GUADALAJARA, Mexico — South Korea captain Son Heung-min says the excitement of playing at the FIFA World Cup has not faded, with the veteran forward admitting he feels like a “young boy again” as he prepares for his fourth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.The 33-year-old will lead South Korea into its Group A opener against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on Thursday, beginning what could be another significant chapter in an international career that spans more than 15 years.A World Cup dream that never gets oldDespite being one of the tournament’s most experienced players, Son said the anticipation of stepping onto the World Cup stage remains as strong as ever.”Whether it’s the first or fourth World Cup, I feel like a young boy again,” Son said through a translator on Wednesday.”It’s my dream stage. I’m happy to be back on a World Cup pitch. It’s what I dreamed of from a very young age.”Son made his World Cup debut in Brazil in 2014 and has since represented South Korea in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.’Sonaldo’ popularity in MexicoNow playing in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles, Son said he has experienced strong support from Mexican football fans, many of whom have nicknamed him “Sonaldo.”The nickname is widely seen as a tribute to either Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo or Brazilian legend Ronaldo.”I’m in L.A. now and there are a lot of Mexicans there,” Son said. “I can feel their passion and love for soccer, and they support me a lot. I’m very thankful and grateful.”However, the South Korean captain laughed off suggestions that he has earned the nickname.”I’m not comfortable with that name yet,” he said.Leading a new generationAs one of the senior figures in the South Korea squad, Son acknowledged his responsibility to guide younger teammates through the pressures of a World Cup.”Sometimes I have to calm them. I have to say, ‘calm down,'” he said.”Hopefully we will have a good result. It would be deserved. We are well prepared.”South Korea is making its 12th World Cup appearance, more than any other Asian nation. Its best performance came in 2002 when it reached the semifinals as co-hosts alongside Japan.Not ready for a farewellSon also dismissed speculation that the 2026 tournament could be his final World Cup appearance.”I never said that this would be my last World Cup,” he said.”How I do and perform is the most important thing.”South Korea will face co-host Mexico in its second group match before concluding the group stage against South Africa in Monterrey as Son looks to inspire another deep run on football’s biggest stage.GUADALAJARA, Mexico — South Korea captain Son Heung-min says the excitement of playing at the FIFA World Cup has not faded, with the veteran forward admitting he feels like a “young boy again” as he prepares for his fourth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.The 33-year-old will lead South Korea into its Group A opener against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on Thursday, beginning what could be another significant chapter in an international career that spans more than 15 years.A World Cup dream that never gets oldDespite being one of the tournament’s most experienced players, Son said the anticipation of stepping onto the World Cup stage remains as strong as ever.”Whether it’s the first or fourth World Cup, I feel like a young boy again,” Son said through a translator on Wednesday.”It’s my dream stage. I’m happy to be back on a World Cup pitch. It’s what I dreamed of from a very young age.”Son made his World Cup debut in Brazil in 2014 and has since represented South Korea in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.’Sonaldo’ popularity in MexicoNow playing in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles, Son said he has experienced strong support from Mexican football fans, many of whom have nicknamed him “Sonaldo.”The nickname is widely seen as a tribute to either Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo or Brazilian legend Ronaldo.”I’m in L.A. now and there are a lot of Mexicans there,” Son said. “I can feel their passion and love for soccer, and they support me a lot. I’m very thankful and grateful.”However, the South Korean captain laughed off suggestions that he has earned the nickname.”I’m not comfortable with that name yet,” he said.Leading a new generationAs one of the senior figures in the South Korea squad, Son acknowledged his responsibility to guide younger teammates through the pressures of a World Cup.”Sometimes I have to calm them. I have to say, ‘calm down,'” he said.”Hopefully we will have a good result. It would be deserved. We are well prepared.”South Korea is making its 12th World Cup appearance, more than any other Asian nation. Its best performance came in 2002 when it reached the semifinals as co-hosts alongside Japan.Not ready for a farewellSon also dismissed speculation that the 2026 tournament could be his final World Cup appearance.”I never said that this would be my last World Cup,” he said.”How I do and perform is the most important thing.”South Korea will face co-host Mexico in its second group match before concluding the group stage against South Africa in Monterrey as Son looks to inspire another deep run on football’s biggest stage.
Son relishing fourth World Cup as South Korea captain eyes another run
