Son Heung-min played what is anticipated to be his final match for Tottenham Hotspur in an emotional friendly against Newcastle United held in Seoul. The South Korean forward, who has been a pivotal figure for Spurs since joining the club in 2015, was honored by teammates and opponents alike as he was substituted in the 65th minute. His departure was marked by a guard of honour from both teams, showcasing the respect he commanded on and off the pitch.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Son handing the captain’s armband to Ben Davies before leaving the field, visibly moved as he placed his head in his hands. Son reflected on the significance of the moment, stating, "I didn't think I was going to cry at first... but after hearing a few words from my teammates, leaving the club I've spent so much time with felt really tough." He expressed gratitude to fans, teammates, and even the opposing players for their support throughout his decade-long tenure at Spurs.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe commented on Son's impact, noting that his players' instinctive reactions during the farewell reflected the high regard in which Son is held within the football community. Son's decision to leave Spurs, which he described as "the most difficult" of his career, comes amid advanced negotiations with Major League Soccer (MLS) side Los Angeles FC.

In addition to the emotional farewell, the match presented concerns for new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, as midfielder James Maddison was stretchered off shortly after coming on, indicating a potentially serious injury. Despite the uncertainties, the day was largely about celebrating Son’s contributions to Tottenham, a club legend who scored 173 goals and provided 101 assists during his time, and he leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to duplicate.