In a heartfelt announcement from Seoul, the celebrated Tottenham Hotspur captain, Son Heung‑min, revealed that he will be leaving the club this summer after a storied ten‑year career. The 33‑year‑old South Korean made the emotional disclosure at a press conference held ahead of a pre‑season friendly against Newcastle United, admitting the decision was “one of the most difficult” he has ever taken
Son joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2015 at the age of 23—a young man not yet fluent in English. Today, however, he departs as a seasoned and proud figure, having made 454 appearances and netted 173 goals for the club
His career at Tottenham culminated in a triumphant moment this May when, as captain, he lifted the Europa League trophy—Tottenham’s first major silverware in 17 years
Speaking at the Seoul event, Son said he felt he had achieved virtually everything at Spurs and now seeks fresh challenges in a new environment. Although he has indicated interest in joining Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC, he has not declared any formal destination yet. Media speculation also links him to Saudi clubs, though nothing has been confirmed
Spurs’ head coach Thomas Frank joined Son during the announcement and described him as a “true Spurs legend in every aspect,” praising the timing of the departure as ideal—on a high, following continental success
The match against Newcastle at Seoul’s World Cup Stadium could well mark Son’s final appearance in a Spurs shirt, making for an emotional farewell in front of his home fans. The European Super Cup encounter with Paris Saint‑Germain on August 13 also remains a possibility for his last outing
Son leaves Tottenham with a legacy defined by loyalty, excellence, and leadership. From arriving as a promising but untested young forward to becoming a global icon of Premier League football and South Korean pride, his time at Spurs ended with a sense of fulfilment—and the kind of farewell fitting a club great.