Son Heung-Min is the 2024-25 Cartilage Free Captain Player of the Season.
Not for a statistical masterclass. Not for a highlight-reel goal. But for everything he gave — especially when he didn’t have to. That’s what true legends do.
In a season marked by unprecedented turbulence and chaos, choosing a standout performer for Tottenham Hotspur’s 2024-25 campaign is no easy task. Yet, after reflecting on the highs, lows, and everything in between, Son Heung-Min stands out as our deserving Player of the Season.
While there are several names that could reasonably be thrown into the ring — Brennan Johnson with his impressive goal tally, Dejan Kulusevski’s early-season brilliance, James Maddison’s midfield orchestration, Cuti Romero’s defensive leadership, and Pedro Porro’s relentless consistency — Son’s mix of leadership, production, and resilience sets him apart.
A Season of Extremes
Tottenham’s campaign was nothing short of bizarre. The club set an unwanted record by losing 22 matches in the Premier League — the most in their top-flight history — which resulted in a 17th-place finish. Just one step away from relegation, the league run was disastrous by any measure. And yet, paradoxically, Spurs managed to bring home European silverware by winning the Europa League, a triumph that not only salvaged pride but also secured a miraculous spot in next season’s Champions League.
Yes, you read that correctly — England’s top European representatives next season will include the club that finished fifth from bottom in the domestic league. It’s a plot twist worthy of a footballing documentary.
Much of the league struggle can be attributed to a relentless injury crisis that decimated the squad from autumn through spring. At times, it felt like every key player spent a portion of the season sidelined. The squad’s depth — already thin — was stretched to breaking point due to deep runs in both domestic cup competitions and the Europa League.
The Challenge of Choosing a Star Performer
Given all that turmoil, identifying a single standout performer is incredibly difficult. Each candidate shines in a different category:
Brennan Johnson scored 18 goals across all competitions, leading the front line with raw output.
Dejan Kulusevski was arguably the team’s most vital creative spark for the first half of the season until injuries took their toll.
James Maddison played a key role as a midfield metronome, influencing tempo and transition.
Cuti Romero, despite Spurs’ leaky defense, remained the team’s most reliable center-back.
Pedro Porro was a model of consistency, staying healthy and productive all season with improved crossing and set-piece ability.
But each of these players had periods of absence or inconsistency, and in a season where very few managed to stay fully fit or in form, Son’s combination of durability, impact, and leadership was quietly indispensable.
Sonny’s Season in Review
Statistically, it wasn’t Son’s most prolific year — 11 goals and 11 assists may be modest by his own high standards. In fact, it’s his lowest goal return since his debut season in North London. But context is everything. He led the team in shots per 90, shots on target per 90, and expected goal contribution per 90 minutes (among players with over 1,000 minutes played). For a team that struggled for rhythm and form for long stretches, those numbers remain highly respectable.
Moreover, Son was often asked to adapt to changing tactical systems under Ange Postecoglou. What began as a high-octane, free-flowing “Ange-ball” approach soon gave way to more pragmatic adjustments when injuries and form dictated a rethink. Through it all, Sonny played multiple roles — from wide forward to central striker — often sacrificing his own statistical output for the good of the team.
His leadership as captain, too, was crucial. Son embodied the spirit of the club through its darkest moments, often playing through injury to support his teammates. It later emerged that he had been dealing with a nagging foot issue throughout the spring, which eventually forced him to miss the final league game against Brighton. That willingness to push through pain may be admirable or frustrating, depending on your perspective, but it speaks volumes about his character.
The Defining Moment: Bilbao
Perhaps no moment better encapsulates why Son deserves this award than the night in Bilbao, when Tottenham lifted the Europa League trophy — the club’s first piece of silverware in 17 years, and their first European title since 1984.
Son didn’t start the final but came on at halftime to help see the game through. He didn’t score or assist, but his presence and leadership were palpable. When the final whistle blew, it was Son who lifted the trophy. And in that moment, it felt absolutely right. Can anyone imagine another Spurs player more fitting to hoist that cup, to symbolically carry the club back into European relevance? I can’t.
A Word on the Other Contenders
The fans’ poll saw Pedro Porro win a narrow but clear victory — and it’s easy to see why. The Spanish fullback had his best season in a Spurs shirt, contributing nine assists and significantly improving his defensive positioning. He was one of the few players to remain available throughout the season, which by itself is a rare feat given Spurs’ injury situation. He even received The Athletic’s Player of the Season award. There’s no argument against Porro’s candidacy — it’s a worthy recognition of his consistency.
Brennan Johnson came in second in the vote, perhaps benefitting from some recency bias after finishing the season on a hot streak. Though inconsistent, his 18 goals are hard to overlook, and for a player still settling into his role at Spurs, the potential is tantalizing. His supporters may point to the simple “top scorer deserves the award” logic — and that’s valid.
But for me, Son Heung-Min’s all-around contribution — his goals, assists, leadership, work rate, tactical sacrifice, and emotional connection to the club — tips the scales. He’s not just a fan favorite; he’s the heart of this team. And as his career inevitably begins to wind down, we must savor every match, every touch, and every moment he gives us in a Spurs shirt.