Son Heung-min has just walked through the door head to toe in the new Spurs away kit, to be greeted as he doubtless always is – by a grinning face (mine) and a few dozen posters to sign for his adoring fanbase.
Son might be one of football’s most creative outlets, but he’s also a worshipper at the altar of fashion. From starring alongside Georgia May Jagger as the face of Burberry, to his role as Calvin Klein ambassador, Son Heung-min is in a better position than most to judge his club’s efforts.
“I’m the type of guy where simple is always the best,” says Son, whose impact at Spurs has been seismic (103 goals in 268 appearances) since his arrival in 2015 and who has just been named the new Spurs captain with the departure of Harry Kane. “That’s why I love this shirt – it’ll suit us perfectly.”
Making its debut against Brentford alongside Captain Son at the weekend, it certainly ranks as one of the smartest away offerings in the Premier League ahead of the new season. Collar? Tick. Sponsors that manage to get away with being there? Check. Shiny badge that actually complements the kit and hasn’t been added as an afterthought? Absolutely.
“You see so many people in the street wearing football shirts,” adds Son. “As players, people are always looking at what you’re wearing and what style you have. Even as a child I always wanted to dress nice.”
Fashion has always been a big thing for Son, and he’s not kidding about his preference for simplicity, citing Margiela, Acne and Palace during our brief conversation. This passion is rubbing off on his teammates, with Son noticing that “more players than ever are interested in fashion… some of the other players dress really well.
