Son Heung-min spoke out after South Korea stopped their journey at the 2026 World Cup, sending an apology to fans and admitting the pain when a big dream is shattered.
South Korean media reported that Son Heung-min spoke out after the national team concluded its journey at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The star currently playing for Los Angeles appeared on social media early Tuesday morning, sending an apology to fans following his home team’s defeat.
According to the Koreatimes, Son admitted it was very difficult for him to find a starting point to talk about this highly disappointing moment. He believed that he could not ignore reality, nor did he want to evade the negative emotions enveloping the aftermath of the tournament. Notably, the South Korean captain mentioned his promise to fans and his determination to meet expectations.
“I don’t know where to start. I cannot ignore it, nor do I want to run away from reality,” Son wrote. The player sent a sincere apology to the public, while admitting that his words could not fully express the disappointment and hurt that South Korean fans had to experience.
Son called having to leave the World Cup a shattered childhood dream. The 34-year-old forward stated that he understood the heavy emotions that the tournament brought to those who have always accompanied and cheered for the team. “Even at this moment, accepting this reality is not easy at all,” he expressed.
“I will do everything to bring joy back to you. I have never forgotten the promise I made to the fans,” the South Korean skipper emphasized. He also committed to continuing his efforts if the fans still need him.
Alongside the apology, Son also urged fans not to criticize the players after the defeat. He wanted fans to continue providing support for the collective, as the players fought with all their abilities in the national team shirt at the planet’s biggest playground.
Prior to the 2026 World Cup, Son possessed a record of 3 goals and 1 assist after 3 appearances at the tournament. Together with Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung, he held the record for the most World Cup goals scored by a South Korean player with 3 strikes, while also matching Choi Soon-ho in total goals and assists.
However, the fourth World Cup of Son’s career did not go as expected. In the context of coach Hong Myung-bo being questioned over his decision to leave him on the bench, Son failed to score or assist for the first time at a World Cup. Nevertheless, he still affirmed that he will continue to fight to bring joy to South Korean fans.
