Korea’s Son Heung-min Announces Retirement from International Football

Son Heung-min, South Korea’s greatest ever footballer and the nation’s all-time leading international goalscorer with 51 goals in 121 appearances, announced his retirement from the national team on Saturday in an emotional press conference that brought the captain to tears.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to wear this shirt,” Son said, his voice breaking. “I gave everything I had for 15 years. I hope the young players who come after me will take Korean football to heights we cannot yet imagine.”

A Career Defined by Dedication

Son made his senior international debut in 2010 at age 18 and went on to become the defining figure of Korean football for a generation. His exploits at club level with Tottenham Hotspur — including back-to-back Premier League Golden Boot shares — brought him global recognition, but it was his passion for the national team that most endeared him to Korean fans.

Son’s most celebrated international moments include his two-goal performance in the 2022 World Cup group stage victory over Portugal that sent Korea to the Round of 16, and his stunning solo goal against Germany in Russia 2018 that helped eliminate the defending champions.

Military Service and Sacrifice

Perhaps no episode better illustrated Son’s commitment than his 2020 military service, which he completed in just three weeks thanks to Korea’s gold medal at the Asian Games. “He could have found every excuse not to serve,” said former national team coach Paulo Bento. “Instead, he treated it as a duty and a privilege.”

What Comes Next?

Son confirmed he will continue playing club football with Tottenham Hotspur, where he remains under contract through 2026. He expressed interest in eventually coaching in Korea and said he plans to launch a football academy for underprivileged youth in his hometown of Chuncheon.

The Korea Football Association is expected to honor Son with a special recognition ceremony and has indicated his squad number, 7, may be retired from the national team.