Son Heung-min Classified as 'Legend' Alongside Messi, Ronaldo for North/Central American World Cup

South Korean football captain Son Heung-min has been recognized as a 'legend' among the players participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America. This prestigious classification comes from the sports media outlet The Athletic, which compiled a list of 200 players to watch in the upcoming tournament.

The Athletic categorized players into five distinct groups: legends, superstars, key players, rising stars, and hidden heroes. Son, currently playing for Los Angeles FC, was placed in the 'legend' category, described as "icons who will leave a lasting legacy in football" and "the best players their countries have produced."

Joining Son in this elite 'legend' group are global football superstars Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. Other notable players also recognized as legends include David Alaba (Austria), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Neymar (Brazil), James Rodríguez (Colombia), Luka Modrić (Croatia), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Harry Kane (England), Manuel Neuer (Germany), and Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico).