This is Football Bohemian.
Son Heung-min's world-class skills and his impeccable manners post match are renowned worldwide. Many of you are likely familiar with numerous testimonials and social media videos showcasing his character. Football Bohemian also knows firsthand from our coverage just how exceptional his personality and interview skills are.
Last month, during the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers in Singapore, Son demonstrated his professionalism once again. Singaporean journalists heaped praise on Son's attitude as he handled three interviews after the match without a hint of reluctance. Having witnessed this personally, I still recall being in awe of his conduct.
Currently, Son Heung-min is on an Asian tour with Tottenham Hotspur. On the evening of the 27th, they played a friendly match against Vissel Kobe at Tokyo’s National Stadium. In this game, Son scored Tottenham’s second goal three minutes into the second half, meeting Brennan Johnson's ground cross from the right and slotting it in with a right-footed shot. Tottenham won the match 3-2.
This tour is special for Japan in many ways. It's Tottenham’s first visit to Japan in 33 years. Back then, England's star player Gary Lineker was in the spotlight. Moreover, Son had not had many opportunities to play in front of Japanese fans throughout his career.
Except for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup semi final against Japan and the 2018 Jakarta Palembang Asian Games final, Son’s representative matches in Japan are few. Given Tottenham's 33-year absence from Japan, Japanese fans might have felt Son was a distant figure. Yet, Son showcased his skills and signature ‘camera celebration,’ and provided top-notch fan service that Japanese fans had only heard about. Naturally, their praise was immense.
「ソン・フンミン、めっちゃ良い人」ふと思い出した元日本代表の言葉。韓国スターは取材対
国立を訪れたサポーターに手を振るソン・フンミン。写真：永島裕基 画像を見る トッテナムが今夏、プレシーズンツアーで33年ぶりに来日。７月27日に昨季のJ１王者ヴィッセル神戸と国立
www.soccerdigestweb.com
Even Japanese media had nothing but accolades. Japanese outlet Soccer Digest covered the Vissel Kobe match, interviewed Son, and shared a brief postscript.
“The protagonist of the match was undoubtedly Son Heung-min. With every touch of the ball, the 54,225 spectators at the stadium went wild. He contributed to the team's 3-2 victory by scoring the second goal in a decisive moment. He once again proved his world-class status. But personally, the most impressive moment was post-match. In my experience, superstars often avoid the press or take alternate routes to the bus. However, Son faced the interview with a bright smile, handling it with humility and a soft demeanor,”
- Ryoma Arizono, Soccer Digest journalist, July 27, 2024.
Reflecting on his way home, Arizono recalled a memory with retired Japanese legend fullback Atsuto Uchida. Arizono reminisced about Uchida's words during a Liverpool vs. Tottenham match two years ago: “Son Heung-min is such a good person. I really like him,” and found it gratifying to know it was true. So, what did Son say to Japanese journalists after the Vissel Kobe match?
Q. You received a lot of cheers from Japanese fans. How did it feel?
SON “It was truly amazing. I sincerely want to thank everyone. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful experience. I will never forget it.”
Q. Japanese fans sang chants for you
SON “It was an incredible experience. I never expected Japanese fans to cheer for me that way. It was the first time I realized so many fans on the other side of the world were supporting me. As a player and a person, it made me want to make them even happier and prouder.”
Q. What did you think of Vissel Kobe?
SON “It was a really tough game. I always keep an eye on the J.League, K.League, and other Asian leagues. Kobe is doing well in the league right now, and I have a friend (Yoshinori Muto) playing there, so they were really good opponents. I think it was a good match. I appreciate Kobe giving their all. It’s hard to go all out during the season, but I’m thankful they did.”
Q. Did you try any Japanese food?
SON “I had sushi at the hotel. It was delicious. Everyone knows Japanese food is tasty. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s one of my favorite foods. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience and delicious meal.”
Q. In 2021, you missed two chances to play in Japan – a friendly match between Korea and Japan and the Tokyo Olympics. How was this visit?
SON “I did come to Japan for a holiday a few years ago, but coming with the team is completely different. I wanted to participate in the Tokyo Olympics but couldn’t due to various circumstances. There was also a friendly match with Japan, but I couldn’t play because of an injury. Still, it was wonderful to feel the fans' love this time. If I get the chance, I would love to have this experience again.”
Q. After the game, you exchanged jerseys with Yoshinori Muto
SON “I respect Japanese players. There are many players I've played with. Muto’s physicality and skills are truly remarkable. It was nice to have a brief chat. We had a few conversations when we both played in the Premier League, so it was really nice to see him again. It brought back old memories.”
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur, with Son Heung-min, will finally arrive in Korea on the 28th. Tottenham will have a friendly match against Team K-League at Seoul World Cup Stadium on July 31st and another match against Bayern Munich at the same venue on August 3rd. Tottenham visited Korea during the pre-season in 2022 and received an overwhelming welcome from Korean fans.
This has been Football Bohemian.
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