Son Heung-min looks unrecognisable from 2014 World Cup after starring for South Korea with dyed blonde hair

SON HEUNG-MIN looks unrecognisable from his first World Cup appearance back in 2014.

The South Korean superstar won his fitness race in order to start for his country in their tournament opener against Uruguay this afternoon.

GettySon Heung-min sported a blonde barnet at the 2014 World Cup[/caption]

GettyThe future Tottenham star played at his first World Cup aged 21[/caption]

This tournament in Qatar is Son’s third World Cup appearance, having played in Russia last time out and in Brazil in 2014.

At the last finals, the forward was already an established star in the Premier League with Tottenham.

But he was also in Brazil as a precocious 21-year-old while he still played for Bayer Leverkusen.

Son, now 30, sported a bleached blonde barnet at his first World Cup finals.

He also made an impression, scoring in Korea’s second group game against Algeria.

The Spurs star added another two World Cup goals four years later in 2018, netting against Mexico and Germany in Russia.

This time around he is wearing a protective face mask – after suffering multiple facial fractures during Tottenham’s Champions League clash with Marseille on November 1.

He was subsequently named in Paulo Bento’s 26-man squad for the tournament anyway, ensuring his compatriots that he would give everything to play for them.

Most read in Football

CALL IT QUITS

Denmark to hold talks with England over QUITTING Fifa amid huge World Cup row

MAJOR YU TURN

USA’s Musah out to dent ex-England pals Bellingham and Saka’s World Cup hopes

STRIKING PARTNER

Erling Haaland ‘smitten’ after secret love with girlfriend from hometown

BECK TO THE FUTURE

Beckham ‘open to talks’ over Man Utd takeover and could be involved

I’M YOUR MAN

UK’s richest man Jim Ratcliffe WILL make Man Utd bid as £8bn battle begins

FINGERS POINTED

Gundogan accuses Germany flops of ‘not wanting ball’ while boss slams Sule

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

Son’s statement read: “Hi everyone. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you all for the messages of support I have received over the last week.

“I have read so many of them and truly, truly appreciate you all. In a tough time I received a lot of strength from you!

“Playing for your country at the World Cup is the dream of so many children growing up, just as it was one of mine too.

“I won’t miss this for the world. I can’t wait to represent our beautiful country, see you soon.”

After today’s clash with Uruguay Son and Co take on Ghana on Monday before rounding off their Group H campaign against Portugal next Friday.

AFPSon scored twice at the 2018 World Cup in Russia[/caption]

GettyThe 30-year-old is wearing a mask to play in Qatar[/caption]