Son Heung-min: The legend that breaks the limits of Asian players

When Son Heung-min bid farewell to Tottenham, he left far more than 173 goals and a European championship trophy. He is a club idol, a national hero, and more importantly, a wallbreaker - a pioneer who, by his own strength, has changed the world's view of Asian football players.

Kings of White Hart Lane

Harry Kane is the best scorer in the team history, but Son Heung-min is the king in the hearts of Tottenham fans. He used his ten years of dedication, the honor of the Premier League Golden Boot Awards, and as the captain, to end the club's 17-year championship drought, and engraved his name in the golden history of North London. He is not only an idol of Tottenham, but also an idol of the entire Premier League.

The most extraordinary legacy of Son Heung-min is perhaps the huge impact he has brought on as an Asian superstar on the cultural level.

Once upon a time, European football views on Asian players were full of prejudice and stereotypes. They are regarded as marketing tools and are labeled as hardworking but inexperienced by commentators.

Then, Son Heung-min appeared. “He broke these traditions because he was world-class,” said sociologist David Goldblatt.

Premier League historical scorer Alan Shearer described him as an absolute phenomenon. Son Heung-min used his pure talent, speed and deadly shooting skills to prove to the world that Asian players can also become the masters of the game. The success of Son Heung-min paved the way for his younger generations. Nowadays, more than 300 Japanese and Korean players play in Europe, giants like Tottenham and Newcastle have also begun to sign young geniuses like Yang Min-hyuk and Park Seung-soo directly from the K League.

"Whenever I see him, it will motivate me to play better like him," Wolves forward Huang Xichan said. "I think many football players regard Son Heung-min as their role model."

Son Heung-min is like a master key, opening the most difficult door to European giants for the younger generation.

Son Heung-min's goal will be remembered, but what is even more immortal is the unreserved respect he has won as an Asian player on the top of world football. He proved that talent, ambition and greatness had nothing to do with nationality or skin color.