[Image of soccer, Credit to Pixabay]

On August 6, 2025, South Korean soccer superstar Son Heung-min officially signed with Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), an announcement that catalyzed dramatic changes within Major League Soccer (MLS).

As captain of the South Korean national team, the 33-year-old forward and English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur player, Son will occupy both the role of Designated Player and international roster spots. 

He is contracted through 2027, with additional options for 2028 and June 2029. 

Son was welcomed by thousands of supporters with black and gold scarves at BMO Stadium as he stepped forward holding his new number 7 jersey. 

Son’s signing with LAFC broke several records: namely, surpassing even those associated with world-famous players such as LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo, Son’s league-record transfer fee reportedly exceeds $26.5 million, making him the most expensive transfer in MLS history. 

An international superstar, Son scored a total of 51 goals while representing South Korea 134 times; he also played at the last three FIFA World Cups and helped South Korea qualify for the North America 2026 edition. 

LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington says, “Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football. [...] We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career.” 

LAFC lead managing owner Bennett Rosenthal exclaims that “Bringing Sonny to LAFC and to our city has been a dream of ours for several years.” 

Last season, Son captained Tottenham to victory over Manchester United in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League; he also helped the club achieve the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League final.

During his decade at Tottenham, his marks were among the top 10 in Spurs history with 173 goals in 454 matches. Son was also teammates with LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris during his time with Tottenham. 

"I’m incredibly proud to be joining LAFC, a club with big ambitions in one of the most iconic sports cities in the world," Son said. “Los Angeles has such a rich history of champions, and I am here to help write the next chapter.

Son’s signing with LAFC has also triggered what observers call the “Son Heung-min effect,” in which tourism agencies specializing in Korea-US travel have already reported spikes in interest; to travel agencies such as US Aju Tour, over 400 requests have come in from interested Korean tourists hoping to see Son play for LAFC in September and October. 

Delgado, co-president of the LAFC Tigers supporters group, recalled celebrating Son’s win against Germany during the group stage match in the 2018 World Cup, advancing Mexico into the knockout rounds and pushing Germany out, with the other Mexicans shouting that Son was now one of their brothers. 

He emphasized that Son now embodies a humble leader who will empower younger players in the club with his respectful manner; he describes Son’s second match with LAFC with Son passing the ball and providing an assist for player Mathieu Choiniére. 

Son is also often praised for his efforts in philanthropic initiatives, such as donations and campaigns for global issues like natural disasters, homelessness, or food aid in Palestine. 

Accordingly, Su Jin Lee, former vice-president of the 3252, an independent supporters union for LAFC, says that he hopes to see Son serving as a “perfect bridge” for the city as he gets involved with local charity initiatives due to his universal fame as a global personality.