Postecoglou and Son Heung-min: From Asian Cup Rivals to Europa League Champions

Ange Postecoglou and Son Heung-min — two prominent Asian football figures — have carved their names into Tottenham Hotspur history by leading the club to the 2024–2025 UEFA Europa League title.

Their partnership today is a remarkable transformation from what once was a fierce rivalry, dating back to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final, where Postecoglou’s Australia edged out Son’s South Korea with a 2-1 victory.

Son’s Second Major Career Milestone

The win at San Mames Stadium marks Son Heung-min’s second major career title, following his 2018 Asian Games gold medal at Pakansari Stadium, Indonesia — a triumph that also exempted him from mandatory military service in South Korea.

Son’s consistency and leadership as Tottenham’s captain have been instrumental throughout the Europa League campaign, with his performance in the final once again proving decisive.

Postecoglou’s Steady Rise from A-League to European Glory

Ange Postecoglou, the first Australian to manage in the Premier League, is no stranger to building success from the ground up. His journey began with Brisbane Roar, an A-League side owned by Indonesia’s Bakrie Group, where he clinched back-to-back domestic titles.

From there, Postecoglou rose through the ranks, eventually coaching the Australian national team to Asian Cup victory in 2015 before taking managerial roles in Japan and Scotland, and ultimately arriving at Tottenham.

A Story of Redemption and Shared Ambition

Their connection, rooted in a hard-fought final nearly a decade ago, now evolves into a story of mutual success. Together, they’ve delivered one of Spurs’ most significant European triumphs in years.