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Son Heung-min rejects decline narrative

Published: 01 Apr. 2026, 09:37

Son Heung-min, center, is defended by Marco Friedl, left, and Konrad Laimer of Austria during the teams' friendly football match at Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna on March 31. [YONHAP]

Korea captain Son Heung-min is pushing back against the notion that he has hit the downslope of his career, despite mounting evidence to the contrary.

Son missed a few scoring opportunities in Korea's 1-0 loss to Austria in Vienna on Tuesday. Long able to score off both feet, Son misfired on a couple of left-footed shots and was denied on a fast break look by opposing goalkeeper Patrick Pentz —a play eventually ruled offside.

Son, 33, sits second on the all-time Korean goals list with 54, four behind the leader, Cha Bum-kun, but Son's pace has slowed. In 2024, he netted 10 goals in 15 international matches, but his production dipped to just three goals in nine matches in 2025.

Son then joined the national team in March with zero open play goals in nine matches for his Los Angeles Football Club this season.

Son, however, insisted he didn't think he had taken any step back.

“I don't think I've suffered any dip in my performance," he said. "When the time comes for me to leave the national team, then I will do it on my own. If I can no longer play at a high level, then I shouldn't be on the national team. Now I have to return to my club and try to perform better."

Son said he understands fans' frustration with his lack of scoring because he has set the bar so high.

“It's disappointing that people talk about decline whenever I hit a dry spell," Son said. "I know there are high expectations on me because I've scored so many goals over the years. I am always doing the best I can, and I am feeling good physically."

Son said the European trip, which began with a 4-0 loss to Ivory Coast near London last Saturday, presented mental challenges for Korea, and he wanted to thank his teammates for their hard work.

“I've always tried to maintain good relationships with younger players," Son added. "As long as I am around, I want to share my energy and skills with them."

Yonhap