After 10 incredible years at Tottenham Hotspur, Son Heung-min has decided it’s time to say goodbye. The 33-year-old soccer star from South Korea announced on Saturday that he will leave the club this summer. The news came during a press conference in Seoul, South Korea, where Spurs are currently playing on their preseason tour.
This is a big moment in soccer, especially for fans of Son Heung-min and Tottenham. He wasn’t just another player—he was the team captain, a leader, and one of the club’s best-ever goal scorers. Since joining the team in 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen, a club in Germany, Son Heung-min played in over 450 matches and scored 173 goals for Tottenham.
Let’s take a look at why Son Heung-min decided to leave, how much he meant to the club, and what might be next for this soccer legend.
Son Heung-min Announces His Decision
Before the press conference even started, Son spoke directly to reporters with emotion.
“Before we start the press conference, I wanted to say I have decided to leave the club this summer,” Son said.
He thanked the club for understanding and supporting his decision.
“Respectfully, the club is helping me with this decision,” he added.
Even though Son didn’t say which club he will join next, there are rumors that he might move to the MLS (Major League Soccer) in the United States. That would be a big move, and many American fans would be thrilled to see him play in their country.
A Hard Goodbye
Son Heung-min said this was the hardest decision he has ever made in his career. After all, he had spent a decade at the same club.
“It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career,” he said. “Such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision.”
He explained that after winning the Europa League title in May, he felt like it might be the right time to move on.
“Winning a title in Europe felt like I had achieved everything I possibly could,” Son said. “I spent a lot of time reflecting on whether I wanted to experience football in a different environment.”
This victory was very special because it was Tottenham’s first European trophy in 41 years! That means no Spurs team had won a European competition since 1984. Son said that lifting the trophy played a big role in his decision to leave, as it made him feel like he had accomplished his biggest goal at the club.
From Young Star to Club Legend
Son Heung-min remembered how young he was when he first joined Tottenham.
“I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, such a young age. I leave this club as a grown man, a very proud man,” he said.
He really grew up at the club—on and off the field. In the past 10 years, he became one of the most popular and respected players in the Premier League, which is considered by many to be the toughest soccer league in the world.
Here’s a fun fact: Son Heung-min is the highest-scoring Asian player in Premier League history! That’s a huge achievement, especially since many great players from all over the world dream of playing in England.
A Coach’s Tribute
Tottenham’s new manager, Thomas Frank, also spoke about Son’s decision. Frank only joined the club in June after coaching at Brentford, another Premier League team.
“For me, personally, I would have loved to have worked with this fantastic person and player,” Frank said. “He is a true Spurs legend in every aspect, one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League.”
Even though Frank won’t get the chance to coach Son, he clearly respects him a lot.
🇰🇷 A Hero’s Return Home
Spurs are currently in South Korea for their preseason tour, and their next match will be against Newcastle United on Sunday. The game will be played in Seoul, and it’s sure to be an emotional one.
Son will likely receive a huge round of applause from the home fans, who love him dearly. He’s not just a soccer player in South Korea—he’s a national hero. In 2018, he even helped the South Korean national team win a gold medal at the Asian Games, which earned him an exemption from military service.
What’s Next for Spurs?
Tottenham now has to move forward without their captain and top star. So far, the team has had a pretty quiet summer in the transfer market.
Their only big signing so far is Mohammed Kudus, an attacking midfielder from West Ham United. Kudus had a strong season last year and is known for his speed, dribbling, and creativity.
Tottenham also tried to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest. But the £60 million deal (that’s around $76 million) didn’t go through, so he will stay at his current club.
Son Heung-min’s Legacy at Tottenham
Son Heung-min will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in Tottenham’s history. Here are just a few of his career highlights at the club:
173 goals in over 450 matches
Helped Spurs win the Europa League in 2025
Won the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season (tied with Mohamed Salah)
Named Tottenham’s Player of the Season multiple times
Became the first Asian player to score over 100 Premier League goals
He also made history in 2019 when he helped lead Tottenham to the Champions League Final. Even though Spurs lost to Liverpool, reaching the final was a massive achievement for the club.
Final Thoughts
Son Heung-min’s departure is the end of an era for Tottenham. He was more than just a great player—he was a role model, a leader, and a symbol of dedication.
For young soccer fans, Son Heung-min’s story is inspiring. He showed that with hard work, passion, and a positive attitude, it’s possible to rise from humble beginnings and make a huge impact on the world’s biggest stage.
Wherever Son Heung-min goes next, his fans will follow—and Tottenham will never forget him.
Did You Know?
The Premier League started in 1992 and is watched in over 200 countries!
Son Heung-min scored the Premier League Goal of the Season in 2020 with a stunning solo run from his own half.
Tottenham’s nickname is “Spurs,” and their stadium is called the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.