A Decade-Long Mission
Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min, speaking to Korean media at Hotspur Way on May 12, 2025, revealed his enduring motivation for staying with the club since 2015: to achieve the “final piece” of his career puzzle—a trophy. Despite transfer interest from clubs like PSG and Bayern Munich, per The Guardian, the 32-year-old, who has 173 goals and 101 assists in 452 appearances, remains committed to ending Tottenham’s 17-year silverware drought. “I stayed because I wanted to do something others couldn’t,” Son said, per The Independent. Returning from a seven-match injury layoff, he’s now focused on leading Spurs against Manchester United in the Europa League final on May 21 in Bilbao. On X, @SpursOfficial lauded his “unwavering passion,” while @Football_LDN called him “Spurs’ heartbeat.”
Learning from Past Finals
Son, the 2022 Premier League Golden Boot winner, reflected on Tottenham’s losses in the 2019 Champions League and 2021 Carabao Cup finals. “I learned from those failures,” he told reporters, emphasizing the need to share his experience with younger players like Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie. Spurs’ 3-1 semi-final aggregate win over Bodø/Glimt, despite missing James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, showcased their depth, with Son’s return in a 2-0 Crystal Palace win boosting morale, per Opta’s 19 Europa League goals stat. “This feels different,” Son said, fueled by fan support. His video call with Harry Kane, who won the Bundesliga with Bayern, inspired him further, as he aims to replicate that success. @SkySportsPL on X predicted Son’s “defining moment” in Bilbao.
Final Push for Glory
With Tottenham 16th in the Premier League, the final offers a chance for redemption and Champions League qualification. Son’s determination—“I want to win more than anyone”—and fitness focus underscore his leadership. Facing United, whom Spurs beat three times this season (3-0, 1-0, 4-3), Son sees a “unique opportunity.” “For the fans back home, I want to bring a great gift,” he said, per The Athletic. As Postecoglou, possibly in his last Spurs match, chases his “second-year trophy” pledge, Son’s resolve could tip the scales in a clash both teams view as season-defining.
