Key Points
- Son Heung-min, aged 33, returned to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of Tottenham’s 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase match against Slavia Prague on 10 December (Korean time) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, UK.
- The visit allowed Son to deliver a long-overdue farewell to fans after leaving Tottenham for LAFC in MLS in August 2024, following 10 years, 454 matches, 173 goals, and 101 assists.
- In a September 2024 interview, Son expressed regret over not properly bidding farewell, stating, “Tottenham is a place filled with memories from my life. I hope to properly say goodbye at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium someday.”
- Tottenham invited Son officially, unveiling a mural of his ‘click ceremony’ and Europa League victory; Son remarked, “It’s truly insane. The details are amazing. It includes everything from the ceremony to the trophy and my jersey number. I hope this legacy endures for a long time.”
- Fans gave a standing ovation; former teammates James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario embraced him.
- Son’s microphone speech: “I hope you haven’t forgotten me… It was truly an amazing 10 years. I will always be a part of Tottenham. This place is my home… I will never forget you. Please come to LA anytime. I love all of you. Go Tottenham!”
- Tottenham won 3-0 against Slavia Prague, with a goal from Xavi Simons (wearing Son’s former No. 7 jersey); Spurs now have 3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss (11 points), ninth in league phase, boosting Round of 16 chances.
- Post-match locker room reunions with Cristian Romero and Richarlison included jokes about Lionel Messi (“Messi won this year. I’ll win next year”) and playful arguments over Europa League ball; banter with “Gray” over contact details.
Son Heung-min’s Emotional Return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Captivates Fans and Former Teammates
Son Heung-min, the 33-year-old South Korean football icon, made a poignant return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 10 December (Korean time), ahead of Tottenham’s UEFA Champions League league phase clash with Slavia Prague. This visit marked the first time the former Spurs captain could properly bid farewell to the fans who adored him during his decade-long tenure. After departing for Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer (MLS) last August, Son had left North London without a formal goodbye, a regret that lingered until this emotional evening.
The event unfolded just before kick-off at the iconic London venue, transforming a routine UCL fixture into a celebration of legacy. Tottenham’s 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague amplified the night’s magic, propelling them to ninth in the league phase standings with 11 points from three wins, two draws, and one loss, enhancing their prospects for direct qualification to the Round of 16.
As reported by various Korean and UK media outlets covering the match, Tottenham had officially invited Son, honouring his contributions with a specially commissioned mural. This artwork captured his famous ‘click ceremony’ – the ritual where he clicked his heels in celebration – alongside scenes from Tottenham’s Europa League triumph and his jersey number.
Why Did Son Heung-min Leave Tottenham for LAFC?
Son’s departure came swiftly after a glittering 10-year spell at Tottenham, where he played 454 matches, scored 173 goals, and provided 101 assists. In August 2024, following pre-season commitments in Korea, he crossed the Atlantic to join LAFC, throwing down the gauntlet on the MLS stage. The move ended a chapter filled with highs, including captaining the side and becoming a club legend, but it denied him a proper send-off amid the rush.
That haste fuelled ongoing regret. In an interview last September, as covered extensively by Korean sports journalists, Son reflected candidly. He stated,
“Tottenham is a place filled with memories from my life. I hope to properly say goodbye at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium someday.”
This wish, echoed across reports from outlets like those compiling the original coverage, materialised on this UCL night.
What Tributes Did Tottenham Unveil for Son Heung-min?
Tottenham marked the occasion with flair. A mural at the stadium depicted key moments from Son’s career: the heel-click ceremony, the Europa League trophy lift, and his No. 7 jersey. Standing before it, dressed in a sharp grey long coat, Son could scarcely contain his awe.
“It’s truly insane. The details are amazing. It includes everything from the ceremony to the trophy and my jersey number. I hope this legacy endures for a long time,”
he exclaimed, as noted in eyewitness accounts from the scene. Fans rose in a thunderous standing ovation, their chants filling the air as Son appeared on the pitch-side.
Former teammates joined the warmth. Injured midfielder James Maddison and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario rushed to embrace him, their delight palpable. The reunion underscored Son’s enduring bonds with the squad.
What Did Son Heung-min Say in His Farewell Speech?
Seizing the microphone, Son addressed the roaring crowd with humility and affection. He opened with a light-hearted plea: “I hope you haven’t forgotten me.” The stadium erupted.
He continued, pouring out his heart:
“It was truly an amazing 10 years. I will always be a part of Tottenham. This place is my home.”
Building to a crescendo, he declared,
“I will never forget you. Please come to LA anytime. I love all of you. Go Tottenham!”
His name reverberated through the stands once more, a testament to his indelible impact.
This speech, captured live and relayed across broadcasts, fulfilled the promise from his September interview. It closed a circle, allowing Son to express gratitude he had long withheld.
How Did Tottenham Perform Against Slavia Prague?
The on-pitch action matched the pre-match sentiment. Tottenham dismantled Slavia Prague 3-0, a result that solidified their UCL momentum. Xavi Simons, who inherited Son’s revered No. 7 shirt, notched a goal, symbolising the seamless transition of legacy.
With this win, Spurs climbed to ninth in the league phase table, amassing 11 points. Their record now stands at three victories, two draws, and one defeat. Direct advancement to the Round of 16 beckons, making the night doubly triumphant.
What Happened in the Locker Room After the Match?
The celebrations extended into the locker room, where Son reunited with familiar faces. Amid hugs with defender Cristian Romero and forward Richarlison, laughter dominated. Jokes flew freely, blending nostalgia with banter.
When talk turned to Lionel Messi, Son quipped, “Messi won this year. I’ll win next year,” drawing chuckles. He playfully tussled with Richarlison over the Europa League-winning ball, refusing to yield. The mood peaked in a ‘contact details battle’ with Gray – likely referring to a teammate or staffer – turning the space into a sea of mirth.
Even briefly, Son reverted to captain mode, looking after his ex-colleagues. Tottenham reciprocated, treating him as a ‘living legend’.
Who Is Son Heung-min and What Is His Legacy at Tottenham?
Son Heung-min arrived at Tottenham in 2015, evolving from a promising winger into a global star and the club’s highest-scoring Asian player. His 173 goals and 101 assists spanned triumphs and trials, including the 2021-22 near-miss in the Premier League title race and Europa League success.
Post-departure, his LAFC stint has kept him in the spotlight, but Tottenham remains home. This return reaffirmed that. North London basked in ‘Son time’ once again, his influence undimmed.
