Tottenham Unveils Son Heung-min Mural as Club Legend Returns for Champions League Farewell
Tottenham Hotspur completed a massive mural honoring Son Heung-min on December 9, 2025, hours before the former captain's emotional return to address fans at the stadium he called home for a decade.
The mural on Tottenham High Road features Son's iconic camera celebration alongside an image of him lifting the Europa League trophy, with the inscription "Sonny Spurs Legend." Created by Murwalls-the team behind Harry Kane and Ledley King murals-the artwork was designed with Son's input and unveiled just before the Champions League match against Slavia Prague.
First Return Since August Departure
Son, 33, will speak directly to supporters before the 8 PM kickoff, marking his first visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since joining Los Angeles FC in August 2025 for an MLS-record $26.5 million transfer.
The South Korean forward announced his departure during Tottenham's preseason tour in Seoul on August 2, playing his final match at Seoul World Cup Stadium against Newcastle United. Both teams formed a spontaneous guard of honor when he was substituted in the 67th minute. Days later, he flew directly to Los Angeles without a proper London goodbye.
"When I announced my difficult decision to leave Spurs in the summer, it was in Korea, and I never got a proper chance to say goodbye to fans at the stadium," Son said in Tottenham's official statement announcing his return.
Historic Tottenham Legacy
Son's decade at Tottenham produced 173 goals and 101 assists across 454 appearances, ranking him fifth on the club's all-time scoring list. His achievements include becoming the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot (2021-22, 23 goals with Mohamed Salah) and the FIFA Puskas Award winner in 2020 for his solo goal against Burnley.
Most significantly, Son captained Tottenham to the 2025 Europa League title on May 21, defeating Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao. The victory ended Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought dating to their 2008 League Cup triumph and gave Son his first major club honor.
"Let's say I'm a legend. Why not? In 17 years, nobody has done it," Son declared after the Europa League final.
Immediate MLS Impact
Son's LAFC debut season showcased his enduring quality. In 13 matches (10 regular season, 3 playoffs), he recorded 12 goals and 4 assists, forming a record-breaking partnership with Denis Bouanga. The duo combined for 17 consecutive LAFC goals, setting an MLS record.
His first MLS goal-a curling free kick against FC Dallas on August 23-won the 2025 AT&T MLS Goal of the Year award.
However, Son's season ended in heartbreak during the Western Conference semifinals against Vancouver Whitecaps on November 22. Despite scoring twice to force extra time, including a spectacular 95th-minute free kick equalizer, LAFC lost 4-3 on penalties. Son missed the opening penalty kick after suffering cramps during extra time, though he accepted full responsibility for the defeat.
December 9 Ceremony
Tottenham's December 3 announcement generated massive fan response, with the club sharing throwback photos and videos across social media. The ceremony before the Slavia Prague match represents closure for both Son and supporters who never experienced a proper stadium farewell.
The mural, located on the exterior wall of 3 Points Cafe opposite Bricklayers Arms pub, joins permanent tributes to other Tottenham legends along the route to the stadium.
Son's return caps a remarkable journey from his 2015 arrival from Bayer Leverkusen through his transformation into one of the Premier League's most consistent performers and Tottenham's first trophy-winning captain in nearly two decades.
