Son Heung-min (손흥민) Becomes South Korea’s All-Time Leading Scorer

Son Heung-min (손흥민) made history on October 6, 2026, by becoming South Korea’s all-time leading scorer in men’s football. In a friendly match against Uzbekistan at Yongin Mir Stadium, Son scored his 59th goal, surpassing the previous record of 58 held by the legendary Cha Bum-kun (차범근). The match ended with a 2-0 victory for South Korea, marking a triumphant moment for the national team and its captain.

The match, which took place in Yongin, a city approximately 40 kilometers south of Seoul, saw Son open the scoring in the 6th minute with a stunning free kick. This goal solidified his status as a key player for the national team and ended a 48-year-long record held by Cha, who retired from international football after the 1986 World Cup.

Key Facts

• Son Heung-min scored his 59th goal in a friendly match on October 6, 2026.
• The match was held at Yongin Mir Stadium in South Korea.
• South Korea won 2-0 against Uzbekistan.
• Oh Se-hun scored the second goal for South Korea in the 60th minute.
• Son has played 151 international matches, the most by a South Korean male player.

Son’s record-breaking goal came shortly after he tied Cha’s record with his 58th goal against Uruguay on September 28, 2026. During the match against Uzbekistan, Son showcased his exceptional skill, curling the ball past the defensive wall with his signature right-footed shot. This moment marked a personal achievement for Son and highlighted his importance to the South Korean national team.

Under the leadership of interim coach Robert Moreno, South Korea concluded their four-match series during the FIFA international window with two wins, one draw, and one loss. The victory against Uzbekistan was particularly important as it helped the team regain momentum after a disappointing performance against Uruguay.

The Domestic Response

Following the match, local media celebrated Son’s achievement. According to Yonhap News Agency, Son’s goal was described as a thrilling moment that wrote a new chapter in Korean football history. "Son Heung-min wrote a new history for Korean football," the agency reported, emphasizing the significance of surpassing a record that had stood for nearly five decades.

In addition to his scoring prowess, Son’s experience and leadership on the field have been invaluable to the national team. He is already the most-capped male player in South Korean history, with 151 appearances. His international career began on December 30, 2010, when he made his debut against Syria. Since then, he has participated in multiple FIFA World Cups and Asian Cups, becoming a household name in South Korean sports.

According to The Korea Times, the match against Uzbekistan was not just a personal victory for Son but also a team effort. Oh Se-hun’s goal in the second half solidified the win, demonstrating the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The match statistics indicated that South Korea faced a determined Uzbekistan side that controlled possession for long stretches, but strong performances from players like goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo (조현우) ensured the team maintained their lead.

As South Korea prepares for their upcoming matches in November, the focus will be on building upon this victory. The team will play two away matches during the November 9-17 window, which will be instrumental in determining the future direction of Moreno’s coaching tenure. The results of these matches could influence whether his contract is extended.

In terms of historical records, Son’s achievement is particularly notable as it places him in the spotlight alongside Ji So-yun (지소연), who holds the all-time scoring record for South Korean football with 76 goals in 182 appearances. This comparison highlights the growing talent pool in South Korean football, both in men's and women's competitions.

As fans celebrate Son’s milestone, the narrative of South Korean football continues to evolve, with young players looking up to figures like Son as they aspire to leave their mark on the sport. The excitement surrounding this record-breaking goal has reignited interest in the national team as they look to build a competitive squad for future international tournaments.

With Son Heung-min leading the charge, South Korea's football prospects appear bright. The next matches will be a test of the team's resolve and adaptability as they seek to maintain their upward momentum in the international arena.