South Korean striker Son Heung-Min played for big clubs like Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen, but it wasn’t until he signed for Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 that he became one of the best wingers in the world and since then he has become one of the club’s greatest idols thanks to his versatility, lethal attacking prowess, speed, and also for his very friendly personality. For a long time, the South Korean formed a very dangerous attacking duo with Englishman Harry Kane until the latter signed for German giant Bayern Munich a couple of years ago, while Son would remain at the English club for a few more years.
Son, also nicknamed “Sonaldo” by many, would become Tottenham’s flagship player after Kane‘s departure and would also become the team’s captain after the latter’s departure. But even before Kane’s departure, Son was seen by many as one of the team’s most important players, despite having never won the Premier League after numerous attempts. But that wouldn’t stop Son from becoming the best Asian footballer in the world and of all time.
“Sonaldo” had to wait until 2025 to finally taste glory with the English team, as it was during that year that Son’s Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League, which would be the club’s first trophy since 2008. It was good that Son was finally able to win this trophy, as he recently announced that he would be leaving the club before the start of the current season, which surprised many.
Following the announcement of the South Korean’s departure from his team, many fans have begun to question Son’s motives for wanting to leave, and there’s no shortage of conspiracy theories. Currently, many believe Son’s departure is due to a video in which the South Korean asks for donations to Palestine through the World Food Programme.
Tottenham and South Korea star Heung-min Son is calling for donations to support Palestinians through the World Food Programme.
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) July 26, 2025
Last year, after a match against the Palestine national team, he also expressed his solidarity with their cause.
Thank you Sonny @Sonny7 pic.twitter.com/pAueFTSbye
For many, that video of him pleading for help from the Palestinian people was what led to his departure from the English club, as a week after making the video, he decided to leave Tottenham. They say it’s no coincidence that his departure came after this campaign was launched.
And just a week later after this, Son announces he’s leaving Spurs.
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) August 2, 2025
I’m not saying he was kicked out because of it, but it’s no coincidence that he launched this campaign for Palestine recently.
Respect to him, honestly. Top player and an even better person. https://t.co/i0nR1yy3nL
And of course, like everything on the internet, there are always those who take advantage of it to make funny memes about it.
A week after Son speaks up about Palestine, he's suddenly leaving the club pic.twitter.com/Tqg2qbqx7O
— UNCS (@Nazteeee196) August 2, 2025
But beyond the memes, there are those who really liked Son’s call for support for Palestine and its people. We’ve always seen footballers asking for support from other countries, so this isn’t much different from the rest.
This is the pro Palestine action I expect from celebrities "speaking up for Palestine" not their IG stories "gaza is starving" or "free palestine" and sit on their asses all day. Thank you Heung min Son ❤️ https://t.co/zTQaZu2N0t
— Diana 🦚 (@BasedDiana) July 27, 2025
And there are others who say Son did this to seek his way out of the team, since Tottenham Hotspur is known for being a Jewish club.
Is he trying to force a move?
— The Symbol of Peace (@Danosaur1) July 27, 2025
Spurs is a famously Jewish club.
This second theory is interesting because Son’s comments come off the back of Tottenham CEO Daniel Levy triggering his one-year extension in his contract. The South Korean’s contract was ending this summer and could have chosen any team to go to on his own. However, thanks to that extension, which is one-sided and didn’t need his approval, the club interested in him now has to negotiate with his current employers.
Levy trigged the extra year on sons contract, son had no control on it
— Kas (@KasSpurs) August 2, 2025
This could also make sense. After all, Tottenham and Levy both have Jewish roots. Therefore, the Palestine video could have been a way to force his way out when he no longer felt like staying at the club. However, this is mere speculation and can’t be taken at face value.
1 week after Levy extended his contract for no other reason than protecting Son's value pic.twitter.com/oURc3boGSq
— . (@KULUZEBSKl) August 2, 2025
There are currently rumors that “Sonaldo” is moving to Los Angeles FC, but there is no definitive news on this at this time. They have only said that negotiations are underway between the club and the South Korean.
Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has asked to leave the club this summer.@PaulTenorio reported earlier this month that MLS side Los Angeles FC were interested in signing Son.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 2, 2025
More details: https://t.co/nb31pT0G6t pic.twitter.com/2ZkqaUjMAq
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him playing in the MLS since many players decide to go to these types of leagues after their prime.
