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Tottenham Hotspur and South Korea’s talismanic forward Son Heung-min has announced that he will leave the North London club before the 2025-26 season begins. The 33-year-old football icon also hinted that the 2026 FIFA World Cup may mark the conclusion of his international career — a dual development that signals the closing of an era in both club and country football.
At a press conference held in Seoul ahead of Tottenham’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle United, Son addressed reporters with a mix of pride, gratitude, and emotion. “I have decided to leave the team this summer,” he said, confirming the end of a remarkable ten-year association with Spurs. “I think it was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made in my football career. Playing football and being with one team for 10 years is something I am very proud of.”
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A Decade of Dedication
Son Heung-min’s decade-long journey with Tottenham Hotspur has been nothing short of legendary. Since joining the club from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, Son evolved into one of the Premier League’s finest and most consistent attackers. With 173 goals in 454 appearances, his impact on the pitch has been undeniable.
He also won the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season, becoming the first Asian player to do so. But beyond the goals and accolades, Son brought to Tottenham a combination of humility, relentless work ethic, and leadership that endeared him to fans around the world.
“When I first arrived at Tottenham 10 years ago, I was a young boy who couldn’t even speak English well,” Son reflected. “I’m leaving now as a man. I believe timing is crucial in saying goodbye, and now feels like the right time.”
That timing, by Son’s own admission, was guided by the club’s recent triumph — their 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final, ending a 17-year wait for silverware. “By winning the Europa League, I thought I’d done everything I could and achieved,” he said.
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A Grateful Farewell
Son’s announcement marks the end of a transformative chapter at Tottenham. Manager Thomas Frank, who succeeded Ange Postecoglou earlier this year, paid glowing tribute to his outgoing captain. “He’s truly a Spurs legend in every aspect,” Frank said. “I like that the club has been open to it because it is never, never easy to find that perfect timing … I think it is probably the perfect timing, going out on a high.”
Indeed, for a club that has often struggled with consistency and expectations, Son has been a constant force — providing goals, assists, and an unshakeable sense of leadership.
Son’s influence extended far beyond the pitch. He served as a role model for countless young fans in both England and South Korea, inspiring a new generation of players in Asia and around the world. His humility and sportsmanship won him admiration even from rival fans.
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The Next Chapter: MLS Bound?
While Son has not formally announced his next club, widespread speculation suggests he may be headed to Major League Soccer in the United States. Reports from British media link him with Los Angeles FC, a club that has previously signed big names like Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini.
If the move materializes, it will mark a significant change in Son’s career — a shift from the relentless competitiveness of the Premier League to a league that offers a different kind of challenge and lifestyle. Such a decision may also allow him to manage his physical load better as he approaches the twilight years of his playing days.
“Finding a place where I can play football happily is important,” Son said. “That’s what I’m contemplating.”
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On the International Front
Equally significant is Son’s subtle but clear hint about his international retirement after the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With 51 international goals, he stands as the second-highest scorer in South Korean history, behind the legendary Cha Bum-kun.
“The World Cup is the most important,” Son said. “It could be my last World Cup, so it’s crucial that I give it my all.”
Having made his senior international debut in 2010 against Syria, Son has been the cornerstone of South Korea’s footballing ambitions for over a decade. He captained the side during the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and is expected to play a vital role in leading the team into the expanded 48-team tournament in 2026.
If this turns out to be his swansong on the international stage, Son will be remembered not just as a goal scorer but as the beating heart of a generation that brought South Korean football into the global limelight with unmatched consistency and class.
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End of an Era
Son’s departure from Spurs brings the curtain down on a golden era for both player and club. In many ways, he has redefined what it means to be a modern footballer from Asia — not just by statistics, but through attitude, professionalism, and quiet determination.
His story is one of perseverance. From a teenager navigating life in Hamburg to a Premier League icon leading one of England’s biggest clubs, Son’s rise has been nothing short of inspirational.
Though his departure will leave a significant void at Tottenham, there’s also a sense of completeness in his exit — a final chapter written with a trophy and heartfelt gratitude.
“It was the place where I grew a lot as a football player and a person, so I have a very grateful heart,” Son said about his time in London.
As for Spurs, the task of replacing a figure like Son is monumental. Few players combine flair and humility with such effortless grace. While Tottenham prepares for life without their long-serving captain, fans will hope that his legacy becomes the foundation on which the next chapter is built.
Legacy Beyond Goals
Son’s influence can’t be measured purely in goals and assists. He has been an ambassador for Asian football, breaking stereotypes and earning respect in one of the toughest leagues in the world. His dedication, loyalty, and quiet leadership have made him a rare breed — a modern footballer who carried the spirit of the game with him.
His likely move to the MLS, should it happen, will open new avenues for fan engagement, football diplomacy, and the sport’s growth in North America. If he does hang up his boots after the 2026 World Cup, Son will retire having given his all — just as he promised — to the beautiful game.
For now, as he prepares to don the Spurs shirt one last time in front of a home crowd in Seoul, the world watches — to celebrate not just the goals he scored, but the joy he brought with each one.
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