Tottenham Hotspur player and AIA Singapore's first brand ambassador Son Heung-Min shares how he balances the pressures of being a professional athlete with taking care of his mental and physical health
Both on and off the pitch, international football star Son Heung-Min radiates positive energy. His teammates say he is one of the nicest people in the sport and have expressed how the Tottenham Hotspur forward is always smiling, laughing and joking around to lift morale and light up the room. The South Korean player is also at the peak of his career, having been the first Asian player to be awarded the Premier League Golden Boot last year, and named Asian Footballer of the Year seven times.
It is no surprise then, that Son was recently chosen by AIA Singapore as its first brand ambassador to inspire the community to live better and take care of their holistic wellness. His appointment comes as part of the AIA One Billion movement, which aims to engage one billion people across the region to live according to the brand promise of “Healthier, Longer, Better Lives” by 2030.
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This focus on holistic wellness is something Son takes seriously and is keen to spread to others. At a press conference Tatler Singapore attended in London announcing Son’s appointment as brand ambassador for AIA, he shared lessons from his journey as a professional footballer and emphasised the importance of taking intentional steps to balance one’s physical and mental health.
“It's really hard to find this balance. We have seen many players who have had mental problems or physical problems. But I’ve been playing professional football for almost 15 years now and I think one of the main things we have to do is eat well and sleep well. Not only is it important for me as a footballer but also for anybody, especially those who are working,” says the 30-year-old, adding that he sleeps about nine to 10 hours a day.
When it comes to mental wellness, he has found it helpful to lean on his support system. “Have good people around you; family and friends you can talk to and who can help you with any issues. I always have my parents around me and they always give me life advice. I think in order to find balance in this mental aspect, it's very important to surround yourself with the people that you trust and love.”