Son Heung-min (LAFC), captain of South Korea's national football team, shared his feelings for the first time over the team's failure to reach the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America, saying he was "sorry to the nation."
Son posted a lengthy message on his social media Monday morning, expressing his heavy heart. "I don't know where to begin. I can't pretend not to know, and I don't want to run from reality," he wrote.
The national team finished third in Group A with one win and two losses in the World Cup group stage, and its elimination from the round of 32 was confirmed Saturday.
It was the first time Son had publicly shared his feelings since then.
"First of all, I want to sincerely apologize to the people of the Republic of Korea and to the fans who love football," Son said, expressing his understanding of the fans' feelings. "As someone who loves football myself, if I had watched a match like this, I think I would have felt truly heartbroken, frustrated and pained."
He continued, "To the fans who are going through a harder time than anyone, with so many emotions crossing their minds every day and every moment, I wanted to convey at least this message. It was a tournament more precious to me than anyone, and I feel an indescribable heaviness and pain, as if the 'stage of a child's dream' that I always spoke of has crumbled."
This was Son's fourth World Cup appearance.
"To be honest, it's still not easy for me to accept this reality," Son said in his apology. "When I think of the fans who must be carrying far greater disappointment and hurt than me, even speaking about my own feelings feels careful, but I think what the fans feel is not so different from what I feel."
He added, "I know well that so much was sacrificed for this stage. I, too, feel a great sense of responsibility over the fact that I ultimately could not repay the time and heart you gave us, and your unwavering support and love." Bowing his head once more, he said, "I am truly so sorry. And I sincerely thank everyone who believed in us, cheered for us and stood with us to the end."
Son then expressed his resolve to put on a greater performance at the next opportunity. "Rather than express everything in words like this now, I will do my best again in my place so that I can win back the hearts of the people of the Republic of Korea and football fans," he said. "I will run as if my life depends on it so that I can bring you joy again. I have never forgotten the promise I made to the fans. Until the fans look for me, until they need me, I will pour out everything I have and prepare myself well again."
He also urged football fans to refrain from criticizing the national team.
"Rather than giving all the players too much criticism and hurt, I earnestly ask that, as hard as it may be, you send warm support and encouragement," Son said, concluding his message.
