The Smile That Lit Up Spurs: Heung-min Son’s Decade of Devotion
Ten years, countless memories and one final farewell — as Son Heung-min prepares to leave Tottenham, we honour the journey of a player who gave everything, and asked for nothing in return.
I am not a Spurs fan. But I am a football fan, and there are moments, players and stories in this game that reach beyond colours, badges or rivalry. Heung-min Son’s ten-year journey with Tottenham Hotspur is one of those stories. When he announced he was leaving the club this summer, the news didn’t just register in north London. It rippled across the footballing world.
The Early Days: A Young Man with a Lot to Prove
Son arrived in England from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, a relatively unknown 23-year-old with potential and promise. For £22 million, he was Spurs’ most expensive signing from Asia and carried the weight of a nation’s expectations. But adapting to the Premier League is rarely smooth, and for Son it was no different. He struggled at first and even considered leaving in his first year.
But he stayed. And that decision changed everything.
From Prospect to Premier League Star
As the years passed, Son developed into one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. His pace was frightening, his finishing devastating, but what set him apart was his intelligence and teamwork. He formed an almost telepathic partnership with Harry Kane, creating 47 goals between them – the most prolific duo in Premier League history.
The 2019 solo goal against Burnley is still one of the most remarkable goals ever scored in England’s top flight. He picked the ball up on the edge of his own area, beat player after player and slotted it home with calm assurance. It earned him the FIFA Puskás Award and reminded the world that brilliance doesn’t always come from the usual suspects.
The Stats Behind the Smiles
454 appearances for Spurs
173 goals
101 assists
Premier League Golden Boot (shared with Salah in 2021-22)
4x Premier League Player of the Month
Countless goal and player of the season awards
Statistically, Son is not just one of Spurs' greats. He is one of the Premier League’s all-time best.
A Global Icon and Humble Star
Son is a superstar in South Korea. His face is everywhere – from television adverts to murals in his hometown of Chuncheon. Spurs shirts bearing his name dominate matchdays, especially with fans travelling from Asia. At one point, he was reportedly in the top three of all South Koreans in terms of brand value.
But none of it changed him. Whether it was buying dinner for his team-mates or giving his shirt to a young pitch invader, Son remained grounded. He welcomed his Spurs colleagues to Seoul during pre-season like a fan greeting old friends, holding up a homemade "Welcome to Seoul" sign. No ego, no drama, just joy.
Silverware at Last: The Europa League Triumph
For all his individual accolades, there was always a question. Would Son leave Tottenham without a trophy? In May 2025, he finally answered it. Spurs beat Manchester United in the Europa League final, their first major honour since 2008. Son, though nursing an injury and used from the bench, lifted the trophy as captain.
"Now I’m a legend," he said with a smile after the final. It was a comment that struck a chord. He had always been a legend to fans, but he needed that moment to believe it himself. It was fitting that his final competitive game would be the one that brought glory.
The Decision to Leave
Son’s announcement came with dignity and emotion. "Ten years is a long time," he said. "I need a new environment to push myself." With over a decade in north London and at 33 years old, no one could begrudge him the move.
He is now in advanced talks to join Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer. There had been interest from Saudi clubs, but the move to the United States feels right. A new chapter, a different pace, and a city where his profile will only grow.
Tottenham’s Challenge Without Son
New manager Thomas Frank has spoken highly of Son, calling him one of the best wingers in Premier League history. Spurs will now need to move on. Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel, and Wilson Odobert are all expected to step up. But replacing what Son brought – on and off the pitch – is not something that happens overnight.
Commercially, his departure will be felt too. Up to 700 Son shirts were sold on matchdays. South Korean supporters filled the stadium. Tottenham weren’t just losing a player, they were losing a cultural connection to millions.
Beyond Numbers: The Player Who Brought Joy
What makes Son’s story special isn’t just the stats. It’s how he made us feel. In a game so often dominated by cynicism, agents, PR, and transfer talk, Son remained pure. He played like someone who loved the game. Who ran with purpose, celebrated with delight, and never lost the boyish wonder that fuels all great athletes.
Even those of us who support other clubs could see it. We admired his attitude, his skill, his smile. He never dove, never moaned, never gave less than 100 percent. Football needs players like him.
A Fond Farewell from the Footballing World
Son’s departure isn’t just a farewell to a Spurs player. It’s a moment for the Premier League, for fans around the world to tip their hats to a player who gave everything to the game.
As a neutral, I can say this without hesitation: Heung-min Son made the Premier League better. He made football better. And while Spurs fans will feel the absence more keenly, we will all miss watching that flash of brilliance, that perfectly timed run, that infectious smile.
So thank you, Sonny. From all of us. You may have played in white, but you brought colour to every corner of the game.
Whatever comes next in Los Angeles or beyond, the legacy is secure.
Because for ten years, it felt like it was always…Son.