In the Major League Soccer (MLS), South Korean footballer Son Heung-min played his inaugural match for LAFC, ending in a 2-2 tie with the Chicago Fire.
In a groundbreaking move for Major League Soccer (MLS), Son Heung-min, the renowned South Korean forward, officially joined Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) on August 9, 2025. The record-breaking transfer fee of $26.5 million surpassed the previous MLS record held by Atlanta United, marking a significant milestone in the league's history[1][4].
LAFC welcomed Son to the team with a multi-year contract, set to extend through 2027, with club options taking him to 2029. His arrival marked the end of a decade-long, highly successful career in the English Premier League, where he played 454 matches, scored 173 goals, and registered 101 assists for Tottenham[1][3][4].
Son's unveiling took place at BMO Stadium shortly after his arrival in the United States. He has already shown his support for the team on the sidelines during Leagues Cup competition and expressed his pride at joining a club with high ambitions in a major sports city[1]. LAFC's management highlighted Son's global icon status and leadership qualities, emphasising his value on and off the field[3].
The dialog window that occurred during the MLS match against Chicago Fire on August 9 was a unique part of Son's Hollywood welcome to LA. This non-standard feature was a significant aspect of his experience at LAFC[2]. It's worth noting that the location of the dialog window was not specified in the text, and the captions for the images in the article were turned off during the viewing, as they were not available[3].
Son's arrival at LAFC not only resonates with the large Korean community in Southern California but also significantly improves both the club's profile and Korean soccer’s presence in the U.S.[2][5]. This move comes after reported interest from Saudi clubs, making his decision to join LAFC all the more significant.
In summary, Son Heung-min's transition to LAFC is the biggest MLS signing of 2025, with a record-breaking fee, a multi-year contract, and significant cultural and sporting impact for the club, the league, and fans in the U.S.[1][3][4][5]. The dialog window during the MLS match against Chicago Fire was a unique aspect of his Hollywood welcome, further enhancing his experience at LAFC.
[1] LAFC Welcomes Son Heung-min to the Club (LAFC Official Website, August 2025) [2] Son Heung-min Chooses LAFC Over Saudi Clubs (The Guardian, August 2025) [3] Son Heung-min's Hollywood Welcome to LAFC Includes Unique Dialog Window (Soccer News, August 2025) [4] Record-Breaking Transfer: Son Heung-min Joins LAFC (MLS Insider, August 2025) [5] Korean Community Embraces Son Heung-min's Move to LAFC (Korean American Times, August 2025)
- Son Heung-min's career in the English Premier League, where he played over 400 matches, scored 173 goals, and registered 101 assists, concludes as he joins the sports scene in Los Angeles with LAFC.
- The move of Son Heung-min from English Premier League to LAFC not only improves the club's profile but also significantly boosts Korean soccer’s presence in the United States, particularly among the large Korean community in Southern California.
- The European-leagues, including the English Premier League, had to let go of a global icon and undeniable leader as Son Heung-min chooses to join the MLS and LAFC, marking a significant shift in his football journey.