Heung-Min Son, affectionately known as “Sonny” by Spurs fans. Ten seasons of loyal service to the club, 454 appearances, 173 goals, 101 assists, numerous awards, and the first player from Asian to score 100 Premier League goals. But his impact extends far beyond those impressive statistics.
During the 2019-20 season, I worked at Spurs and observed first-hand the vast number of East Asian fans Son brought to the club. It brought home how he was a global icon; without doubt, he’s helped the club’s worldwide fanbase grow massively. He’s one of the few genuine world-class talents fans have been privileged to witness each week, and you can see the outpouring of affection towards Son since he announced his departure.
However, having worked at Kick It Out now for over two years in the reporting team, I’ve been an unfortunate witness to the startling number of reports where he’s racially abused. During the last six seasons, there have been 357 reports targeting Son, which is more than the total for the next 25 most-abused players combined. Five out of the top seven most reported incidents we’ve ever received have involved the South Korean.
As a valued member of the East and South East Asian community, he’s not alone in facing this racism and we’ve been working with Frank Soo Foundation to raise awareness of this abuse. It’s made worse when you consider the amount of abuse East and South East Asian players receive based on the relatively small number that play professionally in England.
There is a chance that now Son is leaving English football, the number of reports may decrease. But if that happens, it doesn’t mean this type of racism goes away. It will only deny the abusers a high-profile target. The danger is that others become a greater target themselves, whether that’s professional or grassroots players, fans or those who work in the game. Therefore, we must continue to raise awareness and combat this form of discrimination, and not ignore it as if it is now a problem for the MLS – where Son will now play. It remains our problem, and we must collectively continue the fight. The reports show that it is a deep-rooted issue in football and society.
Some years ago, I watched Son’s Amazon documentary “Sonsational” and you could see how grounded and dedicated he was to the game. It was evident just how much he prioritised football in his life with the support of his family. There was no way he could fail with his work ethic. A model footballer, destined for greatness, and it was fitting that he should finish his Spurs career by captaining the side to lift the trophy at the 2025 Europa League Final.
It was a fairytale ending for a Spurs and Premier League legend. His heartfelt farewell to fans and team-mates this week demonstrates how much they meant to him. The reaction to him leaving also shows that the love is mutual.
Build him a statue I say. He’s irreplaceable, his impact undeniable and he will be fondly remembered for generations. What a player, but more importantly, what a human being.
“Nice One, Sonny!”
