Defender Kim Min-jae has played a pivotal role in Bayern Munich's triumphant Bundesliga campaign. This latest achievement marks the 28-year-old's second major European trophy, following his Serie A title win with Napoli two years prior. Kim's consistent performances have solidified his reputation as one of the continent's top defenders.
However, the undisputed biggest star in Korean football remains Son Heung-min. Despite his stellar career, the 32-year-old Tottenham Hotspur forward is yet to clinch a major title. This could change imminently, as the Spurs captain is preparing to lead his London-based club in the Europa League final against Premier League rivals Manchester United next week.
Speaking to South Korean media in London on Monday, Son expressed his burning desire to finally lift a significant trophy. "To complete the puzzle, you need every piece. Ultimately, I think, the most important final piece is still missing," said Son, who joined Tottenham in 2015. "I think I’ve been chasing that piece for 10 years. I’d love to finish that puzzle this time."
Son was a key figure in the Tottenham side that agonizingly lost the 2019 UEFA Champions League final to Liverpool. Now, as a senior and influential player, he is determined to bring a positive end to what has been a challenging season for both club and country – Tottenham currently languishes in 17th place in the Premier League standings.
"I think this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, something I may never have again," Son emphasized. "I hope I won’t have regrets afterward. When I return to Korea after the season, I’d like to give my Korean fans and our Tottenham supporters the biggest smile I can bring."
In positive news for Spurs fans, Son returned to action last weekend following an injury layoff and is expected to be in the starting lineup against Manchester United. The situation is less certain for another rising Korean star, Lee Kang-in.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has faced a dip in playing time recently for Paris Saint-Germain. While he has featured in 11 UEFA Champions League matches this season, he was on the bench as the French giants overcame Arsenal in the semifinals to secure a final showdown against Inter Milan on May 31st in Munich.
This Champions League final will mark the conclusion of the European club season, inevitably ushering in the period of transfer speculation. Lee has already been linked with potential moves to other clubs across Europe. Similarly, Kim Min-jae, despite his Bundesliga triumph, has also seen his name mentioned in transfer rumors following a season at Munich that was somewhat hampered by injuries.
However, Kim himself has expressed a strong desire to remain with the German champions. "I want to keep playing for Munich," Kim stated last month. "There’s no reason why I should leave this team. I like playing for Munich. I want to continue playing for this team next season. It’s one thing that’s important to me right now."
As the European club football season draws to a close, the immediate focus for these three Korean stars is on potentially securing significant silverware. Whether they will all remain at their current clubs come August remains to be seen, but for now, their successes offer a glimmer of positive news for football fans back in South Korea.