SBOTOP: Son Heung-min Aspires to Tottenham Legend Status but Says He’s Not There Yet

Tottenham Hotspur’s captain, Son Heung-min, has firmly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers. Approaching his 10th year with the club, the 32-year-old South Korean forward has become a fan favorite at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with over 500 appearances and a remarkable scoring record. However, despite his achievements, Son insists that his journey is far from complete and that he is not yet worthy of being called a Spurs legend.

A Decade of Excellence

Son’s journey with Tottenham began in the summer of 2015 when he signed from Bayer Leverkusen. Since then, he has grown into one of the Premier League’s most reliable forwards, known for his pace, technical ability, and lethal finishing. His ability to deliver in crucial moments has made him a vital asset for Spurs, and his work rate and humility have endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

In his nine seasons with Tottenham, Son has scored at least 14 league goals in each of the past eight, a testament to his consistency and longevity. His best season came in 2021-22 when he won the Premier League Golden Boot, sharing the honor with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah after both scored 23 goals. Despite this individual accolade, Son’s focus has always been on the team’s success.

Partnership with Harry Kane

For much of his time at Spurs, Son formed a formidable partnership with Harry Kane, one of the most prolific duos in Premier League history. The pair developed an almost telepathic understanding on the pitch, with Kane often dropping deep to create opportunities for Son to exploit with his pace and movement.

Together, they broke the Premier League record for goal combinations, surpassing the legendary duo of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. Son and Kane’s partnership was a bright spot during a period when Tottenham came close to major silverware but ultimately fell short, including the 2019 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool.

When Kane moved to Bayern Munich last summer, it marked the end of an era for Tottenham. For Son, it was a bittersweet moment, losing not only a strike partner but also a close friend. However, as captain, Son has taken on the responsibility of leading the team through this transitional period, focusing on building a new identity for Spurs.

Chasing the Tottenham Legend Status

Despite his achievements, Son remains modest about his legacy at the club. Speaking to reporters, he expressed his desire to be remembered as a Tottenham legend but stressed that he still has work to do to reach that status.

“I want to be remembered as a legend here, but I don’t think I’m there yet,” Son said. “There have been so many great players in this club’s history who have done amazing things. I still have a lot to achieve, and that’s what drives me every day.”

For Son, becoming a legend is about more than just individual accolades or goal-scoring records. It’s about contributing to the club’s success and helping to bring silverware to North London. Tottenham’s last major trophy came in 2008, and the quest for silverware has become increasingly urgent for a club of Spurs’ stature.

Leadership and Legacy

As captain, Son has embraced his leadership role, setting an example on and off the pitch. His commitment to the club is unquestionable, and his passion for the game is evident every time he steps onto the field. Under his captaincy, Spurs are undergoing a period of rebuilding, with a mix of young talent and experienced players aiming to restore the club to the upper echelons of English football.

“I want to help the team in any way I can,” Son said. “Being captain is a huge honor, and I take that responsibility very seriously. But at the end of the day, it’s about winning as a team. That’s what makes legends—bringing success to the club and making history together.”