Heung-min Son Facts: 10 Interesting Facts Illuminating the Journey of The South Korean.
- Think Football Ideas
- Sep 5, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Full Name: Son Heung-min
Date of Birth: 8 July 1992
Place of Birth: Chuncheon-si, South Korea
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position: Winger/Forward
Current Team: Los Angeles FC
In the realm of football, few names resonate as strongly as Son Heung-min. The Tottenham Hotspur star is more than a remarkable athlete; he's a beacon of inspiration and a symbol of determination.
Heung-min Son, the South Korean football sensation born in Chuncheon in 1992, rose to stardom through FC Seoul in the K-League and made his mark in European football with Bundesliga side Hamburger SV in 2010.
However, it was at Tottenham Hotspur where he truly became a global superstar, known for his explosive pace, clinical finishing, and memorable partnership with Harry Kane. Beyond the pitch, there's a fascinating tapestry of anecdotes that define Son's journey
Join us as we delve into the captivating world of this extraordinary South Korean player, uncovering 10 Heung-min Son facts that shed light on the man behind the jersey.
Below Are 10 Interesting Facts About Heung-min Son
1. He is A Global Icon and Korean Pride
Son Heung-min isn’t just admired in South Korea, he’s revered. A source of immense national pride, he has consistently ranked in the top 3 of Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40, thanks to his footballing success and cultural impact.
His performances brought diversity to Spurs' fanbase, with thousands of South Korean supporters making pilgrimages to London to watch him live.
2. His Bundesliga Sojourn was Promising
Before lighting up the Premier League, Son impressed in the Bundesliga with Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the highest-scoring Asian player in the league’s history at the time. It was this foundation that propelled him to stardom in the England top-flight with Tottenham Hotspur.
3. He Was Part of The Terrific Triad
The former Tottenham Hotspur attacking trident, known as "The Terrific Triad," featured Son alongside Harry Kane and Lucas Moura. Their on-field synergy produced countless memorable moments and crucial goals, solidifying Son’s role as a cornerstone of Spurs' attacking force.
Though they've all moved on, Son left behind an elite legacy: 127 goals and 71 assists in the Premier League, ranking 16th all-time in goals, 17th in assists, and 13th in combined goal involvements (198). He scored more goals than Ian Wright and provided more assists than Eden Hazard - truly elite company.
4. He is Asian Football's Crown Jewel
Son Heung-min's success goes beyond his club football career. His notable performances in international competitions have earned him the title of "Asian Football's Crown Jewel." His influence runs deep, inspiring young footballers throughout the continent.
When the Spurs winger expressed his delight at scoring his 100th Premier League goal, he said: 'I want Asian players to believe.' Additionally, he ranks 5th in Tottenham's all-time goal scorers list.
5. He Rose Through Loyalty At Spurs
Son Heung-min's journey has been defined by a rare blend of resilience and loyalty. He famously postponed his mandatory military service to pursue his footballing dream, a decision rooted in unwavering dedication. While stars like Luka Modrić, Gareth Bale, and even Harry Kane departed Spurs in pursuit of silverware, Son chose a different path.
In 2021, at the peak of his powers and with interest from top clubs, he committed his future to Spurs by signing a new long-term deal. That loyalty was eventually rewarded in 2025 when he helped deliver the UEFA Europa League title, which was the club’s first major trophy in 17 years.
6. He is Asia’s Greatest Ever Player
Son Heung-min has set records, yes, but he has redefined what's possible for Asian footballers on the global stage. He became the first Asian player to score over 100 goals in the Premier League, the first to win the Golden Boot (in 2021/22), and has been named Best Footballer in Asia an astonishing eight times.
His impact goes beyond England. He is also the all-time top Asian goalscorer in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In doing so, he hasn’t just broken barriers, he has completely reset the standard for what Asian players can achieve at the highest level.
7. He Has A Remarkable Friendship
Son's camaraderie with fellow player Kevin Wimmer is heartwarming. Despite language barriers, the two forged a strong bond at Tottenham. Their friendship serves as a reminder of the unifying power of football that transcends cultural and linguistic differences.
8. He Harbours Inspirational Resilience
Son's career-defining moment came in the form of his recovery from injury in 2020. He demonstrated remarkable resilience after a severe arm fracture, defying expectations to return to the pitch ahead of schedule.
Another instance where Son Heung Min showed his resilience was when he was close to being ruled out of the 2022 Qatar World Cup because of a severe injury he sustained in Tottenham’s Champions League tie against Marseille. Son sustained an orbital socket fracture and had to undergo surgery on the 4th of November.
However, he assured fans on social media that he would be back in action, and he did captain his home nation, South Korea, in Qatar. At the time, he wrote: “Playing for your country at the World Cup is the dream of so many children growing up, just as it was one of mine too. I won’t miss this for the world. I can’t wait to represent our beautiful country.”
9. He is the Son of a Football Coach & a Retired player
Son’s dad, Son Woong Jung, was passionate and very involved in football. His love for the sport set him on the journey to becoming a professional player, but at 28 years old, his dream was hampered by an Achilles tendon injury.
10. History-Maker Against Reigning Champions
Tottenham Hotspur's captain, Son Heung-min, etched his name into the annals of football history as the first player ever to score away against four reigning champions. In a thrilling encounter against Manchester City that ended in a 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium, Son showcased his prowess by capitalising on a counter-attack just six minutes into the game.
With this remarkable goal, he joined an exclusive club of players who have found the net against the defending champions on their own turf. Son's achievement adds to his impressive goal-scoring record, having previously scored against the reigning champions Leicester, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
As Heung-Min Son continues to grace the football arena, his legacy transcends borders and cultures, embodying the universal spirit of perseverance and triumph.
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