Son Heung-min (LA FC) is poised to make history in Korean soccer during this year’s final home A-match. The prolific striker needs just one more goal to surpass the legendary Cha Bum-kun and claim the top spot as the all-time leading scorer in A-match history.
Son will be gunning for his 59th A-match goal on October 6th at 8 PM, as Korea faces Uzbekistan in a friendly at Yongin Mir Stadium.
With 58 A-match goals to his name, Son is currently tied with former national team coach Cha Bum-kun for the most goals in Korean men’s national team history.
Son’s 58th goal came in dramatic fashion during last month’s match against Uruguay.
With Korea trailing 0-4 in the 35th minute of the second half, Lee Kang-in whipped in a cross from the right. Son managed to get a touch with his right foot, redirecting the ball into the net.
Initially, there was uncertainty about whether Son had made contact with the ball. Even Son himself thought Lee’s cross had gone directly in, leading to a muted celebration.
Post-match, however, the record was officially amended to credit Son with the goal, putting him level with Cha Bum-kun at 58 goals.
The upcoming Uzbekistan match carries extra weight for Son beyond his pursuit of the scoring record. It marks the Korean national team’s final home A-match of the year.
With the team set for overseas fixtures during November’s A-match window, this game represents Son’s last opportunity to don the Taeguk mark in front of the home crowd while chasing this milestone.
Son has been a cornerstone of Korea’s attack for over 15 years, dating back to his A-match debut goal against India in the 2011 Asian Cup.
His impact has been felt on the world stage as well. Son found the net once in the 2014 Brazil World Cup and scored against both Mexico and Germany in the 2018 Russia tournament.
Despite suffering an orbital fracture, Son showed his dedication by playing with a protective mask in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. His late-game heroics against Portugal, including a lung-busting run and assist for Hwang Hee-chan’s winner, were crucial in Korea’s advancement to the Round of 16.
The record Son is on the verge of breaking has long been a symbol of Korean soccer excellence.
Cha Bum-kun’s tally of 58 goals in 136 A-matches, set between 1972 and 1986, stood unchallenged for decades. Son equaled this mark in his 149th A-match appearance.
Now, a goal against Uzbekistan would see Son claim sole possession of the all-time scoring record for the Korean men’s national team with 59 goals.
All eyes will be on Son Heung-min as he aims to etch his name into the annals of Korean soccer history in this year’s final home A-match.
