Son Heung-Min debuted in his maiden Major League Soccer match for LAFC.
Son Heung-Min, the 2021/22 Premier League Golden Boot co-winner with Mohamed Salah, has signed a contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) side LAFC that runs through December 31, 2027. The South Korean soccer star will officially be unveiled to LAFC fans on August 31, when the team faces San Diego FC at home.
Son's decision to join LAFC marks a new chapter in his illustrious career. He stated that he was drawn to the club by the opportunity for a fresh challenge and the chance to contribute to the team's success. LAFC General Manager John Thorrington played a significant role in convincing Son to join the club, according to the soccer star.
LAFC have secured Son's services for a transfer fee of $26.5 million, making him one of the most high-profile signings in MLS history. The 30-year-old forward brings an impressive resume to the Californian club, having played for Hamburger SV, Bayer Leverkusen, and Tottenham Hotspur in Europe before making the move to MLS.
Before joining LAFC in August 2025, Son had a distinguished professional career primarily with Tottenham Hotspur and Bayer Leverkusen. Over 15 seasons spanning those clubs and Hamburg, he amassed a total of 467 appearances, scoring 168 goals and providing 81 assists. Son was the first Asian player to score 100 Premier League goals and served as club captain in 2023–25. He helped Tottenham reach the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League final and won the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League, which was his first professional title.
Son's contributions to Tottenham were not limited to the European stage. In the 2024–25 season, despite injury setbacks, he scored 7 goals and provided 9 assists in the domestic cups and league matches. His performances were instrumental in helping Tottenham win the UEFA Conference League, ending a 17-year trophy drought.
LAFC currently sit sixth in the Western Conference. Son's debut for the team came as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire on August 9. The South Korean forward drew a penalty in the 77th minute, which was converted to clinch the draw.
With Son's departure, Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to fill the void left by the prolific forward. Thomas Frank is set to manage Tottenham Hotspur in his first official match. Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia are among the players who could potentially step up to fill the void left by Son.
LAFC's next MLS games are against New England Revolution and FC Dallas. Fans are eagerly awaiting the official unveiling of Son Heung-Min and the impact he will have on the team's fortunes in the second half of the season.
[1] Tottenham Hotspur official website [3] Bayer Leverkusen official website [5] Hamburger SV official website
Son Heung-Min's move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side LAFC not only marks a new chapter in his career, but it also signifies a potential boost for the team's pursuit of success in the upcoming games against New England Revolution and FC Dallas.
Despite his departure, Tottenham Hotspur will be keen to fill the void left by Son's prolific contributions, with players such as Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia potentially stepping up to take on the challenge.