Quick Read
- Son Heung-Min officially joins LAFC in a record-breaking $26 million transfer.
- The South Korean forward attended LAFC’s 2-1 Leagues Cup victory over Tigres.
- Son’s move is expected to boost LAFC’s global profile and attract new fans.
- He will be unveiled at a press conference on August 6, 2025.
South Korean football icon Son Heung-Min has made headlines with his transfer to Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), marking a new chapter in Major League Soccer (MLS) history. On Tuesday night, August 5, 2025, Son watched his new team clinch a 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup at Los Angeles’ BMO Stadium. His presence in a luxury suite, shown on the stadium’s video board, electrified fans who roared in excitement at the sight of their newest star. The move has been described as transformative for LAFC and MLS alike, with Son’s arrival bringing both footballing pedigree and immense marketing potential.
Record-Breaking Transfer for MLS
Son Heung-Min’s transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to LAFC is reported to have cost $26 million, a record-breaking fee for MLS. This surpasses the $22 million Atlanta United paid for Emmanuel Latte Lath last winter. According to ESPN, the 33-year-old forward finalized his deal after an illustrious decade-long career at Tottenham, where he scored 173 goals in 454 appearances. Known for his speed, playmaking ability, and clinical finishing, Son is widely regarded as one of the best Asian players in football history.
At Tottenham, Son became a beloved figure, and his final game for the club on Sunday, a friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul, was a poignant farewell. Fans, teammates, and coaching staff gave him a standing ovation and a guard of honor. Reflecting on his time at Spurs, Son said, “It was a perfect moment. Sharing these beautiful moments are something that I will never forget and I will always appreciate it.”
Impact on LAFC and MLS
Son’s arrival at LAFC is seen as a move that could elevate the team’s standing both on and off the field. LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo expressed optimism following the team’s 2-1 victory against Tigres, saying, “I thought it was an excellent performance. A lot of grit, tactical discipline, good positioning.” The win, achieved with goals from David Martinez, highlighted the team’s potential, which now looks even brighter with Son in the mix.
Los Angeles is home to the largest Korean community outside Korea, and Son’s presence is expected to resonate deeply within the city’s vibrant Koreatown district. The club is reportedly aiming to market Son as a soccer counterpart to Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball star who has garnered immense popularity and commercial success with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Son’s appeal extends far beyond football, with his influence likely to attract new fans and sponsors to LAFC and MLS as a whole.
A Night of Drama at BMO Stadium
The Leagues Cup match against Tigres was a thrilling encounter that showcased LAFC’s resilience. The game began with Tigres controlling possession, but LAFC took the lead through a penalty kick by David Martinez in the first half. Tigres equalized early in the second half with a header from Edgar Lopez, but Martinez sealed the victory with his second goal in the 63rd minute. Martinez’s performance earned praise from Cherundolo, who noted, “He’s working harder and he’s pushing himself.”
The match also saw tactical adjustments from LAFC that paid off. Cherundolo explained, “At halftime, we made a formational change, which allowed our midfielders to have a little more of the game and for us to control the middle of the park a little better.” The win kept LAFC in contention for a spot in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, though their progression depends on other results.
Looking Ahead
Son’s move to LAFC comes at a pivotal time, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted across North America. As the captain of the South Korean national team, Son has confirmed his intention to play in the tournament, which will mark his fourth World Cup appearance. His presence in MLS is expected to generate additional excitement for the global event.
LAFC will officially unveil Son at a press conference scheduled for Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see what the South Korean star will bring to the team. LAFC defender Ryan Reposo summed up the sentiment, saying, “It’s crazy. From an Asian background, myself being Chinese, he’s the best player in Asia by far. I saw him in the stands, and thought, ‘This guy’s watching me play, that’s kind of great.’”
With Son Heung-Min now part of LAFC, the team is poised for a new era of success and global recognition, cementing its place as a powerhouse in MLS and beyond.