Son Heung-min’s Emotional Return Inspires Spurs as Frank’s Side Cruise to Key Champions League Win
Son Heung-min returned to Tottenham in trademark fashion — perfectly on cue.
The South Korean icon, who scored 173 goals in 454 appearances for Spurs, visited the club for the first time since his summer move to Los Angeles FC. And fittingly, his homecoming came on a big European night, the kind of occasion he helped define during his spell at the club — from the 2019 Champions League run to his farewell as captain in last season’s Europa League Final win in Bilbao.
An emotional Son addressed the Spurs crowd before kick-off, greeted by a thunderous ovation. He then watched Thomas Frank’s side secure a confident Champions League victory over Slavia Prague.
Son’s presence injected a welcome sense of positivity into a fanbase that has often been divided this season. Frank, under scrutiny since his arrival from Brentford, has faced criticism from supporters — especially after the recent home defeat to Fulham, when he publicly called out fans who booed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
But this week has been crucial for Frank. Spurs battled from behind twice to take a point at Newcastle, swept aside Brentford, and followed it up with a convincing 3–0 result against Slavia Prague. Before the Brentford win, Spurs had managed just three home league victories from 16 in 2025 — a trend Frank is desperate to reverse.
Though not flawless and guilty of gifting Slavia chances, Tottenham were largely in control and edged closer to a top-eight Champions League spot, which would guarantee a place in the knockout stage. It was also a strong response to their 5–3 loss to PSG, a match in which Spurs competed well before being undone by the champions’ quality.
Xavi Simons continued his impressive recent form, contributing heavily again after starring against Brentford. He and Mohammed Kudus were constant threats — even competing over penalty duties in the second half. Spurs’ opener came courtesy of a David Sima own goal from Cristian Romero’s flick, before second-half penalties were converted by Kudus and then Simons.
Frank praised both attackers afterward, highlighting Simons’ work rate and Kudus’ renewed sharpness. For the manager, this run of performances is not just about Champions League progress but about building trust and credibility with supporters who remain cautious.
As for Son, his joy was unmistakable — his trademark smile matched by thousands in the stands. For a club that has endured its share of turbulence this season, his return felt like a perfectly scripted moment.