After ten epic years with Tottenham Hotspur, South Korean Son Heung-min has officially departed the football club in a press conference in Seoul on August 2, 2025. It was an emotional moment for Son, particularly jumping, it had just been months since captaining Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years, the UEFA Europa League 2024-25.
As sad as it is for Tottenham fans to see Son leave, it signals the end of a legendary era for the club and fans. However, why did he leave Tottenham just as he was walking into touching the milestone? In this article on the 96.com app, we will analyse five reasons why Son Heung-min departed Tottenham Hotspur and where his next destination could be.
Here are the possible reasons why Son Heung-min Left Tottenham Hotspur
1. A New Challenge in a New Continent
Son pointed to a slight “game of change” and a new challenge after 10 years at Spurs. At 33, he was ready for a new adventure outside of the EPL. Son is aiming to join the Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.
Son Heung-min stated in his farewell statement, “10 years is a long time. It was the hardest decision of my life. But I wanted a bit of change after what I’ve given everything to this club.”
MLS offers him an environment to compete in a different football culture, and away from the pressures of elite European leagues, while still competing at a high level.
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2. Ending on a High: The Europa League Triumph
Tottenham’s 1-0 victory against Man United in the Europa League final allowed Son to leave at the top of the pyramid. Spurs claimed their first bit of major silverware since the League Cup in 2008. Son made key contributions with his leadership throughout the campaign.
After lifting the trophy as captain of his side, Son said it was a “dream ending” and “a good moment to move on from a long story” in North London.
3. Age & Form Considerations
Son turned 33 in July 2025, and while he was still a presence, Son’s Premier League performance in the 2024–25 season with 7 goals was one of his lowest points in his career since joining Spurs in 2015. There were signs of wear and tear, and his physical decline due to age was apparent. He probably hoped not to become too entrenched and find himself leaving because he was no longer a respected or contributing factor.
4. Financial and Lifestyle Benefits of MLS
It is reported that Son will enjoy an oversized salary at LAFC, plus the commercial and lifestyle advantages of living an hour’s flight away from Los Angeles. While some Saudi clubs had offered as much as £25 million per year, Son reportedly rejected those options last summer.
The 33-year-old striker Son instead opted for a good quality of life and a burgeoning league in which his brand and brand legacy could continue to grow.
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5. Influence of Broader Trends: Kane, De Bruyne & More
With Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich in 2023, one of the Prem’s great all-time partnerships left the league. With Kane gone, other senior stars like Kevin De Bruyne joining Napoli, Son’s decision to leave marks a larger trend: important, top players in their 30s are looking for new leagues and new projects to be a part of. Moreover, the Englishman Harry Kane’s departure, in particular, may have clouded Son’s ideas as to where he might end up after Spurs.
Conclusion
For Son Heung-min, leaving Tottenham Hotspur after ten years was about much more than the game of football. It was an in-depth reflection of timing, legacy, opportunity, and self-development. With a Europa League title under his belt, and on a positive note to move on, he made sure that his name would go down forever in the history of Tottenham.
A legacy capped off with 173 goals, along with just over 450 appearances and hundreds of memories, Son leaves not only a club legend but also one of the most admired and respected footballers of all time who has worn a Spurs shirt.
