Son Heung-min speaks directly: "This could be my last World Cup; my biggest dream is to create a wonderful journey"

*This content was translated by AI.

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, Son Heung-min (34, LAFC), captain of the South Korea national football team, stated, "This tournament could be my last World Cup. I hope we can make our journey with the national team truly wonderful," and urged fans to offer their support.

In an interview released on the 27th (Korean time) via the FIFA website, Son Heung-min said, "That is what I most want to say to the fans, and what I most want to ask of them. If the fans support us from the side and behind, just as they always have, and if I lead the players well from the front while the fans push us from behind, I believe we can compete in the World Cup without any obstacles."

Son Heung-min added, "Reaching the World Cup round of 16 is not something a team can achieve alone. Everything must come together as one. Our supporters may think I am asking for too much, but a single word from the people of South Korea can become a tremendous source of strength for the players. To achieve such a monumental accomplishment, I believe everyone must unite with one heart and one mind."

He further stated, "Players must prepare with a strong sense of responsibility on the field. While mental and tactical preparations must be flawless, I believe we can achieve results beyond the round of 16 only if everyone shares a unified heart and determination."

In response to a FIFA question about the weight of being "more than a football player—a national symbol," Son Heung-min replied, "I don't think I've ever felt it as a burden. I consider myself someone who can bring joy to many, and I always prepare for matches with humility and my utmost effort. There may be times when I fall short, but I believe there will also be times when I can satisfy a great many citizens."

Son Heung-min continued, "Of course, responsibility comes with the role, but it does not feel like a heavy burden. I feel truly fortunate to be called a national symbol. I am always doing my best to show actions and plays that meet expectations."

He also shared his feelings about stepping onto the "dream stage" he has longed for since childhood, doing so on four separate occasions. Participating in four World Cups ties the record for most appearances by a South Korean player, following Hong Myung-bo, Hwang Sun-hong, and Lee Woon-jae.

Son Heung-min said, "I first started watching the World Cup in the 1998 France tournament. While scenes come to mind, I don't remember exactly how it unfolded. The first time I experienced the World Cup directly was the 2002 Korea-Japan tournament. At that time, I thought, 'I want to become a football player and participate in such an incredible celebration,' and I began playing football with that dream. Now, as I prepare for my fourth World Cup, I feel excited. It is an honor to have another opportunity to realize my dream."

He continued, "The 2014 Brazil World Cup seems to have changed me. As the youngest player on the team, I knew nothing and only thought, 'This is so exciting, this will be fun,' but then I faced reality. I believe that was the period when I grew the most as a person and as a football player. From that time on, I more deeply realized and felt the immense responsibility that comes with representing the national team."

In particular, the match against Algeria, in which he scored his first World Cup goal but where South Korea lost 2-4, remains a "painful memory" for Son Heung-min. He added, "The defeat was so painful that I realized, 'I am still far from being good enough. I am still lacking, and there are so many people in the world who play football well. There are so many teams in the world that play football well.' That match made me face reality."

Regarding his goals for the upcoming North America World Cup, Son Heung-min stated, "Naturally, our team achieving a good result is my biggest dream." He noted, "This World Cup will involve more participating nations, making it harder to reach the round of 16 or the quarterfinals. However, if South Korea unites as one and we consider the many citizens who will cheer for our country during the tournament, even a single good result would be enough."

He further said, "Our coach (Hong Myung-bo) led all the players as captain of the national team during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, creating a wonderful journey. I also want to share such a journey with the players this time. My biggest dream is to create such a wonderful journey while I am playing in the United States."

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*This content was translated by AI.