Son Heung-min has become the all-time leading men’s international goalscorer for South Korea, reaching a milestone of 59 goals during a friendly match against Uzbekistan on 6 October 2026. According to reporting from the Seoul Economic Daily and The Korea Times, the 34-year-old forward secured his place in national football history with a sixth-minute free-kick at the Yongin Mireu Stadium, surpassing the long-standing record of 58 goals held by former striker and national team head coach Cha Bum-kun.
Son reached the new benchmark in his 151st international appearance. Having equalled Cha’s record on 28 September in a match against Uruguay, the South Korea captain required only two further appearances to claim the record outright. His international scoring journey spans over 15 years, having made his debut for the senior team against Syria in December 2010. His first international goal followed in January 2011 during an AFC Asian Cup group stage match against India. The Korea Football Association has confirmed the achievement, noting that the forward has remained a consistent fixture for the national side since his teenage years.
The milestone comes during a late-career phase defined by his 2025 move to Major League Soccer. Son departed Tottenham Hotspur in August 2025 to join LAFC, a transfer that BBC Sport reported involved a fee in excess of £20 million, marking a new financial record for the MLS club. During his decade-long tenure in North London, Son established himself as one of the club's most productive attacking players, recording 173 goals in 454 appearances across all competitions. His time at Tottenham also included winning the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021/22 season, a period where he formed a highly prolific attacking partnership with Harry Kane.
Since his transition to the United States, Son has maintained his physical and technical output, adapting to the demands of the MLS. During the latter stages of the 2025 season, he recorded 12 goals in 13 appearances. In the current 2026 campaign, he has contributed six goals and 10 assists across 25 league appearances, alongside two goals scored in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. Observers in South Korea have frequently highlighted this sustained form as a key factor in his ability to continue leading the national team at the age of 34.
Son’s international legacy is also tied to his performances at major tournaments. He has represented South Korea at four consecutive FIFA World Cups, scoring three goals in that period. This total ties him with former players Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung for the most World Cup goals by any South Korean player. While he has now claimed the record for the men’s team, the overall national record for South Korean international football remains with midfielder Ji So-yun, who has scored 76 goals in 182 appearances for the women’s national team. Son continues to serve as the men's national team captain, with the Korea Football Association regarding his ongoing physical condition and dedication as integral to the team's current sporting and leadership structure.