Son Heung-min, the South Korean star of Tottenham Hotspur, dedicated his historic goal against Brighton to his late grandfather. With this goal, Son became the first Asian footballer to score 100 goals in the English Premier League. Son’s sensational curling finish put Tottenham ahead in the first half, while Harry Kane’s winner in the 79th minute secured Tottenham’s victory over Brighton.
The achievement was a significant milestone in Son’s career, particularly after he endured a challenging season that included several spells on the bench and personal issues after his grandfather’s passing. Son revealed to the BBC that he was emotional after achieving the 100-goal landmark and wanted to dedicate the goal to his grandfather. Son also stated that he hopes his success will inspire other Asian players, particularly those from South Korea, to aspire to play in Europe’s top leagues.
Since joining Tottenham in 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen for £22 million ($27 million), Son has become one of the Premier League’s most feared players, and his dynamic displays have made him a fan favorite. The 30-year-old South Korean forward has had a remarkable career with Tottenham, scoring 100 goals in the Premier League alone.
After the match, Son expressed his gratitude to his team-mates, who helped him achieve this milestone. He acknowledged the difficulties he faced in the last few weeks, which included his grandfather’s passing and his poor personal form. He admitted to struggling to stay upbeat during his difficult season but is determined to work harder to make the fans proud and help Tottenham qualify for the Champions League via a top-four finish.
Son’s latest achievement underscores the growing influence of Asian footballers in European leagues. South Korean footballers, in particular, have made significant strides in recent years, with several making a name for themselves in top European leagues.
South Korean footballers have come a long way since Park Ji-sung became the first to grace the Premier League in 2003. Over the years, several South Korean players have left a mark on the English top-flight, with their tenacity, skill, and passion. One such player who has etched his name in Premier League history books is none other than Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min.
Son is not the only South Korean player to have made a name for himself in the Premier League. The likes of Park Ji-sung, Ki Sung-yueng, and Lee Chung-yong have also left their mark on the English game. Park was the first South Korean to play in the Premier League and is regarded as a trailblazer for Asian footballers. He enjoyed a successful career with Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers, winning several trophies along the way.
Ki Sung-yueng, meanwhile, played for Swansea City and Newcastle United and was known for his passing ability and work rate. He also represented South Korea at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, helping them reach the round of 16. Lee Chung-yong played for Bolton Wanderers and Crystal Palace and was known for his pace and trickery on the wing. He also represented South Korea at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
The success of Son and other Asian footballers in Europe can be attributed to their sheer hard work, talent, and dedication to the sport. They have shown that they can compete at the highest level and break barriers that were once considered insurmountable.
In conclusion, Son’s achievement is not only a significant milestone in his career but also an inspiration to many Asian footballers who aspire to play in Europe’s top leagues. His dedication and determination to succeed have made him one of the Premier League’s most popular players, and he continues to inspire many young footballers around the world. As he looks to help Tottenham qualify for the Champions League, Son’s success is a testament to the growing influence of Asian footballers in European football.
