Soccer star Son Heung-min opens up for first time about racial abuse while playing in Germany

Tottenham Hotspur soccer star Son Heung-min, 29, opened up to fans for the first time about his “really difficult” and “unimaginable” experiences with racism as a teenage footballer in Germany.

At an event in Seoul on Monday, Son publicly shared with fans, “I moved to Germany when I was young, and went through so many really difficult, unimaginable moments.

“I faced a lot of racism. And while going through such a really difficult time, I had a lot of thoughts on my mind I should get my revenge one day.”

Son then referred to Germany’s shocking defeat to South Korea in the 2018 World Cup which sent the defending champions packing early and ranked last in their group.

German fans were seen leaving in tears from Russia’s Kazan Arena.

Son, who scored the second goal in the game that all but ensured Germany’s early exit, expressed he had little sympathy.

“When people cry, I’d [usually] want to comfort them and give them a hug,” he said. “But watching German people cry, [I felt] I was able to take revenge by doing something I like.”

The South Korea soccer icon became the first Asian to be awarded the Golden Boot, England’s highest sporting honor, for being the top scorer in the English Premier League with a career-high of 23 goals.

Considered one of the best soccer players in the world, Son has been the target of abuse on more than one occasion.

Last year, eight men from England were arrested on charges of tweeting racist abuse at Son.

The soccer star also reportedly faced racism during his Premier League career in England since moving to Spurs from Leverkusen in 2015.

Featured Image via GETTY IMAGES

Share this Article