The face of South Korea’s most recognizable player adorns banners, billboards and homemade T-shirts back home. But it has been concealed all World Cup, and not out of shyness or humility.
Son Heung-min, who catalyzed the late goal against Portugal that launched the Taeguk Warriors into the knockout round, fractured an eye socket on Nov. 1 during a Champions League match with his club team, Tottenham Hotspur.
After undergoing surgery, Son has taken to wearing a black mask, made of carbon fiber, over his eyes and nose for protective reasons. Before group-stage play began, Son told reporters that his mask was lighter than he expected and “more comfortable than I thought.