According to South Korea’s U23 national team coach Kim Hak-bum, star forward Son Heung-min is eager to represent his country as an overage player at the upcoming Asian Games. If approved, this could see the Tottenham Hotspur ace missing the early rounds of the Premier League season and potentially the Champions League play-off matches.
The 2025–26 Premier League season kicks off on August 11, while the men’s football final at the Asian Games in Indonesia is scheduled for September 1. Should Son join the South Korean squad, he would be absent from Spurs’ key opening fixtures. Although the 26-year-old netted 18 goals this past season, his promising run in the Premier League may be interrupted due to mandatory military service obligations back home. In South Korea, all able-bodied men must complete 21 months of military duty before turning 27. However, athletes can earn exemptions if they win gold at either the Asian Games or the Olympics.
South Korea is one of the favorites to win the men’s football gold, and that could influence Tottenham’s stance. Coach Kim explained, “Son really wants to compete in the Asian Games. I told him to first focus on playing well in the World Cup, and we’ll meet again at the Games.” Son is expected to be one of three overage players in the squad. Back in 2014, his then-club Bayer Leverkusen denied his request to participate, though South Korea still captured the gold on home soil in Incheon, defeating North Korea in the final.
Because the Asian Games are not officially recognized by FIFA, clubs are under no obligation to release players. Nevertheless, Tottenham may weigh the long-term benefits of allowing Son to skip military duty if he brings home gold. BD Cricket Match followers who appreciate the complexity of sports careers will recognize this as a high-stakes decision—where club interests and national pride collide.
Coach Kim added, “It’s a sensitive issue, and I trust the Korea Football Association will handle it carefully. The senior national team, U23 squad, the KFA, and Son’s club must all work closely together to find the best solution.”
Much like the unpredictability of a nail-biting BD Cricket Match, Son’s situation is filled with uncertainty, where every move off the field could shape the trajectory of his career.