Son Heung-min Leads South Korea at the World Cup

Son Heung-min, affectionately known as “Sonny,” grabbed headlines in August by transitioning from Tottenham Hotspur to Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer. This move is notable not only for its implications on the field but also because Son is arguably the most renowned Asian figure in soccer, with a following in South Korea that some say eclipses even K-pop stars.

Son left South Korea as a teenager, beginning his professional journey in Germany’s Bundesliga with teams such as Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen. In 2015, he joined Tottenham and played 454 matches. Before leaving, Son captained the Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years by clinching the UEFA Europa League championship.

On June 3, Son Heung-min was seen controlling the ball against El Salvador in Provo, Utah, demonstrating his consistent skill and prowess.

Renowned for his leadership both at the club and international levels, Son’s dynamism on the pitch is unmatched. His creative playmaking ability and adaptability have made him a threat to opponents everywhere. Son, a former Premier League Golden Boot awardee, is experiencing a scoring drought, but he leads MLS in assists, reflecting his strategic play. This might bode well for South Korea in the World Cup, which will be his fourth appearance at this elite level. South Korea faces Mexico as its major rival in the group stages, co-hosts of this World Cup.