitions for Hamburger SV, evolving from a rotational substitute to a regular starter by his third season. In the 2010–11 campaign, he featured in 13 Bundesliga matches, netting twice, including a brace on 20 November 2010 against Hannover 96 that briefly lifted the team off the relegation zone.[24] His role expanded significantly in 2011–12 and 2012–13, where he started most games as a left winger or second striker, contributing 6 and 12 league goals respectively, and helping secure mid-table finishes in the Bundesliga (10th in 2010–11, 8th in 2011–12, and 7th in 2012–13).[19] Son's development at Hamburger SV showcased his speed, finishing, and adaptability to European football's physical demands, though the team struggled with consistency. Amid growing interest from clubs like Arsenal and [Borussia Dortmund](/page/Borussia Dortmund), he transferred to Bayer Leverkusen in August 2013 for a reported €10 million fee, a record sale for Hamburger SV at the time.

Bayer Leverkusen

In August 2013, Son Heung-min transferred from Hamburger SV to Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of €10 million, marking the club's record incoming transfer at the time.[19] He made his Bundesliga debut for Leverkusen on 10 August 2013, starting in a 2–1 home win over SC Freiburg, where he scored the opening goal just five minutes into the match.[25] This move elevated his profile in European football, providing opportunities in both domestic and continental competitions. During his two full seasons at Leverkusen from 2013 to 2015, Son made 87 appearances across all competitions, scoring 29 goals and establishing himself as a key attacking threat.[26] His standout 2013–14 campaign saw him net 11 goals in 30 Bundesliga matches, contributing significantly to Leverkusen's fourth-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League the following season. In the 2014–15 season, he added 10 Bundesliga goals while excelling in the Champions League with five strikes, including a notable double in a 1–0 group-stage win over Benfica. Son typically deployed as a left winger or second striker under coaches including Sami Hyypiä, Sascha Lewandowski, and Roger Schmidt, where his explosive pace and directness shone in counter-attacking transitions.[19] His ability to exploit spaces behind defenses complemented Leverkusen's high-pressing style, often linking play with forwards like Stefan Kießling.[27] In summer 2015, after rejecting a contract extension, Son departed Leverkusen for Tottenham Hotspur in a £22 million deal, the highest transfer fee ever received by the club for an outgoing player.[26]

Tottenham Hotspur debut and breakthrough

Son Heung-min transferred to Tottenham Hotspur from Bayer Leverkusen on 28 August 2015 for a club-record fee of £22 million, signing a five-year contract.[26] He made his Premier League debut nine days later, substituting into a 1–0 victory over Sunderland in the 62nd minute.[28] Four days after that, Son scored his first goals for the club with a brace in a 3–1 UEFA Europa League win against Qarabağ on his home debut.[29] His first Premier League goal followed on 20 September 2015, securing a 1–0 win at Crystal Palace. Son's debut 2015–16 season proved challenging as he adapted to the Premier League's intensity. A foot injury in late September sidelined him for over a month, limiting his contributions to four Premier League goals in 27 appearances across all competitions.[30] As a South Korean international, he also navigated considerations around mandatory military service, which all able-bodied men must complete by age 28, though he retained several years before any obligation.[31] Under manager Mauricio Pochettino, Son transitioned from a traditional winger role to an inside forward on the left, enabling him to drift centrally, link with teammates like Harry Kane, and exploit spaces with his pace and finishing.[32] The 2016–17 season marked Son's breakthrough, as he netted 14 Premier League goals in 38 appearances, forming part of Tottenham's most potent attacking trio alongside Kane and Dele Alli.[33] His goals helped Spurs secure a second-place finish, their highest in over 25 years, and qualification for the UEFA Champions League. By the end of the 2017–18 campaign, Son had scored 12 more Premier League goals, including a brace in a thrilling 5–4 victory over Leicester City that confirmed Champions League football again. Across the 2015–18 period, Son amassed 103 Premier League appearances and 30 goals for Tottenham, establishing himself as a consistent performer in England's top flight.[34]

Tottenham Hotspur peak years

Son Heung-min's peak years at Tottenham Hotspur, spanning the 2018–19 to 2021–22 seasons, marked his emergence as a prolific goalscorer and key figure in the club's European and domestic campaigns. During this period, he made 163 appearances across all competitions, scoring 71 goals and providing numerous assists that underscored his importance to the team's attack.[34] In the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League, Son was instrumental in Tottenham's improbable run to the final, where they finished as runners-up after losing 2–0 to Liverpool in Madrid. His standout contribution came in the semi-final second leg against Ajax, where he scored a dramatic 96th-minute winner in a 3–2 victory, ensuring a 3–3 aggregate advancement on away goals despite Tottenham's 1–0 first-leg defeat.[35] This goal, a curling left-footed effort from the edge of the box, highlighted his composure under pressure and propelled Spurs to their first-ever Champions League final.[35] The following 2019–20 season brought individual acclaim for Son, as he received the FIFA Puskás Award for the most beautiful goal of the year. The award-winning strike occurred in a Premier League match against Burnley on December 7, 2019, where Son initiated a solo run from deep in his own half, evaded four defenders with deft dribbling, and rifled a low shot into the net from 50 yards. This moment of brilliance exemplified his speed, skill, and finishing ability, earning global recognition from FIFA. Son's form peaked further in the 2020–21 Premier League season, where he scored 17 goals to earn selection to the PFA Team of the Year, as voted by his fellow professionals.[36] His contributions extended to cup competitions, including a goal in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Brentford, helping Tottenham secure a 2–0 win and advance to the final against Manchester City.[37] In the 2021–22 season, Son shared the Premier League Golden Boot with 23 goals, matching Mohamed Salah's tally and becoming the first Asian player to win the award.[38] He also played a vital role in Tottenham's UEFA Europa League campaigns that year, scoring three goals in the group stage to aid progression before their knockout exit. These achievements solidified Son's status as Tottenham's talismanic forward during this prolific era.

Tottenham Hotspur captaincy and final season

Following Harry Kane's departure to Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur appointed Son Heung-min as club captain on 12 August 2023, with vice-captains James Maddison and Cristian Romero named as his deputies.[39] This leadership role came shortly after Son reached a personal milestone in the 2022–23 season, scoring his 100th Premier League goal on 8 April 2023 against Brighton & Hove Albion, making him the first Asian player to achieve the feat. As captain, Son emphasized team unity and his commitment to delivering silverware, drawing on his long tenure at the club since joining in 2015.[40] Over the subsequent two seasons (2023–25), Son made 109 appearances for Tottenham across all competitions, scoring 36 goals while balancing captaincy duties with on-pitch contributions.[41] His leadership proved pivotal in guiding the team to the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League title, culminating in a 1–0 victory over Manchester United in the final on 21 May 2025 at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, with Brennan Johnson scoring the only goal in the 42nd minute.[42] This triumph ended Tottenham's 17-year wait for a major trophy and marked Son as the first Asian captain to lift a European title.[43] However, the period was not without challenges; Son suffered multiple injuries during the 2023–24 season, including a hernia operation in June 2023 and subsequent hamstring issues that limited his availability, alongside ongoing contract discussions amid speculation about his future beyond the initial 2025 expiry. Tottenham triggered a one-year extension in January 2025 to secure his services through the campaign, but negotiations for a longer deal faltered as Son weighed options for a new challenge.[44] Son's final appearance for Tottenham came on 3 August 2025 in a pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich in Munich, where he played 70 minutes before being substituted amid emotional scenes, having earlier bid farewell to fans in Seoul.[45] Over his decade at the club, Son amassed 454 appearances and 173 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as Tottenham's all-time leading Asian scorer and a symbol of resilience.[46] His departure was met with widespread fan appreciation, including tributes from supporters' groups and a guard of honor at his last home game, underscoring his enduring legacy as a dedicated leader who bridged cultures and inspired a generation.[47]

Los Angeles FC

Son Heung-min joined Los Angeles FC from Tottenham Hotspur on 6 August 2025 in a transfer for an undisclosed fee, marking his entry into Major League Soccer after a distinguished European career. The deal was finalized ahead of the MLS transfer window's closure, allowing the South Korean forward to occupy an international roster slot upon receiving his P-1 visa and international transfer certificate.[48][49] Son made his LAFC debut on 10 August 2025 against Chicago Fire, where he earned a penalty that helped secure a draw.[50] He scored his first MLS goal in a subsequent match. During the 2025 season, he featured in 10 regular-season appearances, netting 9 goals and providing 3 assists, which propelled LAFC's push in the Western Conference standings. A highlight was his hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on 17 September 2025, demonstrating his clinical finishing and playmaking ability in MLS competitions.[51][52] In the MLS Cup Playoffs, as of 17 November 2025, Son has made 3 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist, including a goal in the Round One second leg 4–1 win over Austin FC on 2 November, helping LAFC advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. Positioned as a starting forward in LAFC's preferred 4-3-3 formation, Son adapted swiftly to the league's distinctive pace and physical demands, often linking up effectively with teammates like Denis Bouanga to create scoring opportunities. His contributions helped stabilize LAFC's attack amid a competitive Western Conference race. The contract runs until December 2027, with club options for extensions, driven by Son's ambition to win trophies and considerations for his family's well-being in a new environment.[53][48][54]

International career

Youth and early senior career

Son Heung-min began his international career with South Korea's youth teams, showcasing his potential at a young age. He featured prominently for the under-17 side at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria, where he scored three goals to help the team progress to the round of 16 before a penalty shootout loss to Mexico. His performances in that tournament, including strikes against New Zealand and Italy, marked him as a rising talent capable of competing on the global stage. Son also represented the under-19 team during the qualification campaign for the 2011 AFC U-19 Championship, contributing to South Korea's efforts to secure a spot in the finals, though the team ultimately did not advance beyond the group stage in the tournament proper. These youth appearances from 2009 to 2012 honed his skills against regional and international opposition, building a foundation for his senior transition while balancing commitments with Hamburger SV in Germany. Son earned his first senior cap for South Korea on 30 December 2010, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 friendly win over Syria at the age of 18.[55] This debut came shortly after his breakthrough season at Hamburger SV, signaling his rapid ascent to the national setup. Over the subsequent years, he gradually integrated into the senior team, balancing call-ups with his club duties in the Bundesliga. From 2010 to 2014, Son accumulated 19 caps and netted four goals, establishing himself as a regular squad member. His first international goal arrived on 18 January 2011 during the AFC Asian Cup, a strike in a 4-1 group stage victory against India that helped South Korea reach the semifinals. These early appearances often saw him deployed on the wing, where his speed and finishing began to complement the team's established stars. Son's development culminated in selection for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where he participated in all three group stage matches for South Korea. He scored the team's second goal in a 2-4 loss to Algeria on 22 June, briefly raising hopes before the eventual elimination without a win. Prior to the tournament, in a March 2014 friendly, he scored the second goal in a 2-0 victory over Greece in a performance that underscored his growing influence.[56] Through this period, Son focused on securing consistent call-ups amid his intensifying club schedule at Hamburger SV and later Bayer Leverkusen, often traveling extensively for national team duties while adapting to the physical demands of European football. His reliability in these years laid the groundwork for more prominent roles in subsequent campaigns.

Major tournaments and Asian Games

Son Heung-min played a pivotal role in South Korea's campaign at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, where the team finished as runners-up after a 2–1 extra-time defeat to Australia in the final. He scored three goals across five matches, including both in the 2–0 quarter-final victory over Uzbekistan after extra time and the equalizer in the final. His performances earned him a place in the tournament's Team of the Tournament.[57] At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, South Korea advanced from Group F to the round of 16, where they exited after a 2–1 loss to Mexico. Son contributed two goals in the group stage, scoring a long-range effort in the 2–1 defeat to Mexico and the stoppage-time clincher in the 2–0 win over Germany that eliminated the defending champions. These strikes highlighted his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments against top opposition.[58] Son captained South Korea's under-23 squad to gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, defeating Japan 2–1 in extra time in the final to secure the nation's second consecutive title in the competition. He appeared in all six matches, scoring one goal against Kyrgyzstan in the group stage and providing five assists overall, including two in the final to set up the winning goals by Lee Seung-woo and Hwang Hee-chan. The triumph exempted the entire team from mandatory military service, allowing Son to continue his club career uninterrupted.[59] Between 2015 and 2018, Son accumulated 46 caps for the South Korea senior national team, scoring 21 goals in various competitions and friendlies.[60]

Captaincy and recent years

Son Heung-min assumed the captaincy of the South Korea national football team in 2018, a role he has held consistently since, providing leadership both on and off the pitch. By November 2025, he had accumulated 139 caps and scored 53 goals for his country, solidifying his status as one of Asia's most prolific international forwards. His tenure as captain has emphasized a proactive style of play, urging the team to adopt an aggressive approach against stronger opponents in major competitions.[61][62] At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Son played a pivotal role in guiding South Korea to the round of 16 for the first time since 2010. He delivered a crucial assist for Hwang Hee-chan's stoppage-time winner in a 2–1 victory over Portugal, securing advancement from the group stage despite earlier draws against Uruguay and a loss to Ghana. In the round of 16 clash against Brazil, Son converted a penalty kick to briefly level the score at 1–1, though South Korea ultimately fell 1–4, marking the end of their campaign. These contributions highlighted his clutch performance under pressure, even as he recovered from a pre-tournament calf injury.[63][64] In the 2023 AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar, Son led South Korea as captain to the semi-finals, their best finish since winning the tournament in 1960. He scored three goals across the competition, including one in the group stage 2–2 draw against Jordan, a stoppage-time penalty, and a decisive free-kick in extra time during the quarter-final against Australia, which South Korea won 2–1 after trailing. Despite these heroics, the team exited in the semi-finals with a 0–2 defeat to Jordan, where Son was unable to find the net in a match marked by defensive lapses. His goals and leadership were instrumental in navigating a challenging group stage that included a 3–1 win over Bahrain and the 2–2 draw against Jordan. South Korea advanced from the round of 16 via a penalty shootout victory over Saudi Arabia after a 1–1 draw.[65][66][67] During the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2024 and 2025, Son's contributions were vital in ensuring South Korea's direct qualification as one of the top AFC teams. He netted his 50th international goal in a November 2024 match, helping maintain momentum in the third round of qualifying, and featured prominently in an unbeaten campaign that culminated in June 2025. Key performances included scoring and assisting in friendlies and qualifiers, such as a 2–0 win over the United States in September 2025, which bolstered team confidence ahead of the finals. Under his captaincy, South Korea topped their group, showcasing sustained excellence and positioning themselves strongly for the expanded 2026 tournament in North America.[68][69][70]

Playing style and attributes

Technical skills

Son Heung-min is renowned for his ambidexterity, allowing him to score with equal proficiency using either foot, which makes his finishing unpredictable and effective from various angles.[71] In the Premier League, he has netted 74 goals with his right foot and 49 with his left as of August 2025, demonstrating near-parity in his output despite being naturally right-footed.[72] This bilateral capability is evident in his ability to curl shots into the far corner from the left flank with his right or drive low efforts across goal with his left, often catching defenders off guard. His dribbling and close control are hallmarks of his technical prowess, enabling him to navigate tight spaces and excel in one-on-one situations.[73] During his peak years at Tottenham Hotspur from 2017 to 2020, Son averaged over 2.2 successful take-ons (dribbles) per 90 minutes in the Premier League, showcasing quick feet and balance to beat opponents directly.[74] This skill is particularly effective when receiving the ball on the half-turn, allowing him to shield possession and accelerate away, as highlighted in tactical analyses of his direct style.[32] Son's finishing variety further underscores his technical excellence, with clinical execution in one-on-one scenarios, volleys, and long-range strikes.[73] He adapts his body shape fluidly under pressure to slot the ball into corners or unleash powerful drives, contributing to his strong finishing rating in performance metrics.[73] A prime example is his 2020 solo goal against Burnley, where he dispossessed a defender, dribbled 50 yards, and chipped the goalkeeper, earning him the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year. This effort exemplified his composure and technical precision in high-stakes moments. Positional flexibility enhances Son's technical impact, as he seamlessly operates as a left winger, central striker, or inverted winger across attacking roles.[32] At Tottenham, he frequently shifted from wide positions to central areas, creating space and exploiting defenses with his versatile movement and decision-making.[75] This adaptability was key in systems requiring fluid rotations, allowing him to contribute both goals and assists regardless of deployment.[73]

Physical attributes

Son Heung-min's physical profile is characterized by explosive speed and acceleration, key to his role in transition play and defensive pressing. His top sprint speed reaches 35 km/h, facilitating rapid counter-attacks and recoveries during high-intensity phases. In the 2017–18 Premier League season, this attribute contributed to 84 ball recoveries, underscoring his involvement in Tottenham Hotspur's pressing strategy under Mauricio Pochettino.[76][77] At 1.83 meters tall, Son maintains agility and balance through a compact build and low center of gravity, allowing for precise maneuvers and sharp directional changes on the pitch. His injury resilience was evident after sustaining an ankle issue in November 2016, from which he recovered without surgery and returned to full form, missing minimal games thereafter.[3][78] Son's stamina supports sustained performance across matches, with an average distance covered of 10.5 kilometers per 90 minutes during the 2017–18 campaign. This high work rate has been integral to implementing demanding high-pressing systems, both under Pochettino at Tottenham and later Antonio Conte.[79] In physical duels, Son demonstrates competence beyond typical forward expectations, winning 31.4% of aerial challenges in the 2021–22 Premier League season despite his lean frame. His overall duel success rate hovers around 48%, reflecting strength in contested situations.[74][80]

Public image

Sponsorships

Son Heung-min has maintained a long-term partnership with Adidas since 2008, beginning during his early professional days at Hamburger SV in Germany. This collaboration has encompassed apparel, footwear, and marketing campaigns tailored to his career milestones, including fan engagement events such as the fan meeting held on May 20, 2016, at I'Park Mall in Seoul sponsored by Adidas Korea, where Son interacted with fans through one-on-one skill challenges, gift presentations, photo sessions, and discussions about his Premier League experiences. Adidas renewed the deal through 2028 to reflect his status as a global ambassador.[81][82][83] The partnership includes personalized boot lines, such as the X Speedflow series customized for Son's playing style and the F50 "Taegeuk7" signature cleats launched in 2025, which incorporate Korean cultural elements like the taegeuk symbol and are priced at $260 for elite models. These products highlight Adidas's investment in Son's personal brand, targeting fans in Asia and Europe.[84][85] Son's endorsement portfolio extends to other sectors, including a skincare deal with Biotherm from 2024 onward, where he promotes the Homme line for men's hydration and anti-aging products as a global ambassador. Additional partnerships include Ralph Lauren Fragrances, for which he became regional brand ambassador in October 2025.[86][87][88] By 2023, these sponsorships were estimated to contribute over £5 million annually to Son's income, driven by his strong appeal in the Asian market and cross-cultural resonance that attracts brands seeking regional expansion. His public persona as a humble, high-performing athlete has further amplified the value of these deals.[89][90]

Media and endorsements

Son Heung-min maintains a significant presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where his official account @hm_son7 amassed over 15 million followers by November 2025.[91] He frequently shares glimpses of his rigorous training routines, including sessions influenced by his father's coaching methods, and occasional personal moments that offer fans insight into his disciplined lifestyle.[92] In media coverage, Son is widely portrayed as South Korea's premier football icon, with extensive profiles highlighting his journey from a young prodigy to global star. The 2021 documentary Sonsational, available on Amazon Prime Video, chronicles his career from childhood in South Korea to his Premier League success at Tottenham Hotspur, featuring interviews with figures like Thierry Henry and emphasizing his work ethic.[93] In various interviews, Son has discussed the discipline instilled by his father, Son Woong-jung, through intense daily training regimens, as well as the challenges of homesickness after leaving home at age 15 to pursue professional football in Germany.[94][95] Son's endorsement strategy focuses on global campaigns that leverage his appeal to the Asian diaspora, positioning him as a bridge between Eastern and Western markets through high-profile partnerships in fashion, sports, and lifestyle sectors. These efforts gained renewed momentum with promotional activities surrounding his 2025 transfer to Los Angeles FC, including merchandise drives and digital campaigns like Apple TV's Genmoji initiative celebrating his MLS arrival, which boosted sales and visibility among international audiences.[96][97] Specific brand deals, such as those with Adidas and Burberry, complement this broader image-building approach without overshadowing his on-field persona.[87] Son's cultural impact in South Korea is profound, where he is routinely featured in media as a national hero symbolizing perseverance and national pride. His standout performances, including the dramatic 2018 World Cup goal against Germany, elevated his status, but the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar further amplified his international profile, inspiring widespread media narratives about Asian representation in elite football and solidifying his role as a unifying figure for Koreans worldwide.[98][90][99]

Personal life

Family

Son Heung-min was born to Son Woong-jung and Eun Ja Kil in Chuncheon, South Korea.[100] His father, Son Woong-jung (born June 10, 1962), is a retired professional footballer who played as a forward and later became a coach and manager.[101] Son Woong-jung has remained a key advisor in his son's career, providing guidance on training and performance.[102] Son Heung-min has one older sibling, his brother Son Heung-yun, a former semi-professional footballer who worked as a coach at the family-run Son Football Academy until his suspension in May 2025.[102] The brothers share a close bond, with Son Heung-yun having supported his younger sibling's early development in football.[102] In 2024, Son Woong-jung, Son Heung-yun, and another coach at the Son Football Academy faced allegations of verbally and physically abusing young players. In October 2024, a Chuncheon court convicted them, fining each 3 million won (approximately $2,150 USD) for violating child welfare laws. In May 2025, sports authorities in Gangwon Province suspended the father and brother from coaching activities for periods of two and one year, respectively.[103] [104] Son Heung-min has not publicly commented on the matter. In his personal relationships, Son Heung-min dated South Korean actress and singer Bang Min-ah of the group Girl's Day in 2014, though the pair confirmed they had ended the relationship after a short period and maintained a friendship thereafter.[105] He was also in a relationship with model and actress Yoo So-young, a former member of After School, starting in 2015.[106] As of 2025, Son keeps his romantic life private, focusing primarily on his professional commitments.[107] The Son family has provided unwavering support throughout his career, including during his 2025 transfer to Los Angeles FC, where relocation discussions highlighted their role in helping him adapt to life in Major League Soccer.[48] This familial backing, particularly from his father, continues to influence his decisions on and off the pitch.[108]

Military service and philanthropy

Son Heung-min earned an exemption from South Korea's mandatory 21-month military service after leading the national team to a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, an achievement that qualifies athletes for alternative obligations under conscription laws.[109] Despite the exemption, he completed three weeks of basic training at a Marine Corps facility in April 2020, during which he excelled in marksmanship and received the "Pilsung" award for top performer among 157 trainees.[110] He then fulfilled the remaining requirement of 544 hours of community service by early 2022, incorporating volunteer work around his professional schedule.[111] In philanthropy, Son has consistently supported disaster relief and youth development in South Korea, driven by a sense of national pride and duty to his homeland. Following the devastating 2019 wildfires in Goseong County, his hometown region, he donated £100,000 to aid victims and recovery efforts, emphasizing that such contributions were a personal responsibility amid the crisis.[112] During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he contributed 100 million won (approximately £65,000) to the Good Neighbors charity for medical supplies and support to vulnerable communities.[113] In March 2025, amid wildfires in Gangwon Province, he donated 10 million won (approximately $7,200 USD) to relief efforts, though this amount drew some public criticism given his earnings.[114] Son established a youth football academy in Chuncheon in 2021, investing around $15 million to provide training and opportunities for children in rural areas, reflecting his commitment to fostering the next generation of athletes from underserved regions.[18] The academy, run by his family, faced controversy in 2024 when its coaches, including Son's father and brother, were convicted of child abuse, leading to fines and suspensions in 2024 and 2025, respectively.[103] [104] In 2022, he became a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme, advocating for hunger relief worldwide and aligning his efforts with broader humanitarian causes.[115] Upon joining Los Angeles FC in 2025, he participated in community initiatives, including youth clinics and cultural events in partnership with local organizations, to engage and inspire young fans in the Korean American community.[116] These actions underscore his motivation rooted in family-instilled values of giving back and national loyalty.[90]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, in senior professional career, all competitions.[117]

Hamburger SV

SeasonLeagueNational CupContinentalTotal
Total88––88
Goals20––20

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

SeasonLeagueNational CupContinentalTotal
Total83––83
Goals24––24

Tottenham Hotspur

SeasonLeagueNational CupContinentalTotal
Total445––445
Goals139––139

Los Angeles FC

SeasonLeagueNational CupContinentalTotal
202512––12
Goals10––10
As of 17 November 2025.[118]

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year.

Senior

National teamYearAppsGoals
Total–13954
As of 14 November 2025.[60]

Youth

National teamYearAppsGoals
South Korea U17–187
South Korea U23–103

Honours

Club

Son Heung-min has achieved one major club title and several runner-up finishes during his professional career.

Tottenham Hotspur

  • UEFA Europa League: 2024–25[119]
  • Premier League: Runner-up, 2016–17[120]
  • UEFA Champions League: Runner-up, 2018–19[10]
  • EFL Cup: Runner-up, 2020–21[121]

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Son Heung-min did not win any major team honors during his two seasons with the club.

Hamburger SV

Son Heung-min did not win any major team honors during his three seasons with the club.

Los Angeles FC

As of November 2025, Son Heung-min has not won any major team honors with LAFC, though the club is competing in the MLS Cup playoffs following the 2025 regular season.[122]

International

Son Heung-min contributed to South Korea's gold medal victory at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, where the under-23 national team defeated Japan 2–1 in extra time during the final match on September 1, 2018.[123] As a key overage player, Son played a pivotal role in the tournament, helping the team secure the continental title and exempting him from mandatory military service.[124] With the senior national team, Son featured in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia, where South Korea reached the final but lost 1–2 to the hosts after extra time on February 1, 2015. Son scored a crucial equalizer in the 90th minute of the final, marking a significant team achievement despite the defeat. Son represented South Korea at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the team advanced to the round of 16 for the first time since 2010 by finishing second in Group H.[125] They achieved this with a dramatic 2–1 stoppage-time victory over Portugal in their final group match on December 2, 2022, before exiting the tournament with a 1–4 loss to Brazil in the knockout stage.[126]

Individual

Son Heung-min has received numerous individual accolades throughout his career, recognizing his goal-scoring prowess, technical skill, and impact on both club and international football. These honors span major European competitions, Asian awards, and more recent achievements in Major League Soccer following his transfer to Los Angeles FC in 2025.[12] In the Premier League, Son shared the Golden Boot award in the 2021–22 season with Mohamed Salah, both scoring 23 goals and marking him as the first Asian player to achieve this feat.[6] He also earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2020–21 season, highlighting his contributions as a forward for Tottenham Hotspur.[10] Additionally, his solo goal against Burnley in December 2019 won him the FIFA Puskás Award in 2020, celebrated for its brilliance and creativity.[10] Son has dominated Asian individual honors, winning the Best Footballer in Asia award a record 10 times, most recently in 2025 when he edged out Cristiano Ronaldo.[127] He claimed the AFC International Player of the Year in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2023, further cementing his status as Asia's premier talent.[128] At Tottenham, he was named the club's Player of the Season in 2018–19, 2019–20, and 2021–22, reflecting fan and club recognition of his pivotal role.[129] He also received the London Football Awards Player of the Year in 2019, akin to a "Hammer of the Year" honor for his performances in the capital.[130] His contributions to South Korea's gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games earned him an exemption from mandatory military service in 2018, a significant personal honor that allowed him to focus on his professional career without interruption.[59] Upon joining LAFC mid-2025, Son quickly made an impact, winning the AT&T MLS Goal of the Year for his stunning free-kick goal against FC Dallas on August 23, 2025, in just his third league appearance.[131]

References

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  21. Tottenham's Son Heung-min says he faced racism as teen in Germany
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  125. 손흥민, 팬 미팅… “EPL 첫 시즌, 시간 너무 빨리 갔다”
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