Captain Controversy? Decline Controversy? It's Over Now! Son Heung-min Shakes Both MLS and National Team

[Financial News] The evaluation surrounding Son Heung-min in 2025 was harsh. From the latter half of his EPL Tottenham days, the term 'decline' clung to him like a label. As age, injuries, and stamina decline hit all at once, fans lamented, "The prime is over."
However, he did not fall. Instead, he chose a new challenge on the American stage, leaving the familiar Europe. And now, as he alternates between MLS and international matches, his scoring feet are once again making the heart of Korean football beat.
In the September international match, Son Heung-min scored 1 goal and 1 assist against the United States, and recorded a fantastic goal against Mexico, leading Hong Myung-bo's team to 1 win and 1 draw. The performance shown against the co-hosts of the World Cup was symbolic in itself. It made it undeniable that "Son Heung-min is still the ace of the national team."



And after returning to his club, the first match. He shook the net just 52 seconds into the MLS away match at San Jose. A streak of goals in three consecutive matches, including the national team match held on American soil and the club match. Unlike the past, when he suffered from long-distance travel, this time he only had to bear the burden of 'domestic travel' level. Son Heung-min, whose condition management has become much easier, is exploding again as if to prove it.
When he transferred, Son Heung-min said, "It might be my last World Cup, so I wanted an environment where I could give it my all." Although there were cynical evaluations that MLS is less competitive than the big leagues in Europe, his judgment was correct.
Maintaining his game sense while reducing travel burden and gaining psychological stability, Son Heung-min is regaining his sharp form as "National Team Son Heung-min."




Recently, the national team captain controversy was a hot topic. The question of whether Son Heung-min should continue to wear the captain's armband was raised both inside and outside the team. However, the two international matches and the MLS return match provided the answer.
Son Heung-min did not just score goals. His very presence attracted crowds. The San Jose match drew 50,978 spectators, setting a record for the most spectators in a single match in the club's history. The entire MLS is attracting new markets and new fan bases through him. The scene of opening NFL stadiums and filling them with spectators to the top tier proved that Son Heung-min is still the top star in Asia and a global star.



jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter