After a decade of heartbreak, near-misses, and relentless determination, Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-Min finally tasted the sweet nectar of European glory. Photo: Instagram/@hm_son7

SHAH ALAM – After a decade of heartbreak, near-misses and relentless determination, Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-Min finally tasted the sweet nectar of European glory.

South Korean superstar Son Heung-Min shared a deeply personal and emotional message on Instagram following Tottenham’s stunning 1-0 victory at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.

South Korean superstar Son Heung-Min shared a deeply personal and emotional message on Instagram following Tottenham’s stunning 1-0 victory at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. Photo: Instagram/@hm_son7

The North London club's win over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final was more than just a trophy. It marked the emotional climax of a career built on loyalty, perseverance and unshakable belief.

The Europa League final win, Tottenham’s first major trophy since 2008, was historic — but for Son, it was life-defining.

“I’ve dreamed of moments like this since the day I joined this club. Yesterday was a day I’ll remember for the rest of my life. To lift this trophy, in this shirt, with you behind us... it means more than I can put just here in a social media post. But I can try. What a feeling,” he wrote on his Instagram post.

Having joined Spurs in 2015, Son had been a consistent presence through many of the club’s challenging years — enduring lost finals, changing managers, teammates coming and going and even a near-relegation battle this season.

The Spurs captain, often regarded as one of the Premier League’s most beloved players, made sure to credit those who stood by him throughout his career.

“This is for every Spurs supporter who has waited, hoped and stayed loyal.

"When me or the team have struggled, for those who kept singing, kept showing up, kept pushing us on, kept believing — this is for you. We did it together. From White Hart Lane to our new home, to Bilbao and back. We are champions, and that is forever,” he said.

Son’s path to this moment was not without hardship. Despite being one of the club’s brightest stars, he had never lifted a trophy since his professional debut in 2010 with Hamburger SV.

He lost in the 2019 Champions League final and the 2021 EFL Cup final, both with Spurs.

At 32, and with his form dipping this season, many wondered if his time had passed.

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean forward Son Heung-min raises the trophy as he celebrates with teammates winning the UEFA Europa League final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at San Mames stadium in Bilbao on May 21. (Photo by Thomas COEX/AFP)

“We had some tough games, but I always believed we could win this tournament. Credit to all the boys – they've been outstanding from day one,” Son told the club's official website.

Spurs had endured a dismal domestic campaign, sitting 17th in the Premier League and clinging to just one spot above relegation with one game left.

Yet, against all odds, the team rose to the occasion on the European stage. Brennan Johnson’s 42nd-minute goal proved decisive against Manchester United, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

In a twist of fate, Son did not start the final. He came on as a substitute in the 67th minute, replacing Richarlison.

Despite not making the starting XI, Son’s leadership and presence were unmistakable.

He rallied his teammates, embraced the fans and ultimately lifted the trophy that had long eluded him.

Perhaps it was written in the stars for Son and the Spurs that the devotion and perseverance of one of the Premier League’s most prolific yet unrewarded players would soon lead his team to their first Europa League glory and, in doing so, cement his legacy as an all-time great.

With this triumph, Son joins the ranks of true Spurs legends. He accomplished what even stars like Harry Kane, Luka Modrić, and Gareth Bale never achieved at Tottenham — lifting a European trophy and etching his name in both club and Premier League history.

“I scored the first goal in the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, I’m captain of this club, and now we’ve won the Europa League. In ten years, I’ve done special things I’ll never, ever forget,” Son reminisced.

South Korea erupted in celebration, as their national icon — one of the most influential sporting figures in the country — finally held aloft European silverware.

It was a proud moment not just for Tottenham fans, but for an entire nation.

In light of his contract extension with the North London club, the fairy tale may not be over, as Son hinted that more could come.

Whatever the future holds, the image of Son lifting the Europa League trophy — eyes glistening with tears, heart full of pride — will remain one of football’s most poignant moments of 2025.