The '2025 Coupang Play Series' successfully concluded with its second match held on Aug. 3 (Sun) at Seoul World Cup Stadium. The matchup between Tottenham Hotspur (hereinafter Tottenham) and Newcastle United (hereinafter Newcastle) evoked deep emotions among fans as it marked Son Heung-min's final appearance for Tottenham in the country, creating a symbolic moment filled with enthusiastic cheers.
The match was a meaningful occasion as it was the last time Son Heung-min wore the Tottenham uniform in front of domestic fans. He demonstrated active movements from the first half, covering the ground for 63 minutes, and during his substitution, greeted each of his teammates and Newcastle players, marking the conclusion of his final game with Tottenham. As Son Heung-min left the field, players from both teams lined up to perform a 'guard of honor,' giving respectful applause.
Afterward, Son Heung-min handed the captain's armband to his close friend Ben Davies, with the two embracing and saying their goodbyes. Returning to the bench amid thunderous applause from about 60,000 fans and players, Son Heung-min appeared to collect his emotions for a while.
Coupang Play prepared a tribute stage for Son Heung-min from before the match until its conclusion, sincerely cheering for his future. The preview show featured 'Goddess of the Trophy' Lee Soo-ji, who said, "You have worked so hard for ten years. I hope you pursue happy football and happiness in the future," delivering a warm message, and his close friend, actor Park Seo Jun, participated in the kickoff to share Son Heung-min's last moment. During halftime, the group 2NE1, known to be long-time fans, performed legendary hits like 'FIRE,' 'I DON'T CARE,' and 'I Am the Best,' completing a special stage for him.
The tribute performance created by fans left a deep impression. After the match commenced, the audience chanted 'Nice one, Sonny' in unison, celebrating Son Heung-min's 'last dance' during the 7th and 77th minutes that symbolize his jersey number, accompanied by the performance of the 'Trumpet Guy.' Tottenham supporters who traveled from England were also present, singing the team's cheers and joining in the emotional atmosphere during Son Heung-min's final stage, uniting fans across nationalities and languages. Immediately after the match, a tribute video showcasing Son Heung-min's decade-long journey with Tottenham was played on the scoreboard and broadcast screens, with fans cheering his name until the very last moment, filling the field with support.
Meanwhile, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Early in the first half, the tension heightened as both teams engaged in a rapid exchange of plays resulting in goals. Just three minutes into the game, Tottenham's Brennan Johnson scored the opening goal, taking the lead. Notably, shortly after scoring, Brennan Johnson performed a tribute celebration for Son Heung-min, moving the entire stadium. Newcastle then retaliated, and in the 37th minute, Harvey Barnes equalized for Newcastle, ending the first half. In the second half, Newcastle's Park Seung-soo and Tottenham's Yang Min-hyuk took to the field, showcasing impressive plays that foreshadowed the next decade of South Korean Premier League players.
The 2025 Coupang Play Series connected the Premier League closer to domestic fans. With two matches featuring Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Team K-League, fans could witness various aspects of Premier League players both inside and outside the stadium throughout the week, including live broadcasts of their arrival, pre-match interviews, open training, and appearances in 'Sincheon Jogging Soccer Club' by Newcastle players and 'Workers' by Tottenham players.
[Photo] Coupang Play
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