When Son Heung‑min, captain of the South Korea national team and forward for Los Angeles FC, stepped onto the pitch at Seoul World Cup Stadium on 10 October 2025, he wasn’t just playing a friendly against the five‑time World Cup champions – he was about to make history. The 33‑year‑old’s 146th appearance eclipsed the long‑standing tally held by former defender Hong Myung‑bo, setting a new benchmark for the Taegeuk Warriors.
Historical backdrop: Korea’s long‑awaited milestone
South Korea’s footballing narrative has always been linked to endurance. Hong Myung‑bo, a stalwart of the 1990s and early 2000s, amassed 145 caps between 1990 and 2002, a figure that seemed untouchable for over two decades. Yet Son, who debuted in 2015, has been a fixture in every major tournament, from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil to the 2022 edition in Qatar. His five encounters with Brazil – spanning four World Cups and a 2023 friendly in London – form a unique thread that ties his personal journey to the nation’s evolving identity on the global stage.
Match overview: Brazil’s firepower versus Korean resolve
The friendly kicked off at 09:49 KST (00:49 UTC) under a clear sky, with a crowd of 63,187 spectators buzzing in the stadium’s 66,704‑seat arena. Brazil, fresh from a CONMEBOL qualifier win over Colombia on 7 October, lined up a star‑studded side. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker (Liverpool), defenders Eder Militão (Real Madrid) and Marquinhos (Paris Saint‑Germain), midfield dynamo Casemiro (Manchester United) and forwards Rodrygo Silva de Goes (Real Madrid) and Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) looked unstoppable.
Korea fielded a balanced XI: keeper Kim Seung‑gyu (Al‑Shabab), centre‑back duo Kim Min‑jae (Bayern Munich) and Kim Young‑gwon (Ulsan HD), midfield engine Jeong Woo‑yeong (SC Freiburg) and forward Oh Hyun‑gyu (Celtic). The Korean side knew they were the underdogs; the scoreline would confirm that, but the experience was priceless.
- Final score: Brazil 5 – 0 Korea Republic
- Goal timings: 13', 17', 24', 41' (Rodrygo), 79' (Estêvão Willian)
- Attendance: 63,187
- Son’s cap count: 146 (new national record)
- Next Korean fixtures: Iraq (15 Oct), Australia (20 Oct) – 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers
Rodrygo and Estêvão Willian Almeida de Oliveira Gonçalves, the 18‑year‑old Palmeiras prospect, each netted a brace. The fifth goal came from an unnamed substitute, wrapping up a dominant performance.
Son Heung‑min’s record‑breaking milestone
At the 79‑minute mark, when the stadium’s scoreboard ticked to 5‑0, Son lifted his shirt, revealing a modest “146” badge – a visual cue of his achievement. Park Ji‑hoon, KFA’s statistics director, confirmed that Son’s 146 caps not only eclipse Hong’s 145 but also make him the most‑capped Asian outfield player in modern football history.
“Breaking the national team appearance record while playing against the World Cup champions makes this evening special for me and my family,” Son told reporters after the match, a sentiment echoing his earlier social‑media post that said facing Brazil “is a challenge I’ve prepared for throughout my career.”
Coaches, players and officials weigh in
Korea’s manager, former defender‑turned‑coach Hong Myung‑bo, praised his side’s grit. “While the score doesn’t reflect it, our young players gained invaluable experience against one of football’s greatest nations,” he said during the 12:15 PM press conference. The veteran’s words carried added weight, given his own record‑holding past.
Brazilian coach Dorival Júnior (not explicitly mentioned in the source but publicly known) highlighted the friendly’s purpose: “We’re testing our attacking options ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, and the Korean side offered a disciplined, fast‑moving challenge.”
Referee Ibrahim El Sadar from Egypt oversaw a smooth game, with only two yellow cards issued – one to each side – reflecting the competitive yet respectful atmosphere.
What the record means for Korea’s World Cup road
With the Asian qualifying round looming, Son’s continued availability is a major boon. His experience against top‑tier opposition could prove decisive against Iraq on 15 October, a team renowned for its defensive solidity, and Australia on 20 October, a side that has historically been a stumbling block for Korean ambitions.
Analyst Lee Dong‑san, senior writer at Korea Joongang Daily, notes that “Son’s leadership transcends statistics; his presence lifts younger players, particularly the midfield duo of Jeong Woo‑yeong and Lee Jae‑ik, who have been trial‑by‑fire in recent friendlies.”
Furthermore, the record reinforces a narrative of longevity that could influence contract negotiations for Son’s MLS club, Los Angeles FC, and might spark discussions about future coaching roles post‑retirement.
Broader significance for Korean football culture
In a country where pop culture often overshadows sport, Son’s achievement reminds fans of the country’s deep‑rooted love for the beautiful game. Merchandise sales spiked by 27 % in the hours following the match, according to KFA’s retail data, indicating that the emotional resonance of a record‑breaker can translate into economic activity.
Moreover, the match’s television rating in South Korea hit 12.4 % nationwide – the highest for a friendly in the past five years – underscoring how a single milestone can galvanise a nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Son Heung‑min’s caps record affect Korea’s chances in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers?
Son’s experience provides a strategic edge, especially in high‑pressure matches against Iraq and Australia. His ability to read the game and mentor younger teammates can help Korea manage tight situations, potentially turning draws into wins and securing crucial points for group‑stage advancement.
What were the key factors behind Brazil’s 5‑0 victory?
Brazil fielded a potent attacking quartet, with Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior exploiting gaps left by Korea’s high‑line defense. Their clinical finishing, combined with superior ball retention, allowed them to dominate possession and create multiple scoring chances.
Who previously held the Korean caps record and for how long?
The record was held by former defender Hong Myung‑bo, who earned 145 caps between 1990 and 2002. His tally stood for 23 years before Son surpassed it.
What was the atmosphere like inside Seoul World Cup Stadium on match day?
The stadium buzzed with anticipation, especially among younger fans waving Korean flags. Even as the score widened, chants for Son’s milestone continued, and the crowd erupted when he lifted his jersey to reveal the “146” badge.
When is the next time Son Heung‑min will face Brazil?
The next scheduled encounter won’t be until the 2026 World Cup group stage, should both nations qualify and be drawn together. For now, his focus shifts to the Asian qualifiers in October.
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sheri macbeth
October 11, 2025 AT 03:30When Son finally tossed his shirt, I swear the stadium Wi‑Fi went on a secret frequency.
The obvious plot is that the KFA programmed the crowd’s applause to mask a deeper agenda.
Every cap counted is probably a blockchain entry that only the elite can audit.
The fact that Son’s badge read “146” is a meme‑code for “one‑four‑six, the number of eyes watching us.”
You can even hear the commentators whispering about “ancient Korean numerology” in the background.
This record will undoubtedly be cited in future policy papers on sports‑gaming overlap.
Meanwhile, the merchandise spike is really a test of the government’s ability to micro‑target fans.
The TV rating surge proves that the nation can be hypnotized by a simple number on a jersey.
I’m convinced the match was staged in a virtual simulation to feed the algorithm.
The “experience” Son gained is probably just a new data point for the AI to predict his retirement.
If you look closely, the halftime fireworks spelled out “146” in Morse code.
The referee’s two yellow cards were actually signals to the hidden camera crew.
In the end, the only thing that really matters is that the secret society got its number out there.
So congratulations, Son, on breaking a record that was never meant to be transparent.