Son Heung-min will make an emotional return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, marking his first visit to north London since departing the club in August after a decade of extraordinary service. The South Korean legend will bid farewell to Tottenham supporters before the club’s UEFA Champions League fixture against SK Slavia Praha, finally receiving the proper send-off he was denied during his summer departure.
Tottenham confirmed on December 3 that their former captain will take to the pitch before the team walk-outs ahead of the 8:00pm kick-off against the Czech champions. Son will have the opportunity to personally address the supporters who embraced him following his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, bringing closure to a relationship that transformed him into one of the most beloved figures in modern Spurs history.
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The Departure That Never Felt Complete
Son’s exit from Tottenham was complicated by circumstances that prevented him from saying goodbye to the fans who watched him grow from promising winger to club captain and Europa League winner. The 33-year-old announced his departure in August during Tottenham’s pre-season tour of South Korea, describing it as the most difficult decision of his career. His final match in a Spurs shirt took place not at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but at Seoul World Cup Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd of adoring Korean fans.
The timing of Son’s announcement during the Asian tour meant that Tottenham’s home supporters never received the opportunity to properly celebrate his contributions or express their gratitude. After the friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul, which ended 1-1, Son moved directly to Los Angeles to complete his transfer to Los Angeles FC, bypassing London entirely. When the 67th minute substitution came in that Seoul match, players from both teams spontaneously formed a guard of honour, recognizing the significance of the moment.
Son joined LAFC for a reported fee of $26.5 million, shattering the MLS transfer record and becoming the league’s most high-profile acquisition in history. While the move represented an exciting new chapter for the South Korean superstar, the lack of closure with Tottenham’s home fans left an emotional void that both Son and the club felt needed addressing.
A Homecoming Long Anticipated
Speaking about his return, Son expressed the deep emotional significance of finally being able to say goodbye in person at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. His statement, released alongside Tottenham’s official announcement, conveyed both his happiness about the opportunity and his understanding of how important this moment is for everyone involved.
“When I announced my difficult decision to leave Spurs in the summer, it was in Korea and I never got a proper chance to say goodbye to fans at the stadium,” Son said. “Now I am so happy because I am going to come back to London on December 9, for the Champions League match, and be able to tell the Spurs fans in person just how much their support and love over 10 years has meant to me and my family. It will be emotional, but it’s important for me and the Club that this happens.“
The choice of a Champions League fixture for Son’s farewell carries additional significance. European competition has always represented the pinnacle of club football, and staging the event before a match against Slavia Prague ensures maximum attendance and atmosphere. The timing also works perfectly with Son’s schedule, as LAFC’s MLS season concluded on November 23 when they were eliminated from the playoffs by Vancouver Whitecaps in a penalty shootout.
Tottenham manager Hansi Flick and the club’s leadership have fully supported Son’s return, recognizing the importance of providing proper closure for both the player and the fanbase. The club worked closely with Son’s representatives and the Fan Advisory Board to coordinate the logistics and ensure the occasion receives the respect and attention it deserves.
A Decade of Excellence in North London
To understand the magnitude of Son’s farewell, one must appreciate the extraordinary career he built at Tottenham. When he arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for £22 million in August 2015, becoming the most expensive Asian player in football history at the time, few could have predicted the impact he would have over the next decade.
Son made 454 appearances for Tottenham across all competitions, scoring 173 goals and establishing himself as the club’s fifth all-time leading goalscorer. Only Jimmy Greaves, Bobby Smith, Harry Kane, and Martin Chivers have scored more goals in Lilywhite. His 173 goals leave him just one behind the legendary Martin Chivers, who spearheaded Tottenham to two League Cup victories and a UEFA Cup triumph in the early 1970s.
In the Premier League specifically, Son’s numbers are even more impressive. He scored 127 goals and registered 71 assists in 333 appearances, contributing to 198 goals combined. Those statistics rank him 16th in all-time Premier League goalscorers and 17th in all-time assists. For combined goal involvements, Son sits 13th on the Premier League’s all-time chart, placing him alongside undisputed legends like Wayne Rooney, Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard, Andrew Cole, Teddy Sheringham, and Mohamed Salah.
Son became one of only seven players in Premier League history to rank in both the top 20 for goals and top 20 for assists. He scored more Premier League goals than Dwight Yorke or Ian Wright and registered more assists than Paul Scholes or Eden Hazard. The statistical evidence alone confirms that Spurs fans witnessed genuine greatness during Son’s decade at the club.
Beyond the numbers, Son produced countless magical moments that defined his Tottenham career. His stunning solo goal against Burnley in December 2019 earned him the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal in world football. Starting inside his own half, Son collected the ball, glided past multiple defenders with blistering pace and brilliant close control, and finished with clinical precision. The goal became an iconic representation of everything that made Son special: explosive speed, two-footed ability, and ruthless finishing.
The Golden Boot and Historic Achievements
The 2021-22 season represented the pinnacle of Son’s individual achievements at Tottenham. Under Antonio Conte’s management, Son recorded his best-ever goal tally, netting 23 Premier League goals to jointly win the Golden Boot award with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. In doing so, he became the first Asian player in history to claim the Premier League’s most prestigious individual honor.
Son’s Golden Boot triumph carried enormous significance beyond Tottenham. Across Asia, particularly in South Korea, his achievement was celebrated as a moment of national pride. His success raised the profile of Asian footballers throughout Europe and inspired countless young players dreaming of reaching similar heights. Forbes Korea Power Celebrity rankings have listed Son since 2019, with the forward placing second in 2024, testament to his status as a cultural icon transcending sport.
In April 2023, Son reached another historic milestone when he became the first Asian player to score 100 Premier League goals. The century arrived during a crucial period of Tottenham’s season, and Son’s continued excellence helped establish him as not just the greatest Asian player in Premier League history, but one of the competition’s all-time finest forwards regardless of nationality.
Beyond individual accolades, Son also holds Tottenham’s Premier League assist record. He surpassed Darren Anderton in December 2024 and finished his Spurs career with 71 Premier League assists, demonstrating his complete offensive game. Son wasn’t simply a goalscorer; he created chances, linked play, and made teammates better through his movement, vision, and unselfish approach.
The Kane and Son Partnership
One of the defining narratives of Son’s Tottenham career was his extraordinary partnership with Harry Kane. Together, they formed one of the most productive duos in Premier League history, combining for 47 goals through direct assists. Son assisted 23 goals for Kane, while Kane returned the favor with 24 assists for Son, making them the most prolific partnership in Premier League history and breaking the previous record set by Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard at Chelsea.
Their connection peaked during Mauricio Pochettino’s reign when Tottenham challenged for the Premier League title in 2016-17 and reached the 2019 UEFA Champions League final. Kane and Son developed an almost telepathic understanding, with their complementary styles creating devastating attacking combinations. Kane’s ability to drop deep and pick passes perfectly suited Son’s explosive runs in behind defenses.
The partnership survived multiple managerial changes, continuing to flourish under Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo, Antonio Conte, and finally Ange Postecoglou. Even as the team around them evolved, Kane and Son remained constants, their understanding transcending tactical systems and coaching philosophies. When Kane departed for Bayern Munich in August 2023, many questioned whether Son could maintain his productivity without his longtime partner.
Son answered those doubts emphatically. He seamlessly transitioned into Tottenham’s primary attacking threat, taking on greater goalscoring responsibilities while mentoring younger players like Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, and Richarlison. Under Postecoglou’s attacking system, Son thrived as captain, demonstrating leadership qualities that extended beyond his on-field contributions.
The Europa League Triumph
Son’s final season at Tottenham delivered the crowning achievement that had eluded him throughout his career: major silverware. Appointed club captain by Ange Postecoglou in 2023, Son led Tottenham to UEFA Europa League glory in May 2025, defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the final in Bilbao, Spain. The victory ended Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought, with their previous silverware coming in the 2007-08 Football League Cup.
The images of Son lifting the Europa League trophy, tears streaming down his face as he celebrated with teammates, became instantly iconic. Throughout his decade at Tottenham, critics occasionally pointed to the lack of trophies as a gap in an otherwise stellar career. That critique was finally silenced in Bilbao, with Son becoming only the 13th captain in Tottenham’s long history to lift a major trophy.
The Europa League triumph held special significance because it represented vindication for Son’s loyalty to Tottenham through difficult periods. He had remained committed to the club despite numerous opportunities to join teams competing for trophies. His decision to stay, even during seasons when Tottenham struggled, demonstrated a loyalty that modern football rarely sees. When the trophy finally arrived, no player deserved it more.
Son’s reaction to winning the Europa League revealed everything about his character. Rather than focusing on personal validation, he emphasized the collective achievement and the end of Tottenham’s trophy drought. His emotional celebration resonated with fans who had supported him through the highs and lows, creating a moment of shared joy that transcended individual accomplishment.
Life in Major League Soccer
Since joining LAFC in August 2025, Son has continued demonstrating the qualities that made him special at Tottenham. Despite the compressed timeline to integrate into a new team, league, and continent, Son made an immediate impact in Major League Soccer.
In just 13 MLS appearances for LAFC, Son scored 12 goals and provided 3 assists, forming a devastating partnership with Gabonese forward Denis Bouanga. The duo combined for 18 straight LAFC goals at one point during the regular season, showcasing the chemistry that made Son so effective alongside Kane at Tottenham. His ability to adapt quickly to MLS’s different style and demands impressed observers throughout the league.
Son’s first MLS goal came in spectacular fashion, a curling free kick in a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas on August 23 in just his third appearance for the club. The strike immediately captured attention across American soccer, with fans recognizing they were witnessing a player of rare quality. On October 27, that goal was voted the 2025 AT&T MLS Goal of the Year, with Son receiving 60.4 percent of the fan vote.
Individual accolades continued accumulating throughout Son’s debut MLS campaign. He scored his first hat-trick for LAFC on September 17, leading the team to a 4-1 away victory at Real Salt Lake. His explosive start saw him join Adama Diomande and Carlos Vela as the only players in LAFC history to score five or more goals in their first six games.
LAFC’s season ended in heartbreak despite Son’s heroics. In the Western Conference semifinals against Vancouver Whitecaps on November 23, Son scored twice, including a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer from a free kick in stoppage time to force extra time. However, he missed LAFC’s first penalty in the subsequent shootout due to cramping, and Vancouver ultimately prevailed. Son later revealed the physical struggle he endured, having given everything to keep LAFC’s championship hopes alive.
The Mural: A Permanent Tribute
Coinciding with Son’s December 9 return, Tottenham has commissioned a street mural on Tottenham High Road to permanently celebrate the South Korean’s legacy in north London. Working with the Fan Advisory Board, the club confirmed that work has commenced on the artwork, which will be completed by December 9 to coincide with Son’s farewell.
The design of the mural was chosen by Son himself and is being created by Murwalls, the same team responsible for the iconic artworks of fellow Spurs legends Ledley King and Harry Kane that also adorn the thoroughfare leading to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The murals have become landmarks for supporters making the pilgrimage to matches, serving as permanent reminders of the players who defined eras at the club.
Son’s mural will stand as a testament to his impact both on and off the pitch. Beyond his goalscoring exploits and trophy success, Son transformed Tottenham’s global profile, particularly in South Korea and throughout Asia. The club’s marketing and social media strategy catered extensively to Korean supporters, recognizing the enormous fanbase Son attracted. Match attendance from Korean fans increased dramatically during Son’s tenure, with supporters traveling from around the world to watch him play.
The decision to honor Son with a mural alongside King and Kane reflects his status in Tottenham’s pantheon. King, a one-club legend who overcame chronic knee injuries to captain the team, represents loyalty and resilience. Kane, Tottenham’s all-time leading goalscorer with 280 goals in 435 appearances, embodies prolific excellence. Son’s inclusion completes a trio representing different eras of modern Tottenham while sharing common threads of dedication, quality, and love for the club.
The mural’s location on Tottenham High Road ensures it will become part of the matchday ritual for thousands of fans. Every supporter walking to the stadium will pass Son’s image, a daily reminder of the joy he brought during his decade in Lilywhite. For Korean fans visiting London to experience Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the mural provides a landmark to celebrate their national hero’s achievements.
The Timing and Significance
Son’s return on December 9 carries particular significance for Tottenham as they navigate a crucial period in their Champions League campaign. The club currently sits 16th in the expanded Champions League league phase table, needing positive results in their remaining fixtures to secure automatic qualification to the knockout rounds or ensure a playoff spot.
Last season, 12 points proved sufficient for teams to secure top-eight finishes and automatic qualification. If that threshold applies again this campaign, Tottenham may need just four points from their three remaining fixtures to avoid the playoff round. The match against Slavia Prague represents a must-win opportunity to strengthen their position.
The emotional backdrop of Son’s farewell could provide additional motivation for Tottenham’s current squad. His presence will remind players of the standards he set during his decade at the club, while supporters’ celebration of his achievements will create an atmosphere unlike any other this season. Managing that emotion while maintaining focus on securing three points against Slavia Prague presents an interesting challenge for Hansi Flick.
For fans, December 9 offers a rare opportunity to celebrate a club legend while simultaneously supporting the current team in a meaningful match. European nights at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium already generate special atmospheres, but Son’s return elevates this particular fixture to something more profound. It represents closure for a relationship that defined a decade while acknowledging that both Son and Tottenham have moved forward to new chapters.
A Symbol of Asian Excellence
Son’s impact extends far beyond Tottenham or even English football. Throughout his career, he has served as a symbol of what Asian players can achieve at the highest levels of world football. When he joined Tottenham in 2015 for £22 million, breaking the record for the most expensive Asian player, he carried enormous pressure to justify that fee and prove Asian players belonged in the Premier League’s elite.
Not only did Son meet those expectations, he exceeded them by every measure. He became the top Asian goalscorer in both Premier League and UEFA Champions League history, blazing a trail for future generations of Asian footballers. His success challenged stereotypes and expanded opportunities, demonstrating that Asian players could compete with and surpass European and South American counterparts at the sport’s pinnacle.
In South Korea specifically, Son’s achievements transcend sports. He is viewed as a national hero, representing Korea’s excellence on the world stage. In June 2022, Son received the Order of Sport Merit, Cheongnyong class, the highest order of merit for achievement in sports given to a South Korean citizen. The honor recognized not just his football accomplishments but his role as a cultural ambassador raising Korea’s profile internationally.
Son has represented South Korea at three FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022) and is his country’s joint top scorer at World Cups, tied with Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan on three goals. He also helped South Korea win gold at the 2018 Asian Games, an achievement that granted him military service exemption. Beyond statistics, Son’s commitment to representing his country with pride and humility has inspired millions of Koreans, particularly young people pursuing their own dreams.
His influence appears in tangible ways throughout South Korea. When Son won the Premier League Player of the Month for the first time in 2016, billboards and television channels across the country celebrated his achievement. His face adorns advertisements for major brands, and his jersey remains the best-selling among South Korean sports merchandise. Parents name their children after him, and football academies throughout Korea point to Son as proof that Korean players can reach the absolute top.
The Fans’ Relationship with Son
What separated Son from other talented players was the genuine connection he forged with Tottenham supporters. His smile, humility, and obvious joy playing for the club endeared him to fans in ways statistics alone cannot capture. Son consistently demonstrated gratitude for the support he received, making clear through words and actions that playing for Tottenham was a privilege, not just a job.
Supporters recognized Son’s loyalty during periods when leaving would have been understandable. When Pochettino’s team fell short in the 2019 Champions League final, when the club struggled through managerial changes, when trophies remained elusive year after year, Son could have sought success elsewhere. Instead, he remained committed, believing in Tottenham’s project and showing faith in the club’s direction.
That loyalty was reciprocated by fans who made Son their representative on the pitch. They sang his name with particular enthusiasm, celebrated his goals with unbridled joy, and defended him fiercely against critics. The relationship between Son and Tottenham supporters exemplified what makes football special: a mutual respect and affection transcending the transactional nature of modern sport.
Social media exchanges between Son and fans revealed his genuine appreciation for their support. He frequently posted messages thanking supporters, shared photos from matches highlighting crowd atmosphere, and made clear that their encouragement meant everything to him. Unlike some players who maintain distance from fans, Son embraced the relationship, understanding that Tottenham’s supporters were partners in his journey.
The emotional reaction to Son’s departure announcement demonstrated the depth of feeling supporters had for him. Many fans expressed devastation not just at losing a talented player, but at saying goodbye to someone who felt like part of the Tottenham family. His tears during the announcement in Seoul were matched by tears from supporters watching around the world, a shared grief at the end of an era.
Looking Ahead: December 9 and Beyond
As December 9 approaches, anticipation builds throughout the Tottenham community. The club has advised supporters that Son will take the pitch before team walk-outs, speaking directly to fans with a microphone in hand. The format ensures everyone in attendance will hear his words, creating an intimate moment despite the stadium’s capacity.
Speculation about what Son might say has consumed Tottenham supporters online. Will he reflect on specific memories? Thank individual teammates or staff? Share lessons learned during his decade in north London? Whatever he chooses to express, the emotional weight of the occasion guarantees a moment that will resonate for years.
For Son himself, the return offers closure that has been missing since his summer departure. Speaking about the upcoming reunion, he emphasized how important this opportunity is personally. After sacrificing so much for Tottenham across ten seasons, finally saying goodbye properly at the stadium where he created countless memories provides the ending his story deserves.
The match against Slavia Prague will continue after Son’s speech, with Tottenham’s current squad carrying the responsibility of honoring their former captain through their performance. A victory would provide the perfect tribute while strengthening the team’s Champions League qualification hopes. The players will feel Son’s presence in the stadium, a reminder of the standards he embodied throughout his Tottenham career.
Beyond December 9, Son’s legacy at Tottenham is secure. The mural on Tottenham High Road will ensure future generations of supporters learn about his achievements. His records in the club’s history books will stand for decades. Most importantly, the memories he created—the magical goals, the trophy lift, the smile that lit up north London—will endure in supporters’ hearts forever.
Son’s return represents more than a farewell; it celebrates a relationship that enriched both player and club. Tottenham provided Son with the platform to become one of Asian football’s greatest ever players. Son rewarded Tottenham with loyalty, excellence, and ultimately, the trophy that ended 17 years of waiting. December 9 acknowledges that mutual debt, bringing proper closure to a story that deserves a fitting conclusion.
As the date approaches, one thing is certain: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will witness an outpouring of emotion unlike anything seen since the Europa League final. Son Heung-min is coming home, and the home fans will finally give their captain the farewell he deserves.
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FAQs
When will Son Heung-min return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?
Son Heung-min will return on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, before Tottenham’s UEFA Champions League fixture against SK Slavia Praha. He will take to the pitch before the team walk-outs ahead of the 8:00pm kick-off to address supporters directly.
Why didn’t Son get a proper farewell when he left Tottenham?
Son announced his departure during Tottenham’s pre-season tour in South Korea in August 2025. His final match was in Seoul against Newcastle United, meaning Tottenham’s home fans never had the opportunity to say goodbye at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He moved directly to Los Angeles afterward without returning to London.
What did Son Heung-min achieve during his time at Tottenham?
Son made 454 appearances for Tottenham, scoring 173 goals to become the club’s fifth all-time leading scorer. He won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2021-22 (first Asian player to do so), scored 127 Premier League goals with 71 assists, won the Puskas Award in 2020, and captained Tottenham to Europa League glory in May 2025, ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
How has Son performed since joining LAFC in MLS?
In 13 MLS appearances for LAFC, Son scored 12 goals and provided 3 assists, including a hat-trick against Real Salt Lake. His first MLS goal, a stunning free kick against FC Dallas, won the 2025 AT&T MLS Goal of the Year award. He helped LAFC reach the Western Conference semifinals before they were eliminated by Vancouver Whitecaps in a penalty shootout.
What is the mural being created for Son Heung-min?
Tottenham has commissioned a street mural on Tottenham High Road to celebrate Son’s legacy, to be completed by December 9. The design was chosen by Son himself and is being created by Murwalls, the same team behind murals of Ledley King and Harry Kane. The artwork will serve as a permanent tribute to Son’s decade at the club
