As Son Heung-Min prepares to depart Tottenham Hotspur for Los Angeles FC, the South Korean superstar leaves behind a legacy that cements him as one of the club’s all-time greats. Over his decade-long tenure in North London, Son transformed from a promising young talent into a global icon, a prolific goalscorer, and the captain who delivered Tottenham’s first major trophy in 17 years. His impact transcends statistics, weaving a narrative of dedication, leadership, and unforgettable moments that will resonate with Spurs fans for generations.
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— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 3, 2025
Heung-Min Son waves goodbye to Tottenham Hotspur after an incredible 10 years with the club 🤍 pic.twitter.com/co4oBSPkQt
A Journey from Leverkusen to Legend
Son arrived at Tottenham in August 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen for £22 million, a relatively modest fee for a 23-year-old with potential but no guarantee of Premier League success. Unable to speak fluent English and adapting to a new culture, the young forward faced challenges early on. Yet, his infectious smile, relentless work rate, and natural flair quickly endeared him to fans and teammates alike. Over the next 10 years, Son would become synonymous with Tottenham’s modern era, etching his name into the club’s history books.
With 454 appearances and 173 goals, Son ranks fourth on Tottenham’s all-time goalscorers list. His 198 Premier League goal contributions (goals and assists) place him among the competition’s elite, a testament to his consistency and versatility. But numbers only tell part of the story. Son’s ability to deliver in clutch moments, his partnership with Harry Kane, and his leadership as captain define a career that elevated Tottenham’s ambitions.
The Kane-Son Partnership: A Premier League Benchmark
One of Son’s most enduring contributions was his telepathic partnership with Harry Kane. Together, they formed the deadliest striker duo in Premier League history, combining for 47 goals assisted to each other across 229 games. The 2020/21 season was the pinnacle, with 14 goals directly resulting from their interplay, a single-season record. Whether it was Son’s pinpoint crosses finding Kane’s head or Kane’s through-balls unleashing Son’s blistering pace, their synergy was a joy to watch.
While Kane, Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer, moved to Bayern Munich in 2023, Son stayed, embodying loyalty in an era of fleeting allegiances. His decision to remain through challenging seasons, including a disappointing 17th-place finish in 2024/25, underscored his commitment. Fans revered him not just for his skill but for his heart, a quality that shone brightest when he lifted the Europa League trophy in Bilbao in May 2025.
The Europa League Triumph: A Crowning Achievement
Son’s defining moment came in the 2025 Europa League final against Manchester United. Despite a foot injury limiting him to a substitute role, his influence throughout the competition was undeniable. The victory marked Tottenham’s first major trophy since 2008, and as captain, Son had the honor of lifting the silverware. For a player who had endured years of near-misses, including the 2019 Champions League final loss, this was a crowning achievement. “Winning the Europa League made me feel I had achieved everything I could here,” Son said in a press conference on August 2, 2025, reflecting on his decision to seek a new challenge.
The Bilbao triumph was more than a trophy; it was a vindication of Son’s loyalty. Unlike predecessors like Kane, Gareth Bale, and Luka Modric, who left to chase silverware elsewhere, Son stayed and delivered. His emotional lap of honor after Tottenham’s final game of the 2024/25 season against Brighton hinted at his impending departure, a poignant farewell to the fans who had embraced him as one of their own.
Moments of Magic: Iconic Goals and Leadership
Son’s legacy is punctuated by moments of brilliance. His solo run against Burnley in 2019, weaving through defenders before slotting home, remains one of the Premier League’s greatest individual goals. His long-range stunner against Arsenal and his eight goals against Manchester City showcased his knack for shining on the biggest stages.
As captain since 2023, Son led by example. His professionalism, even amidst transfer speculation, earned praise from new manager Thomas Frank and teammates. During Tottenham’s pre-season tour in Asia, culminating in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle in Seoul on August 3, 2025, Son’s teammates honored him with a guard of honour. The gesture, coupled with a standing ovation from his home fans, underscored his global impact, particularly in South Korea, where he is a cultural icon.
Why LAFC? A New Chapter
Son’s move to LAFC, finalized for a reported $20-26 million, marks a record-breaking transfer for MLS, surpassing the $22 million paid for Emmanuel Latte Lath. The move reunites him with former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and aligns with his desire for a fresh challenge ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which he called his “most important priority” in his farewell press conference. LAFC’s large Korean-American community and their competitive standing in the MLS Western Conference make it an ideal destination for Son to expand his legacy.
Despite interest from Saudi clubs offering more lucrative deals, Son’s preference for MLS reflects his focus on football over finances. Tottenham’s willingness to let him choose his path, with a transfer fee as low as €15 million, acknowledges his decade of service. As he prepares to join LAFC, potentially as early as next week, Son leaves Tottenham with the respect of the club and its supporters.
A Lasting Legacy
Son Heung-Min’s departure marks the end of an era for Tottenham. His infectious personality, relentless energy, and world-class talent made him a fan favorite, while his loyalty and leadership elevated him to legend status. From a young boy who arrived in London unable to speak English to a man who lifted a European trophy, Son’s journey is one of growth, resilience, and triumph.
As he heads to LAFC, Son leaves Tottenham not just as a player but as a symbol of what the club can achieve. His statue-worthy legacy will inspire future generations at White Hart Lane, where his name will forever be synonymous with joy, passion, and that unforgettable night in Bilbao.
