What does Son Heung-Min’s goal celebration mean?

SCORING a goal is like pure magic – that moment when players and fans erupt in joy right after the ball hits the back of the net.

Many players are known for their distinctive antics after scoring, and Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-Min is one of them.

Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates their goal against Manchester CityRex

What does Son Heung-Min’s goal celebration mean?

Son, who made the move to Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, has notched up over a hundred goals for the club.

He continues to make a significant impact under different managers in north London.

During the 2021-22 season, Son and Harry Kane established a new Premier League record for the highest number of goal combinations, surpassing the previous milestone set by Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard.

Son is now known for his camera celebration he does right after he scores a goal.

It was shown during Sunday’s (December 3, 2023) Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City Premier League when Son scored the first goal of the match.

He is now synonymous with the move whenever he scores. 

When does Son Heung-Min perform his celebration?

After Son successfully puts the ball into the net, his celebration often involves gesturing towards the camera, playfully pretending to take a picture with his fingers.

Accompanied by his distinctive grin, the celebration has become a trademark for the Tottenham forward.

What has Son Heung-Min said about his celebration?

Speaking in 2021 to Sky Sports, Son explained all about his trademark routine.

“Maybe a year ago, I was thinking about what could be a special celebration,” he said.

“And then I tried to find one. The camera celebration is because if I score a goal, it’s a good memory. It’s like, I take a picture so I have good memories in my mind [of it]. 

“I don’t know if the people get it, but I think it’s a good celebration. I don’t know if I’ll keep doing it, but we’ll see!”

The star also told The Times that he’s never happy if he’s not scoring: “I was born loving football and I’m still loving football but when you go home you take with you many things.

“I’m an attacking player, so if I don’t score how can I be happy? I can’t be happy if I have unbelievable opportunities to score goals or make chances. If I don’t score and I’m happy, probably I wouldn’t be here.

“Sometimes even if we win, I’m still sad because of my performance, or where I can do better, how I can do better, the mistakes I make or the chances I miss.

“I’m always thinking about football because this is how I made it here.”