Heung-min Son's Injury History: A Decade of Resilience
Heung-min Son, Tottenham Hotspur’s legendary forward, has not only dazzled fans with his speed and precision but also demonstrated remarkable resilience through numerous injuries. As the South Korean captain prepares for a new chapter with LAFC, we look back at the key injuries that tested his career—and how he overcame them.
Key Injuries in Son’s Career
1. Broken Foot (2010) – A Early Setback
At just 18, Son suffered a foot fracture during a pre-season friendly against Chelsea while playing for Hamburg SV. The injury sidelined him for two months, but he marked his return with a goal against Köln, becoming Hamburg’s youngest Bundesliga scorer at the time .
2. Double Arm Fractures (2017 & 2020) – Painful Comebacks
- 2017: Broke his arm during a World Cup qualifier with South Korea, missing 8 weeks of action .
- 2020: Re-injured the same arm in a Premier League match against Aston Villa. Despite the pain, he scored the winning goal before diagnosis forced him out for 10 weeks .
3. Hamstring & Muscle Issues (2021–2025) – Age-Related Challenges
Son faced recurring thigh and calf injuries in his 30s, including:
- A hamstring tear (2021) during World Cup qualifiers, sidelining him for 3 weeks .
- Multiple muscle strains in 2024–25, reducing his playing time in Tottenham’s Europa League-winning season .
4. Head Injury (2025) – A Trophy Battle Scar
During Tottenham’s Europa League celebrations, Son cut his forehead on the trophy after being pushed in the frenzy. He joked, “Worth it!” while showing off the wound .
FAQs About Son’s Injuries
Q: How many games has Son missed due to injuries?
A: Over his career, Son missed 50+ matches across foot, arm, and muscle issues, with his longest absence being 73 days for a broken arm in 2020 .
Q: Did injuries affect his performance?
A: While they slowed him down temporarily (e.g., only 7 Premier League goals in 2024–25), Son consistently bounced back, like his 2022 Golden Boot win post-injury .
Q: Why is Son moving to MLS now?
A: At 33, recurring injuries and reduced playtime at Spurs likely influenced his decision. LAFC offers a lower-intensity league and a chance to shine before the 2026 World Cup .
Q: What’s Son’s most serious injury?
A: The 2020 arm fracture required surgery and a 3-month recovery, threatening his season until the pandemic pause extended his rehab time .
Conclusion: A Testament to Toughness
Despite setbacks, Son’s 173 goals for Spurs and trophy legacy prove his durability. As he transitions to MLS, his injury history reminds us that even legends face battles—but resilience defines greatness.
Sources:
- The Athletic
- BeSoccer
- Sports Dunia
- Flashscore
- Yahoo Sports