Newcastle vs. Tottenham 2025: Maddison’s injury and Son Heung-min’s tearful farewell steal the show
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United played a memorable preseason match at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3, 2025.
What started out as a friendly match evolved into a night filled with feelings, memorable moments, and worries about the future for both teams and fans.
Son Heung-min’s Emotional Farewell
Son Heung-min, the hero of South Korea, was the center of attention that evening.
The crowd of over 64,000 cheered him on and chanted as soon as he took the field.
The stadium erupted when Son was brought on in the 65th minute. Newcastle and Tottenham players gathered to present him with a guard of honor.
An extremely emotional moment occurred as he waved to the fans, tears welling up in his eyes.
Rumors that this might be his last time wearing a Tottenham shirt have been going around for weeks. Son might now join LAFC (Los Angeles FC) in Major League Soccer (MLS), according to reports.
Supporters experienced intense emotion during this farewell after more than ten years of outstanding play at Tottenham.
The Match: Balanced Finish, Quick Start
Tottenham got off to a fast start.
Brennan Johnson gave Spurs a 1-0 lead with a beautiful goal in the fourth minute.
But Newcastle reacted forcefully.
In the 38th minute, Harvey Barnes tied the score at one.
Both teams had multiple chances in the second half, but neither was able to score the winning goal.
The game ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw.
A Major Setback: James Maddison’s Serious Injury
James Maddison’s injury was Tottenham’s main worry.
Maddison sustained a knee injury after an awkward fall shortly after entering the game in the second half.
Fans watched in silence as he was carried off the field on stretchers.
He had previously experienced pain in this same knee, and head coach Thomas Frank subsequently called the incident “brutal.”
Prior to the upcoming season, Maddison’s injury might be a major blow for Spurs.
The momentum in Newcastle is still going strong.
Newcastle, who won the EFL Cup in March 2025, ending their 70-year domestic trophy drought, played with confidence the entire time.
They have been getting better and are eager to continue their success into the upcoming season, as evidenced by their disciplined play in this friendly.
The atmosphere and crowd (Newcastle vs. Tottenham)
The Seoul World Cup Stadium was packed with over 64,000 spectators.
The majority of them came to see Son Heung-min say goodbye, and they showed their love by cheering continuously.
The stands erupted in thunderous applause at every pass, every goal attempt, and particularly Son’s substitution.
What’s Next? (Newcastle vs. Tottenham)
Both teams used this friendly as a practice before the season officially began.
The game brought up two important issues for Tottenham:
If Son quits the club, how will they adjust?
How are they going to manage Maddison’s injury, and how will it affect their midfield?
This gave Newcastle more self-confidence. Holding a formidable team like Tottenham to a draw away from home demonstrates their readiness for the difficulties that lie ahead.
Where to See It
On August 3, 2025, at 4:30 AM IST, the game was broadcast live in India via the FanCode app.
In conclusion (Newcastle vs. Tottenham)
There is much more to this friendly between Tottenham and Newcastle in 2025 than just the score.
Son Heung-min’s tearful farewell in front of his hometown audience turned into a landmark event.
Tottenham’s preparations were clouded by James Maddison’s injury.
The 1-1 draw demonstrated that football is about passion, feelings, and lifelong memories between players and supporters—it’s not just about goals and trophies.
