Image provided on October 1, 2025 by the Korea Football Association (KFA) marking the new record for the most capped player in the history of South Korean men’s football that Son Heung-min, captain of the national team, is about to achieve. (Resale and archiving prohibited)
SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Yonhap) — The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced Wednesday that it will hold an official ceremony this month to mark Son Heung-min’s ascension to the top step among the most capped male players in the national team. This ceremony will take place before the kickoff of the friendly match between South Korea and Paraguay which will be played at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Tuesday, October 14, said the KFA.
Son, a long-time captain of the Taegeuk Warriors, currently has 136 caps to his name, tying him with two former players, legend Cha Bum-kun and Hong Myung-bo, the team’s current coach, but barring any unpleasant surprises, he should get a head start on them on Friday, October 10 when he takes to the turf to host Brazil, again at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
The ceremony will be titled “Legend Old & New – From Cha to Son,” and Cha himself will be on hand to convey his congratulations to the new record holder. A backdrop in the colors of the champion designed especially for taking photos will be installed around the stadium to allow fans to immortalize the moment. In addition, spectators will be able to exchange their digital tickets for a commemorative paper ticket bearing Son’s image.
Now 33, the Korean football star played his first international match in December 2010 and has been with the national team for 14 years and 253 days, the third longest tenure in Korean men’s football history.
fabien@yna.co.kr
(FIN)
