Heung-Min Son Shines: Full Career Stats Breakdown

Heung-Min Son has evolved from a promising teenager at Hamburger SV to one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards, and the numbers behind his rise underline just how valuable he is to Tottenham Hotspur and South Korea alike. From goals and assists to defensive work rate, Son’s all-round contribution puts him among Europe’s elite.

Heung-Min Son: Season-by-Season Stats

Across all clubs, Son has surpassed the 200-goal mark in senior football. For Tottenham alone he has logged 380+ appearances with over 150 goals and 80 assists. In the 2023/24 Premier League campaign he has already reached double figures for both metrics, averaging a direct goal contribution every 105 minutes. His Champions League record is equally impressive, boasting 17 goals and a clutch of knockout strikes that propelled Spurs to the 2019 final.

Early Days in Germany

Son’s professional debut came at 18 with Hamburger SV, but his breakout arrived after a €10 million move to Bayer Leverkusen. Two Bundesliga seasons yielded 29 goals, drawing admiration for his two-footed finishing, electric pace and tireless pressing — qualities that convinced Spurs to make him Asia’s most expensive footballer in 2015.

Tottenham Transformation

Under Mauricio Pochettino, Son initially filled wide roles before evolving into a fluid striker. The 2020/21 partnership with Harry Kane produced a Premier League record 14 goal-assist combinations. Even after Kane’s departure in 2023, Son stepped up as captain, seamlessly switching between left wing and central striker while mentoring emerging talents such as Brennan Johnson.

How Son Fits Ange Postecoglou’s System

Postecoglou demands high defensive engagement from his forwards, and Heung-Min Son delivers. Tracking back into his own half, he averages 14.3 pressures and 3.1 recoveries per 90 minutes. Offensively, he leads the league in runs behind the last line, illustrating his instinct for timing. His non-penalty xG stands at 0.45 per game, a figure elite forwards covet.

International Pedigree

For South Korea, Son boasts 121 caps and 41 goals, captaining his nation in two World Cups. His 2018 stoppage-time strike versus Germany remains a defining career moment, sealing a historic 2–0 win. Gold at the 2018 Asian Games granted him military exemption, ensuring uninterrupted club availability.

Key Records and Milestones

• First Asian player to hit 100 Premier League goals
• Joint-fastest Spurs hat-trick (with Harry Kane) — 13 minutes vs. Leicester, 2022
• Four-time Premier League Goal of the Month winner
• Puskás Award 2020 for a solo run against Burnley

Statistical Snapshot (All Competitions)

• Appearances: 520
• Goals: 216
• Assists: 112
• Shots on target: 48%
• Big chances created: 92
• Dribbles completed: 61%

Technical Strengths

1. Two-footed Finishing: Son scores 41% of his goals with his weaker left foot, making him unpredictable in tight spaces.
2. Counter-Attacking Threat: Clocked at 35.2 km/h, he thrives in transitional moments.
3. Long-Range Accuracy: 14 career goals have come from outside the box, including a 30-yard rocket against Chelsea in 2018.

Areas for Improvement

Despite elite productivity, Son occasionally drifts deep to collect the ball, reducing Spurs’ penalty-area presence. Postecoglou’s coaching staff aim to keep him higher by instructing midfielders to progress quickly, freeing Son to exploit the final third.

Heung-Min Son in 2024: What to Expect

With the Asian Cup completed, Son’s focus returns to Spurs’ chase for a Champions League berth. Data analysts project him to finish the Premier League season on 19–22 goals, potentially surpassing his personal best of 23 set in 2021/22. Contract talks are rumoured for the summer, and Spurs will likely reward their skipper with an extension well into his 30s, mirroring the deals given to club legends Ledley King and Hugo Lloris.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Son’s popularity transcends traditional fan bases. Tottenham’s social-media following in South Korea has skyrocketed by 300% since his arrival, and Premier League broadcast numbers in Asia often spike whenever Spurs play. Off the field, his philanthropy includes a football academy in Chuncheon and donations to COVID-19 relief efforts.

Expert View

Analyst Michael Cox notes, “Son’s spatial awareness is world-class. He sees vacant lanes before defenders even pivot, making him lethal on the break.” Former Spurs captain Gary Mabbutt adds, “He embodies the modern professional — humble, driven and always improving.”

Verdict: Son’s Continuing Brilliance

If Tottenham are to return to Europe’s elite, Heung-Min Son’s consistency and leadership will be instrumental. His statistical output, tactical adaptability and marketability combine to make him one of the most complete attackers of his generation.

Opinion: Few forwards blend efficiency and entertainment like Son. Whether you’re crunching the numbers or simply watching for pleasure, his game is a masterclass in modern attacking football — and at 31, there’s every indication the best chapters are still to come.