Son Heung-min Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 18, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few players embody excellence, humility, and leadership quite like Son Heung-min.
Now 32 years old, the South Korean superstar stands not only as Tottenham Hotspur’s greatest modern icon and captain of the national team, but as a global ambassador for Asian football and a symbol of perseverance, precision, and sportsmanship.
From his humble beginnings in Chuncheon to lifting the Premier League Golden Boot and carrying the hopes of a nation, Son’s journey is one of quiet determination and historic achievement.
Then: The Boy from Chuncheon – A Dream Forged in Discipline (1992–2010)
1. Early Life and Football Roots
Born on July 8, 1992, in Chuncheon, South Korea, Son Heung-min was raised in a family that valued hard work, discipline, and education. His father, Son Woong-jung, a former semi-professional footballer, became his first coach—instilling a rigorous training regimen from age five.
Son’s daily routine as a child included:
- 1,000 ball touches before school
- Dribbling drills with cones
- Vision and reaction training
- Strict diet and fitness routines
This foundation gave him exceptional ball control, balance, and mental focus—traits that would later define his professional career.
2. Rise Through the Ranks in Korea
At 16, Son joined Hamburger SV’s youth academy in Germany after being scouted during a youth tournament. He left home to pursue his dream, becoming one of the first Korean teenagers to train in Europe without prior professional experience.
By 2010, Son Heung-min made his senior debut for Hamburger SV, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his pace, finishing, and maturity. In 109 appearances, he scored 20 goals, proving Asian players could thrive in Europe’s top leagues.
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The Rise: Bundesliga Star and National Hero (2013–2015)
1. Move to Bayer Leverkusen – A Star is Born
In 2013, Son Heung-min transferred to Bayer 04 Leverkusen for €10 million, a then-record for an Asian player. At Leverkusen, he exploded onto the continental stage:
- Scored 29 goals in 87 appearances
- Excelled in the UEFA Champions League, including a hat-trick against CSKA Moscow
- Named KFA Player of the Year (2013, 2014)
His performances attracted attention from Premier League giants.
2. Breakthrough on the International Stage
Son became a national icon during the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2015 AFC Asian Cup, where he led South Korea’s attack with flair and determination. Though the team didn’t win silverware, Son’s individual brilliance—especially his speed and long-range shooting—earned global praise.
He also won gold at the 2018 Asian Games, a pivotal moment that exempted him from mandatory military service in South Korea—a national burden he had long sought to avoid through sporting success.
Now: The Tottenham Legend and Captain Fantastic (2015–2025)
1. Arrival at Tottenham – A New Era Begins
In August 2015, Son Heung-min joined Tottenham Hotspur for £22 million, then a record fee for an Asian player. Under managers Mauricio Pochettino, José Mourinho, and Antonio Conte, Son evolved into one of the Premier League’s most lethal forwards.
By 2025, his achievements at Spurs include:
- Over 160 goals in all competitions – club’s second-highest foreign scorer
- Premier League Golden Boot winner (2021–22) – shared with Mohamed Salah, becoming the first Asian player to win the award
- All-time Premier League assists leader among Asian players
- Club captain since 2023, following Harry Kane’s departure
He formed one of the most feared attacking duos in football history with Harry Kane, combining for over 40 goal partnerships.
2. Historic Moments and Defining Performances
- 2019 UEFA Champions League Final: Scored crucial goals in the knockout stages, including a brace against Borussia Dortmund and a vital goal in the semifinal against Ajax.
- Perfect Hat-Trick (2023): Scored with his right foot, left foot, and head in a 5–0 win over Aston Villa—only the second player in Premier League history to do so twice.
- 100th Premier League Goal (2023): Reached the milestone in a 2–0 win over Manchester City, becoming a symbol of consistency and excellence.
3. Leadership as Captain
Since being named Tottenham captain in 2023, Son has led the club through a transitional phase. In 2024–25, under new manager Ange Postecoglou, he embraced a deeper, more creative role—mentoring young stars like James Maddison, Heung-Min Son Jr. (no relation), and Dejan Kulusevski.
His leadership is defined by:
- Leading by example – training intensity, professionalism
- Mentoring younger players – especially Asian talents
- Calmness under pressure – often the penalty taker in high-stakes matches
Fans affectionately call him “Sonny” or “Captain Son”—a sign of deep respect.
Related: Jamal Musiala Then and Now
International Career: The Eternal Torchbearer for Korea
1. Record-Breaking National Team Career
As of 2025, Son is:
- South Korea’s all-time top scorer with over 45 international goals
- Most-capped outfield player for the national team
- Captain since 2022
He has represented Korea in:
- FIFA World Cup 2014, 2018, 2022
- AFC Asian Cup 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023
At the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, he led Korea to the final, scoring 6 goals, including a stunning long-range strike against Iran. Though they lost to Qatar in a penalty shootout, Son was named Player of the Tournament.
2. A Symbol of National Pride
In South Korea, Son is more than a footballer—he’s a national hero. His image appears on:
- Subway murals
- School textbooks
- Government campaigns promoting sports and youth development
He has received numerous honors, including:
- Order of Sport Merit (2018)
- Honorary Citizen of Seoul
- Named in TIME100 Next (2020)
Related: Pedri Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Son remains one of football’s most humble and grounded superstars. Despite his fame, he:
- Lives modestly in North London
- Avoids flashy lifestyle or social media drama
- Donates regularly to children’s hospitals and disaster relief in Korea and beyond
He is fluent in Korean, English, and German, and often serves as a cultural bridge between East and West.
In 2023, he launched the Son Heung-min Foundation, supporting young athletes from underprivileged backgrounds and funding football academies in rural Korea.
Related: Bukayo Saka Then and Now
Cultural Impact and Legacy (As of 2025)
Son Heung-min has transformed the perception of Asian players in global football:
- Proved that Asian athletes can be elite, consistent, and world-class
- Inspired millions across Asia to pursue football professionally
- Opened doors for players from Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, and Southeast Asia
He is often compared to legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski for his finishing, work rate, and longevity—but his style is uniquely his own: silent, efficient, and devastating.
His signature celebration—crossing his arms like an arrow—has become iconic, symbolizing focus, precision, and calm.
Related: Bruno Fernandes Then and Now
Conclusion: Son Heung-min – Then and Now (2025)
- Then: A 16-year-old boy from Chuncheon, leaving home to train in Germany, dreaming of playing in Europe.
- Now: A Premier League Golden Boot winner, Tottenham captain, South Korea’s greatest ever player, and global icon.
As 2025 unfolds, Son Heung-min stands at a crossroads—not of decline, but of legacy. He may no longer be the fastest winger, but he remains one of the smartest, most lethal, and most respected players in the game.
He hasn’t won a Premier League title—yet—but his impact transcends trophies. He has elevated a club, inspired a continent, and redefined what’s possible for Asian athletes on the world stage.
And as long as he wears the white of Tottenham or the red of Korea, one truth remains:
Son Heung-min doesn’t need headlines to be a hero.
He just needs the ball, the pitch, and the will to win.
⚽ “I play for my father, my country, and every child who dares to dream beyond borders.” – Son Heung-min
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