‘Dream comes true’ for Spurs’ Korean captain Son Heung-min

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min celebrating with the trophy after winning the Europa League final on May 21. PHOTO: REUTERS

UPDATED May 22, 2025, 07:30 AM

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BILBAO, Spain - Son Heung-min said he is the “happiest man in the world” after lifting the Europa League trophy to end his wait to win a title with Tottenham.

The South Korea international, who joined the club 10 years ago, is Spurs’ fifth-highest scorer of all time but had not won any silverware until a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21.

“Wow, an feeling amazing!” Son, who was left out of the starting line-up by manager Ange Postecoglou following his recent return from injury, told TNT Sports.

“Today is the day the dream came true. Happiest man in the world to be honest.”

Son was the only member of the Spurs side who lost the Champions League final in 2019 to play a part in another European final six years on.

After a number of near-misses over the past decade, the 32-year-old said he felt the pressure to deliver.

“I felt the pressure,” he added. “I wanted it so badly. The last seven days I was dreaming about this game every single day. Finally it happened, I can rest easy.

“Today is the day we can celebrate. Maybe I’ll miss the flight (home)!”

Victory also secures Tottenham’s place in next season’s Champions League despite languishing 17th in the Premier League after a dismal domestic season.

Son has a huge following back in his homeland and had a special word of thanks to the Korean fans who stayed up through the night in Asia to watch his success.

“I’m very proud to be Korean. I want to saw thank you to the Korean fans,” he said. “It was 4am (kick-off) there and they are supporting me like crazy.” AFP

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