Son Heung-min breaks MLS record with emotional Spurs farewell

Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean star Son Heung-min is preparing to enter a new phase in his career. The 33-year-old has released an emotional farewell message to his club and its fans ahead of a move to Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC (LAFC). After a decade at Spurs, Son leaves behind a legacy of footballing excellence and admirable character.

"You’ll always be in my pictures"

Son Heung-min began his farewell video to Spurs fans with the words:

“Dear Tottenham fans, you’ll always be in my pictures.”

This phrase refers to the South Korean star’s iconic goal celebration mimicking a photo click. Expressing his love for the fans through symbolism, Son continued:

“You accepted me in north London, you watched me grow. I stayed with you, you stayed with me. I never dreamed of being this team’s captain, but I always dreamed of winning something for you.”

10 years of service: 454 games, 173 goals, 101 assists

Signed in the summer of 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen for €30 million, Son Heung-min wrote his name in Tottenham’s history books. Over 10 seasons, he played in a total of 454 official matches, scoring 173 goals and providing 101 assists, becoming a cornerstone of the club’s attack for a decade.

Below is a season-by-season statistical breakdown:

• 2024–2025: 46 games – 11 goals, 12 assists

• 2023–2024: 36 games – 17 goals, 10 assists

• 2022–2023: 47 games – 14 goals, 6 assists

• 2021–2022: 45 games – 24 goals, 10 assists (Premier League Golden Boot winner)

• 2020–2021: 51 games – 22 goals, 18 assists

• 2019–2020: 41 games – 18 goals, 12 assists

• 2018–2019: 48 games – 20 goals, 9 assists

• 2017–2018: 53 games – 18 goals, 11 assists

• 2016–2017: 47 games – 21 goals, 8 assists

• 2015–2016: 42 games – 8 goals, 5 assists

Son is not only the most prolific Asian player in Premier League history, but has also earned international acclaim when he won the FIFA Puskás Award in 2020. He shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah in the 2021–2022 season, reaching the peak of his career.

His 173 goals place him among the top scorers in club history, and with 101 assists, he leaves not just as a goalscorer but as a creative leader.

Captaincy, a trophy, and the end of an era

During the 2024/25 season, Son took on the captain’s armband and played a key role in ending Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought. The UEFA Europa League triumph in Bilbao stands out as one of the most meaningful moments of his Spurs career. After the trophy win, his connection with the fans deepened.

A historic MLS transfer

Son’s transfer to LAFC marks a historic moment not only for Tottenham but also for Major League Soccer. The €22 million fee makes it the most expensive deal in MLS history to date. Son is expected to be officially unveiled in LAFC colours in the coming days, starting the final stretch of his career in the United States.

Daniel Levy: "He’ll always be with us"

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy paid tribute to Son in a statement on the club’s official website:

“Sonny is one of the greatest players in the club’s history. It was a joy to watch him on the pitch, and he was an inspiring figure off it. The European triumph in Bilbao will remain one of the most cherished memories of his Spurs career. He gave so much to this club on and off the pitch, and we thank him deeply. He will always be a beloved member of the Spurs family.”

From Asia’s summit to Tottenham legend

In 2024, Son Heung-min was named “The greatest Asian footballer of all time” by FourFourTwo magazine. His energy, discipline, and work ethic set an example for younger generations, and he became a beloved figure in world football.

Fans overwhelmed with emotion

Son Heung-min’s departure sparked a massive reaction on social media. The club’s farewell post received tens of thousands of comments, with hashtags like #ThankYouSon and #SonnyForever trending globally. Fans celebrated his decade of dedication and the kind of character that made him a role model:

“We cried with you, laughed with you. You were the brightest smile in Tottenham history.”

“173 goals? That’s just part of the story.”

“Even in the hardest times, you carried hope on your face. That’s why we love you. You’ll forever be our captain.”

“Goodbyes are hard, but every season with you was a gift. We’ll always miss you, Sonny.”

“Leadership, grace, loyalty, passion... all in one man.”

In the stands, watching from home, and across distant continents, the shared sentiment was clear: He was more than a footballer. He was an icon etched in hearts.

Could he have stayed one more season?

For many fans, this farewell came as a surprise. Son Heung-min remained one of the team’s most productive players during the 2024–2025 season. Considering his leadership, on-field influence, and consistent performance, many believed he could have stayed at least one more year. This sentiment echoed strongly across social media.

Comments like “We weren’t ready”, “Wish he stayed a bit longer”, and “Feels like he left without a proper goodbye” underscored the emotional weight of the departure. Tottenham fans recognised the void left both on and off the pitch.

Fans respected Son’s decision, but those left behind carried a strong belief that he could have played a role in the team’s transition for one more season. While this doesn’t alter the reality of his departure, it added to the heartbreak. Because some players leave more than memories. They leave marks that never fade.