In a significant moment for South Korean football, Son Heung Min, who is the captain of Tottenham Hotspur, made history by becoming the first Korean player to lift a UEFA competition trophy as a captain. The crucial victory came in the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League final where Tottenham defeated Manchester United with a score of 1-0 at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain on May 22, 2025.

The winning goal occurred in the 42nd minute when Brennan Johnson scored with a sliding right-footed shot after receiving a low cross from Pape Sarr from the left. The ball deflected off Luke Shaw's arm and went into the net, giving Tottenham the lead.

Son joined the game in the 67th minute, replacing Richarlison, and wore the captain's armband. Playing on the left wing, he contributed to the team's performance in the remaining 30 minutes, which ultimately secured the victory.

While other Korean footballers such as Cha Bum Kun, Park Ji Sung, Kim Dong Jin, and Lee Ho have previously won UEFA competitions, none of them had achieved this feat as a team captain. Son's accomplishment is exceptional as he not only led his team in the final match but also guided them to victory, making a lasting mark in Korean football history.