Son Heung-min redeems himself with Europa League trophy

Tottenham Hotspur finally lifted the Europa League trophy after 17 years by defeating Manchester United on Thursday, May 22, at Athletic Bilbao's San Mames Stadium. At the same time, team captain Son Heung-min declared himself a champion for the first time in his 15-year European career.

For Son, this is his first European competition victory in 41 years. The dramatic win of Tottenham is not just a regular one, as it earned Spurs a place in next season's Champions League. In the mouthwatering match, Spurs took the lead with a winning goal from Brennan Johnson, who secured the goal in the 41st minute of the first half.

Meanwhile, in the 22nd minute of the second half, captain Son Heung-min was substituted in for Richarlison, whereas Son participated in the counterattacks with active pressing and movement up front. However, Son silenced all with lifting the trophy after days of facing backlash on social media over his ex-girlfriend's abortion rumours.

Credit: X | @OneFootball

Son Heung-min's victory: A European triumph after the controversy

South Korea's football pride and skipper of Tottenham, just before the finals against Manchester United, underwent intense scrutiny over the alleged ex-girlfriend's abortion claims.

The 32-year-old footballer received major online backlash over a scandal involving his alleged ex-girlfriend and her current partner has blown up in the Korean media, with reports suggesting that the footballer coerced his former girlfriend into getting an abortion.

The controversy has raised new questions about Son, but it has also resulted in the arrest of the woman and her current boyfriend.

Credit: X | @HM7Brasil

A victory over personal challenges

Son's leadership and dedication were celebrated, especially because of his recent personal challenges. Therefore, the Europa League victory was viewed as a triumph not only for the club but also for Son's personal resilience.

Fans couldn't keep calm after spotting  Son Heung-min celebrating the victory, capping his journey with tears of joy and a triumphant celebration draped in the Korean flag.

🗣️ Heung-min Son: “Today’s the day I can consider myself a Tottenham legend.” 🏆 pic.twitter.com/VnkM0lS6Ew

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) May 21, 2025

Fans flood social media with reactions for Son Heung-min

The victory of Tottenham is highly celebrated among the Spurs fans, but apart from this, one name that is circulating on social media is Son Heung-min. Fans have flooded social media with comments like:

One shared a post on X (formerly called Twitter), "The football world is happy for Heung-min Son. ❤️"

"If you’re a proud Manchester United Hater, leave a like for Heung-Min Son 🤍💙"

If you’re a proud Manchester United Hater, leave a like for Heung-Min Son 🤍💙 pic.twitter.com/Y26ljegixA

— chapo (@ahdebee) May 21, 2025

"🥹 If anyone deserves this, it's Heung-min Son," another added.

"That moment will never be forgotten."

"Son just went from star player to club legend status — sometimes dreams do come true the hard way."

Son just went from star player to club legend status — sometimes dreams do come true the hard way.

— AmericanDreamerX (@xamerican0056) May 21, 2025

 To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.