Professional soccer player Son Heung-min has officially joined Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). The South Korean international, known for his impressive skills on the field, is now a part of the American Major League Soccer team.
Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) has made a historic move in Major League Soccer (MLS) by signing Son Heung-min, a global football star and one of the most successful Asian players in history. The South Korean captain, who was previously with Tottenham Hotspur, joined LAFC on a contract through 2027, with options up to 2029, following a record-breaking transfer fee of $26.5 million[1][2].
After a decade-long, illustrious career at Tottenham, during which he made 454 appearances and scored 173 goals, Son Heung-min decided to seek a new challenge[2][5]. The move to LAFC was described by him as a "dream come true," expressing his excitement to join the club and gratitude towards the ownership for making the transfer happen[2][5].
Son Heung-min's arrival is expected to bring significant talent and global spotlight to MLS. As a prominent Asian football icon who won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2021–22, he is poised to inspire fans and elevate the league's profile[3]. The transfer is seen as transformative for LAFC and MLS at large, with the club's ambitions set to soar both on and off the pitch[3].
LAFC's current position in the Western Conference, sitting at 10-6-6, positions the team competitively, aiming for the playoffs[4]. Son Heung-min's debut is eagerly anticipated by fans, who believe his presence will further bolster the team's chances.
The move to California also places Son Heung-min in an ideal position for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada[6]. He has stated his intention to play in his fourth World Cup, a testament to his commitment and passion for the sport.
LAFC's BMO Stadium, located near Koreatown, will be the new home for Son Heung-min. The stadium is expected to resonate with the large ethnic Korean population in Los Angeles, which boasts the largest Korean community outside of Korea[7].
The transfer highlights MLS's growing ability to attract top-tier international talent, adding prestige and competitive quality to the league[1][3]. Son Heung-min's move to MLS finalizes a decade at Tottenham Hotspur, during which he led the team to its first European trophy in decades by winning the Europa League[8].
As Son Heung-min prepares for his new chapter in Los Angeles, fans and football enthusiasts eagerly await his official introduction, which is scheduled for a news conference on Wednesday[9]. With his arrival, LAFC and MLS are poised to enter a new era, marked by global recognition and increased competitive prowess.
[1] MLS Transfers: Son Heung-min joins LAFC in record-breaking deal
[2] Son Heung-min makes record-breaking move to LAFC
[3] LAFC signs Son Heung-min in record-breaking deal
[4] LAFC's Western Conference Standings
[5] Son Heung-min: Moving to LAFC is a dream come true
[6] 2026 FIFA World Cup
[7] Los Angeles: City with the Largest Ethnic Korean Population Outside Korea
[8] Son Heung-min's Achievements at Tottenham Hotspur
[9] LAFC to Introduce Son Heung-min at News Conference on Wednesday
Son Heung-min's decision to seek a new challenge led him to explore opportunities in American football, as he was drawn towards the allure of American football leagues. In this regard, he expressed his excitement about potentially playing both football and American football in Los Angeles.
With Son Heung-min's arrival, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) may consider expanding their roster to accommodate American football as well, aiming to cater to the diverse sports interests of their fanbase.