Son Heung-min Leads Tottenham to UEFA Europa League Glory

Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) has once again demonstrated his leadership qualities. On May 27, Tottenham fan community 'Spurs Web' reported that fans would love Son's actions during the trophy celebration on Sunday. He led Tottenham to a European competition victory for the first time in 41 years, leaving a significant mark in the club's history. Son's special gesture on Sunday highlighted the immense meaning of Tottenham's success.

Tottenham clinched the UEFA Europa League (UEL) title on May 22, defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the final held at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain. The decisive goal came from Brennan Johnson in the 42nd minute of the first half.

This victory marked Tottenham's first trophy in 17 years since winning the League Cup in 2008. It was also their first European title since the 1983-1984 season when they won the UEFA Cup. Son celebrated his first major trophy after 15 years since his professional debut in Hamburg, shedding tears of joy as he lifted the trophy.

With this win, Tottenham secured a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League. Despite a disappointing Premier League season, finishing 17th, the UEL victory turned everything around. Manchester United, who had similar aspirations, fell short in a one-off match worth £100 million (approximately 186 billion KRW).

On May 26, Tottenham held a trophy celebration for fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after their final Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion, which ended in a 1-4 defeat. However, the result was overshadowed by the long-awaited trophy lift.

Son and the Tottenham squad enjoyed the victory celebration in front of their fans. As the captain, Son was the first to enter the pitch holding the UEL trophy amidst applause from club legends. Members from the 1983-1984 UEFA Cup-winning team presented the 'Guard of Honor' to the current players. Despite having already celebrated the victory, Son kept the 15 kg UEL trophy close, showcasing his pride.

Son greeted fans while receiving congratulations from legendary Tottenham players. After soaking in the joy of victory with the crowd, he finally handed the trophy to vice-captain James Maddison. Tottenham's social media shared a video of Son sitting at the stadium, gazing happily at the UEL trophy, captioning it "true legend."

Son also made sure to connect with the fans. Spurs Web reported that after the final match, he was once again engulfed in joy at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Almost all spectators remained in their seats to watch the players and staff perform a 'Lap of Honor' around the pitch.

After most players and their families completed a lap, they celebrated in front of the south stand. Interestingly, Son took a different route, stepping away from the group to make another lap around the stadium, waving and greeting supporters.

Football London noted that despite missing the match due to injury, Son led the team for the Lap of Honor, a natural duty for the club captain. He then sprinted to the south stand to raise the trophy for the 100th time, enjoying the celebration.

Afterward, Son moved towards the tunnel, where he shook hands with all the Tottenham legends who had formed the Guard of Honor. He continued to celebrate with fans who had stayed to cheer on the players.

Son has undoubtedly established himself as a 'living legend' at Tottenham. Since the club's founding in 1882, only three captains, including Son, have lifted the UEL trophy. The others were Alan Mullery in the 1971-1972 season and Perryman in the 1983-1984 season.

Son is now the third captain in Tottenham's history to join this prestigious list. The club shared images of Mullery, Perryman, and Son with the trophy on social media, stating, "Son Heung-min joins the elite group of Tottenham captains who have lifted a European trophy. A recognized Tottenham legend."

Fans echoed this sentiment, with Spurs Web stating, "If Son wasn't already a Tottenham legend, he certainly is now. He is the one who led the team to its first trophy since 2008."

Looking ahead, Son is expected to continue his career at Tottenham next season. Spurs Web mentioned that just a few months ago, there were rumors that Son's time at Tottenham might end this summer. However, after rewriting history, it is clear that Son will want to stay and pursue more victories with the club. Regardless of who the manager is next season, the club is expected to reward Son with a new contract.