National football team captain Son Heung-min (33, LAFC) has apologized to fans for the team's failure to advance to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America, promising to do his best once again from his position.
Son posted a long message on his social media account this morning (June 30), expressing his complex emotions by saying, "I do not know where to start. I cannot pretend not to know, and I do not want to avoid reality."
The national football team was eliminated from the tournament on June 28 after finishing third in Group A with a record of one win and two losses in the group stage of the World Cup.
This is the first time Son has publicly shared his feelings since the elimination.
"First and foremost, I would like to sincerely apologize to the people of South Korea and the fans who love football," Son said, empathizing with the fans by adding, "As someone who also loves football, if I had watched these matches, I would have felt truly frustrated, stifled, and heartbroken."
He continued, "I wanted to convey this message to the fans who are going through a harder time than anyone else, with various emotions crossing their minds every day and every moment. For me, this was a tournament more precious than any other, and it feels as if the 'dream stage of my childhood' that I have always talked about has collapsed, leaving me feeling indescribably devastated and heartbroken."
This tournament marked the fourth World Cup in which Son has participated.
"To be honest, it is still not easy to accept this reality," Son said, expressing his regret over the dismal result. "I am cautious about even speaking of my own feelings when I think of the fans who are carrying much greater disappointment and pain than I am, but I believe the hearts of the fans are not much different from mine."
He bowed his head repeatedly, stating, "I know very well that many things were sacrificed for this stage. I feel a great sense of responsibility for failing to repay the time, heart, and unwavering support and love you have shown us. I am truly, deeply sorry. And I sincerely thank everyone who believed in us, supported us, and stayed with us until the end."
Son then comforted the fans with a pledge to rise again after the failure.
"Rather than expressing everything in words, I will do my best again from my position to win back the hearts of the South Korean people and football fans," he said. "I will run with everything I have to bring you joy once again. I have never forgotten the promise I made to the fans. Until the fans look for me, and as long as you need me, I will pour everything I have into preparing well again."
Son concluded his message with a request: "I earnestly ask you to send warm support and encouragement to all the players, rather than giving them too much criticism and hurt, even though I know it is very difficult."