It is that humble nature which has endeared Son to supporters from Seoul to Los Angeles via Hamburg, Leverkusen and London. He has said of always giving his all to any given cause: “I love the ball. I love the fans, and I love my team-mates.
“From falling in love when I was a child, just chasing the ball, kicking the ball, and celebrating with the boys. I think it’s probably what I love most. When I have stress, I always play football. That’s why I’m here: I’m enjoying the sport. Until the end, I think, probably, it’s the only love that I do.”
Son loves football, and the game loves him back. The many qualities that he has to offer, on and off the pitch, are being fully embraced in the United States and his lucrative contract boasts extension options that could keep him in his current surroundings through 2029.