One of Asia's greatest-ever footballers, Son Heungmin's array of achievements mean his legacy has long been secured. A Korea Republic and Tottenham Hotspur legend, he is now plying his trade for LAFC in MLS.

Son is primed to feature in his fourth FIFA World Cup™ and remains his nation's undoubted talisman. He will be out to create more magic moments on the global stage.

Son’s achievements and attributes

Son has established himself among the world’s elite forwards, combining explosive pace with a sharp eye for goal. Yet his qualities extend beyond scoring. While some may not immediately associate him with playmaking, his record tells a different story. Between 2015 and 2025, he recorded double-digit assists in three Premier League seasons, underlining his creative influence.

Having made his Bundesliga debut at just 18, Son scored 49 goals across spells with Hamburg and Leverkusen before moving to Tottenham at the age of 23 in 2015. There, he established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout players. His unforgettable solo goal against Burnley in December 2019, beating seven opponents before slotting home, earned him both the FIFA Puskás Award and the Premier League Goal of the Season.

Son tributes

"He's a top man, a really good guy. If I am to give an example, if I had to find a husband for my daughter, I'd like it to be a person like him."

Antonio Conte

"We really love each other. He was one of the most important players during my period at Tottenham. What he is going to add to MLS, I think he's the type of player that's going to help in the evolution of the game."

Mauricio Pochettino

“You know how many times Son punishes us the last seven, eight years? … Oh my God.”

Pep Guardiola

“It was a very special connection. It was a huge honour playing with him … For me, he's one of the best in the world."

Harry Kane

“One of the biggest mistakes in my life is not signing Son Heungmin."

Jurgen Klopp

Son trivia

Born in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, Son began playing football under the guidance of his father, a former professional player. One of the most remarkable aspects of his development is that he did not join a formal team until the age of 13.

In 2008, Son was selected for a Korea Football Association overseas development programme and joined Hamburg’s youth academy. His performances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ in 2009 convinced the club to offer him a full contract, recognising him as a player who had proven his potential.

Jadi Andalan Tim, Ini Gaji Son Heung-min vs Bukayo Saka - Espos.id

Son stats

● Son holds the record for the most appearances in Korea Republic history, with 140 caps. With 54 international goals, he is closing in on Cha Bumkun’s all-time record of 58.

● Son has scored three goals at the World Cup – a joint national record alongside Ahn Junghwan and Park Jisung. A single goal in the 2026 tournament will bring him level with Japan's Keisuke Honda for the most goals scored by an Asian player at the World Cup.

● He is the first and only Asian player to be part the Premier League’s 100-goal club.

● Son and Harry Kane combined for 47 goals in the Premier League between 2016 and 2023, setting a competition record for a duo and surpassing Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard’s tally of 36.
● During his ten-year spell at Tottenham, Son recorded four Premier League hat-tricks, a feat achieved by only 15 players in the competition’s history.

● Renowned for his two-footed ability, Son’s dominant foot is his right, but his left is equally effective. In his 2021/22 Golden Boot-winning season, he scored 23 goals – 11 with his right foot and 12 with his left.

After joining LAFC, he made an immediate impact, winning the MLS Goal of the Year award for a free-kick against San Jose Earthquakes.

Live South Korea vs Czech - FIFA World Cup