I am an editorial writer at The Korea Times, focusing on foreign policy, North Korea and domestic politics. My key areas of interest include North Korea, foreign interference in elections, election integrity, cyberattacks and human rights. Prior to joining the Editorial Board, I served as both Politics Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. During my career, I have reported on the Presidential Office under the Lee Myung-bak administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly.
Son Heung-min's 'Wonder Goal' selected as Goal of the Year
Son Heung-min / Korea Times file
By Kang Hyun-kyung
By Kang Hyn-kyung
Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min won the “Goal of the Year” award presented by sports news site The Athletic.
Son won the award for his goal scored after a 70-meter run down the field in a match against Burnley in December 2019. After taking possession of the ball near his own penalty area, Son proceeded to dribble the ball 70 meters down the pitch, passing six Burnley players before scoring the goal, as Tottenham went on to a 5-0 victory.
After the goal, Son was likened to superstars such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
The Athletic selected Son's goal for the award based on an online vote by football fans.
The Athletic selected players in six categories: Young Player of the Year, Goal of the Year, Unrated Player, Best of Year 11, Men's Player of the Year and Women's Player of the Year.
In the men's category, Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne was chosen as Player of the Year.
The media outlet's ceremony was held Sunday amid uncertainty about the resumption of the English Premier League due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Son's wonder goal last year showed him to be a world-class player.
Tottenham manager Jose Maurinho praised Son after the Burnley match.
“Even before this goal my son calls him Sonaldo, and today he was Sonaldo Nazario,” Maurinho said during a news conference after the game.
“The only thing that came to my mind was a goal where I had the honor to be sat next to Sir Bobby Robson in 1996 and Ronaldo Nazario scored a goal against Compostela from behind the halfway line and scored a very similar goal. I met his parents yesterday and I understood also where it comes from. The kid is fantastic and I am so happy.”