Only a few have achieved as much as Son Heung-Min. At the age of 32, the South Korean football superstar already has an impressive list of accomplishments imaginable to his name. Son is the first Asian to score 100 Premier League goals, brought home the Golden Boot award in the Premier League 2021/2022 season, and was awarded Asia’s International Player Of The Year four times — making him one of the most celebrated Asian players in the world.

The Tottenham Hotspur club captain, who also goes by the nickname “Sonsational,” has enraptured football fanatics with his remarkable goalscoring prowess and his humble personality — a rarity, especially given his height of popularity. Coupled with the extraordinary feats he has chalked up throughout his tenure, it is no wonder that South Korea’s national pride is a sensation in the country.

This is exactly what the latest Ralph Lauren fragrance is all about. Since 1978, sports has been the throughline in its olfactory tale, and world-class athletes, such as Formula One British Driver Lando Norris and New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, have become the stars of its aspirational stories.

Crafted by master perfumer Marie Salamagne, the Polo 67 Eau de Toilette is instilled with a dose of athleticism, a quality that shaped who Son Heung-Min is today and propelled him to stardom. It is also this precious attribute that caught the eye of Ralph Lauren Fragrances, appointing him as the regional brand ambassador. Catering to modern men who live by the values of self-expression and determination, the Polo 67 Eau de Toilette is a refreshing burst of fruity notes, brimming with hints of citrus, vetiver, bergamot and sweet pineapple accord.

What drew you to Ralph Lauren Fragrances, and how does it feel to be the ambassador?

It’s such an iconic brand. The messaging of the brand on designing your dreams, and specifically on Polo 67, where the dream is achieved through hard work, determination, and grit, is something I deeply connect with, both on and off the football pitch. I’m glad to be the ambassador, and I hope this collaboration inspires others to design their own dreams with passion and never give up.

As someone who has achieved significant milestones in your career, how does Polo 67 encourage individuals to push boundaries and redefine success?

Polo 67 encourages me to push boundaries and redefine success by embodying a sense of sophistication and confidence. With its blend of fresh and refined notes, it could inspire people to embrace new challenges and pursue their goals with determination and style.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

I would say when I first moved to Germany at 16 years old. It was a big challenge for me to leave my family and friends to set up in a new country with a different culture. Thankfully, with new teammates and people around me there, I managed to become resilient and overcome the new challenge step by step.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in your life and career so far?

Considering the sacrifice they have shown me throughout my life and still to this day, it is no exaggeration to say that my parents are my greatest inspiration.

What has been your most memorable moment on the field?

Well, the most memorable moment on the pitch… I would say it’s every moment! And for me, the process of preparing for the game is more memorable. It’s important that everything I do to prepare for the game comes out on the pitch, so I think what I remember most is my preparations for each and every game.

How did it feel to win the Golden Boot award?

It was really a dream come true. I’m very happy and proud to be the first Asian player to win the trophy! I hope to inspire young footballers to dream that this is possible, too.

Can you share any advice for young athletes aspiring to reach professional levels?

I always try to be humble and show my dedication and respect for the game and other players. The most important thing is to be respectful and treat people the way you want to be treated. The rest will naturally follow if you try hard enough.

Images courtesy of Ralph Lauren Fragrances. The November 2024 issue featuring Son Heung-Min on the cover is available at major newsstands in Malaysia. For order enquiries, please visit this link.