Kai Tak Stadium will host the first overseas Premier League North London Derby this Thursday (July 31), featuring last season's UEFA Europa League 2025 champions, Tottenham Hotspur, facing off against their city rivals Arsenal. Although Son Heung-min has been rumored to potentially leave the club this summer, the South Korean superstar's charisma remains undiminished, turning yesterday's open training session into a massive "fan meet-and-greet."
The open training session attracted approximately 9,080 fans, with Son, James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, and new signing Archie Gray all making appearances. Unsurprisingly, the South Korean star Son was the most popular, with many Korean fans traveling specifically to Hong Kong to see him. The railings in front of the stands were covered with Son's No. 7 jerseys, and every time he touched the ball during warm-ups or intrasquad scrimmages, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers, showcasing his immense appeal.
Despite rumors that Son might leave this summer, potentially for MLS side LAFC—making this Asia tour possibly his farewell with Spurs—new head coach Thomas Frank avoided directly addressing the speculation, instead stressing Son's importance to the squad. According to him, Son has shown excellent form in training, has a great professional attitude, and has played in both preseason friendlies, delivering strong performances whether as a left winger or center forward.
Micky van de Ven: Hong Kong fans' passion is unbelievable
With tickets for Thursday's clash between Spurs and Arsenal long sold out, yesterday's open training also drew huge crowds. Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven noted that he was deeply impressed by the Hong Kong fans' enthusiasm. At the same time, he stressed the importance of the game, "It's the north London derby. Even if it's pre-season, it's a big game. You always want to win the north London derby."
Frank also called this Asia tour crucial, as it lets the team experience overseas fans' support and could help grow Tottenham's global fanbase. Though this match is technically a friendly, the North London Derby holds special significance for both clubs. Frank made it clear this is a must-win game, saying that playing Arsenal is a major test they have to pass. "It's not only a friendly and we'll do everything we can to win."
HK women's football "Son fan": Dreaming of playing at Kai Tak Stadium
"I hope the women's team can also play at Kai Tak someday." Since the Kai Tak Stadium opened, Hong Kong's men's team and U22s have played at the new venue. Today, a familiar face appeared at the stadium gates: Hong Kong women's team goalkeeper Leung Wai-nga (Lay), who admitted she dreams of her team one day gracing the Kai Tak pitch.
Fresh off competing in the Women's Asian Cup qualifiers earlier this month, Lay attended yesterday's open training to catch a glimpse of Son Heung-min and will also be in the stands for Thursday's North London Derby.
She laughed that she's not a Tottenham fan but a "Son fan," coming solely for the South Korean captain.
"I admire his speed, and the fact that as an Asian, he's captained a Premier League team—truly inspiring. That's why everyone follows him."
Asked what qualities Son, as a captain, has taught her, she said: "Hard work and humility. For an Asian player to reach the Premier League, it takes relentless effort to earn that position. I believe he's sacrificed a lot, and I think his real-life personality matches what we see on TV."
Having been a footballer for over 20 years, Lay has been representing Hong Kong since 2010 and is currently playing for Kitchee's women's team. She recently returned from Cambodia, where she fought for Hong Kong's first Women's Asian Cup finals appearance since 2003. Though they fell short, the women's team has gradually gained more attention from local fans.
Lay admitted she dreams of playing at Kai Tak Main Stadium herself.
"Of course! That's my current goal. They've said before that Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground would be nice, but why not aim for the main stadium? Our recent results have been decent, and I hope to contribute. Before we left for the qualifiers, our closed-door training was just at the FTC (Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre). Better facilities would help us and draw more attention to women's football."
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Kwok Ching-him; English Editor: Darius)
Related News:
Deepline | Arsenal vs. Tottenham – North London Derby to land in Kai Tak with star-studded squads
Deepline | Up! Paul Chan: Consumption revival fuels HK's economic growth streak
Comment