Son Heung-min has made history for South Korean football. In a friendly match against Uzbekistan on October 6 at Yongin Mir Stadium, he scored the opening goal with a right-footed free kick just six minutes into the first half. The low shot found the bottom right corner of the net, marking his 59th goal in his 151st A match. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 58 goals held by former national team coach Cha Bum-kun, making Son the all-time leading scorer for South Korean men's football in A matches. He had tied with Cha's record just two games prior, during a match against Uruguay on September 28. South Korea won the match 2-0, with an additional goal from Oh Se-hoon.
It took nearly 47 years and nine months for the record to change. Cha scored his 58 goals in 136 A matches, with his last goal coming in December 1978 during the Asian Games against China. Despite numerous forwards donning the national team jersey since then, none managed to surpass that milestone, with Hwang Sun-hong's 50 goals being the closest.
Son made his debut for the senior national team in December 2010 during a friendly against Syria. He scored his first goal the following year in the Asian Cup against India and has been a central figure in the team's offense for the past 15 years. He has participated in four consecutive World Cups, from Brazil in 2014 to this year's tournament in North and Central America, and has also played in four Asian Cups. During his time at Tottenham, he became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot, and in May of last year, he lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy as captain.
The time spent with the national team carries significant weight. Despite long travels and a demanding schedule, he has never shied away from representing his country. In the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, he participated as a wild card and led the team to a gold medal. He has worn the captain's armband since September of that year, becoming the longest-serving captain in South Korean football history. Last October, he also surpassed the A match appearance record of 136 games held by Cha Bum-kun and Hong Myung-bo. After the match, he stated that records naturally follow when one plays well on the field. His 59 goals reflect the time and effort he has dedicated to the sport.
Cha Bum-kun was a pioneer who first proved that South Korean players could succeed in Europe. He made his mark in the Bundesliga and reached the pinnacle of the UEFA Cup, the predecessor to the Europa League. Son has grown into a world-class forward following in his footsteps. The breaking of this record does not diminish Cha's legacy; rather, it signifies progress in South Korean football as a new generation surpasses the achievements of their predecessors.
At 34 years old, it is uncertain how much longer Son will wear the national team jersey. He did not score in the three group stage matches of the recent World Cup. Following the tournament, the national team has begun anew under interim coach Roberto Moreno, finishing a four-match series in September and October with two wins, one draw, and one loss. The next challenge for South Korean football is preparing for the 'post-Son Heung-min' era. Relying solely on Son's decisive play is not sustainable. Now is the time to focus on developing the next generation through youth training and player scouting, as well as expediting the transition of the national team.
Cha Bum-kun's 58 goals stood as a benchmark for nearly half a century in South Korean football. Now, Son Heung-min's 59 goals occupy that spot. This number, too, will eventually be surpassed. When a successor emerges who can exceed Son's achievements, South Korean football will take another step forward.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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