A few weeks ago, Son Heung-min was celebrating the long-awaited success of former Tottenham teammate Harry Kane, who secured the first trophy of his career after moving to Bayern Munich. On Wednesday night, Son will hope to write his own story of redemption, as Tottenham face Manchester United in an all-English Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain.

The stakes are high—not just for the club, but for the 32-year-old South Korean forward, who has spent the past decade with Spurs without lifting a single piece of silverware.

“It would be very special, a historic moment,” Son said during a press conference on Tuesday. “I’ve been here 10 years now, and I want a trophy. It’s a massive day for the club, for the boys, and for me as well. I hope I can repay the fans with a trophy.”

Tottenham’s last taste of glory came in 2008, when they won the English League Cup. Since then, the club has endured several near-misses, including the painful 2019 UEFA Champions League final loss to Liverpool—another all-English clash. Son was a starter in that game and remains the only one still at the club from that lineup. Defender Ben Davies, who was an unused substitute that night, is the only other squad member with that memory.

Reflecting on that final, Son noted how much has changed. “Six years ago, I played in my first final at the professional level, and I was very nervous. I couldn’t believe I was in a Champions League final. Now, I’m more experienced. My role has changed. I’m the captain of this club, the leader of the boys. I just want us to lift this together. It’s my dream.”

Kane, now enjoying a summer break after securing the Bundesliga title in his first season with Bayern, is still in touch. “Obviously everyone knows Harry is my best mate,” Son said. “When he won his first title, we had a chat about it. But he’s already on holiday, he doesn’t have to text me. I’m sure he’ll be the biggest Spurs fan tomorrow.”

Son’s return from a recent foot injury comes as a timely boost. After a substitute appearance against Crystal Palace on May 11 and a starting role against Aston Villa, the Tottenham skipper confirmed he is back to full fitness: “Physically I’m ready to go.”

Manager Ange Postecoglou emphasized just how important Son’s recovery has been for the squad. “We were a little bit worried when he picked up the injury. We just weren’t sure how long he’d be out, but he worked so hard to come back. He’s so important to the group, to the club. It’s a big motivational driver for all of us—including me—to give him a trophy that his career deserves.”

Though Son is not framing the final as his last opportunity to claim a title, he’s acutely aware of the moment’s weight.

“The future, we never know,” he said. “This could be my last chance, this could be one of many. I’m just concentrating on winning this one with the boys.”

For Son, Wednesday represents more than just another game—it’s a chance to turn years of commitment, heartbreak, and belief into a moment of triumph. And if he does, it would not only cap a decade of loyalty but also fulfill a long-standing dream for both him and the Tottenham faithful.