Son Heung-min: South Korea Captain on Fourth World Cup Dream

Son Heung-min, the captain of the South Korean national team and a former Tottenham Hotspur forward, has described playing in his fourth World Cup as “crazy” and a “dream come true.” The 32-year-old holds the record for the most goals by an Asian player in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, and remains an iconic figure in South Korean football.

A Childhood Dream Realized

In an interview with Lee James for the BBC World Service podcast More than the Score, Son reflected on watching South Korea’s remarkable run to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup, which the country co-hosted with Japan. He recalled the excitement that swept the nation, including school closures, and how that tournament inspired him as a child. Now, as a veteran of three previous World Cups, he hopes his team can motivate a new generation of players and fans.

The Face of a Generation

David Oh from BBC News Korean joined the podcast to discuss Son’s impact. Oh described Son as “the face of this generation of South Korean football” and noted that he is chasing the all-time national team goal-scoring record. Son’s leadership and performances have made him a role model both on and off the pitch.

More than the Score

More than the Score is a BBC World Service podcast that goes beyond the men’s football World Cup, exploring new teams, standout stars, trends, and fandoms shaping the tournament. With 48 teams competing across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, the podcast promises to take listeners deeper—from the group stages to the final. Episodes are available wherever BBC podcasts are found.