Son Heung-min, recipient of the Republic of Korea’s Cheongnyong Medal, captain of both the South Korea national football team and English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, hero of the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League triumph, 2021–22 Premier League Golden Boot winner, 2020 FIFA Puskás Award recipient, four-time AFC International Player of the Year and eight-time Korea Football Association Player of the Year—widely hailed as a world-class talent—has joined forces with the global sensation Fortnite.

How does “footballer Son Heung-min” differ from “gamer Son Heung-min”? Having poured his entire self into Fortnite, he says this collaboration goes beyond mere endorsement work; it embodies “empathizing with new challenges” and “connecting with fans.” INVEN had the privilege of sitting down with Son, and discussing the collaboration with him. 

Before we begin, congratulations on the Europa League victory. And thank you for your part in securing qualification for 11 successive World Cups.

Son Heung-min: Haha, thank you.

Were you familiar with the game Fortnite before this? If you’ve played it, what impressed you most?

Son Heung-min: I’ve known about Fortnite since its launch. I first encountered it on PlayStation rather than PC, and I found it really fun. When it first came out, it felt so fresh, and one of my former teammates who’s good at games convinced me to try it with him.

What I loved most about Fortnite was the idea that you can build something in a dangerous situation to defend yourself—and turn the tables when you’re at a disadvantage.

Speaking of teammates, which one of them was especially good at Fortnite?

Son Heung-min: (laughs) Dele Alli was really exceptional.

In football, meticulous strategy and routines are essential. Do you have any specific strategies or play routines of your own when you’re gaming?

Son Heung-min: I don’t stick to any particular routine when I game. Every match—even in Fortnite—plays out differently, so you never get the exact same scenario twice. That’s precisely what makes gaming so thrilling and attractive, and I hope players always embrace creative play. There’s a tremendous sense of accomplishment when you break free from a fixed framework and pull off something new with imaginative tactics. I encourage everyone not to be afraid—dare to try bold, fresh approaches.

You’ve previously collaborated on gaming promotions—like the one with Faker—and now you’ve accepted Epic Games’ invitation to partner on Fortnite. What drew you to this collaboration, and what’s the background behind your decision?

Son Heung-min: I was drawn to Fortnite’s fearless spirit in taking on new challenges, and I was flattered by how positively they approached me. Even for a footballer, stepping into uncharted territory can sometimes feel distant or daunting. The idea of transforming me into an in-game character was so bold and exciting that I knew I wanted to be part of it.

If you were to evaluate the quality of your in-game character with complete honesty, what would you say?

Son Heung-min: I’m truly grateful for the meticulous attention they’ve given. It’s easy to overlook those finer details, but they didn’t miss a thing. Every subtle nuance is spot-on, and I appreciate the care that went into crafting each intricate element.

Among the implementations of Son Heung-min in Fortnite, which aspect do you personally like the most?

Son Heung-min: There are truly so many that I love. They incorporated my signature football boots into the character, and the little details—like the football and mask hanging on the back—were thoughtful touches I really appreciated. It was hard to pick just one, because you can feel how much care went into every element.

Iconic moves—such as the Camera celebration—have also been realized in-game. Is there anything you’d recommend fans pay particular attention to?

Son Heung-min: First off, the skin itself is really beautiful. Many gamers form attachments to their skins, right? The gold variant is stunning, and I love how the outfit changes between day and night. Especially after taking first place, when you perform the “찰칵 세리머니” (Camera Celebration) emote and a photo appears—that flourish was really fun to see fortnite.com.

During this collaboration with Epic Games, was there a standout episode that remains in your memory?

Son Heung-min: When we were shooting in the UK, I got to wear a custom-made suit. Even though I wasn’t feeling my best at the time, the Fortnite team was incredibly accommodating, and I’m really grateful. Just having the chance to try on such a unique suit was a memorable and special experience.

Through this gaming collaboration, what message would you like to send to your fans?

Son Heung-min: I want to show different sides of myself. While “footballer Son Heung-min” is important, I’m also a gamer at heart. If people who enjoy gaming can find more fun through my character—and if my fans try out the skin—I’d be overjoyed. That’s why I decided to take this bold step, and I hope many fans will love it.

Finally, could you share a message for the Fortnite players who’ve made this possible?

Son Heung-min: From playing it myself, I know Fortnite demands quick judgment and strategy. I’ve seen how passionately the developers push updates and work hard to bring fresh ideas. To all the players: don’t stress too much—just enjoy the game. I hope many of you claim victory.

This piece was translated from Korean to English, and edited for brevity and clarity.