(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Son Heung-min Joins LAFC in Record MLS Move: “I’m Here to Win”
LOS ANGELES (AP) — South Korean football superstar Son Heung-min has officially joined Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in a move that’s already sending shockwaves through Major League Soccer. The former Tottenham Hotspur forward was unveiled on Wednesday at a packed press conference at BMO Stadium, where he declared his mission clearly: “I’m here to win, and I will perform.”
According to reports from ESPN and The Athletic, the 33-year-old forward’s transfer cost LAFC a record $26 million, the most expensive signing in MLS history.
A Global Icon Comes to LA
Son arrives in Los Angeles after a decade with Tottenham, where he became a club legend with 173 goals in 454 appearances, making him the club’s fifth-highest scorer of all time. He also led Spurs to a long-awaited trophy earlier this year, lifting the Europa League title as captain, ending a 17-year drought.
At his official unveiling, Son was joined by club officials, fans, and even Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, highlighting the significance of his arrival both on and off the field.
“Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football,” said John Thorrington, LAFC co-president and general manager. “We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career.”
Why LAFC?
Son admitted that LAFC was not his initial first choice, but a phone call with Thorrington changed everything.
“He changed my mind. He changed my heart. He showed me the destination where I should be,” said Son.
In addition to seeking a new challenge, Son’s move may also help him prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Star Power and Cultural Impact
Son’s signing has already energized LAFC supporters and Los Angeles’s large Korean-American community. Fans gathered at LAX Airport to welcome him, waving South Korean flags and holding banners of support.
“Now that someone who is Korean like me is here, and he’s going to have a cultural impact, I just want to be part of that wave,” said Justin Huh, a Korean-American software developer who lives in LA’s Koreatown.
Son’s impact is expected to go beyond sports. Many believe he could have a cultural presence similar to Shohei Ohtani in baseball.
“Son’s arrival is not only big for Korean people,” said Josh Lee, co-president of the Tigers Supporters Group. “Koreatown is for everyone—so Son is for everyone.”
On the Pitch: Ready to Deliver
Son will take over from French striker Olivier Giroud, who recently transferred to Lille, and will reunite with former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris, LAFC’s current goalkeeper.
“He’s back to my captain,” Son joked about Lloris, “so I have to say something nice or he’ll kill me in the locker room!”
Wearing a sleek black and gold No. 7 jersey, Son posed for photos and met fans after his press conference, expressing his excitement to start training and competing.
“I just wanted to run onto the pitch and show my performance,” he said, describing the electric atmosphere during LAFC’s recent 2-1 win over Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup.
Looking Ahead
LAFC currently sits sixth in the MLS Western Conference, trailing leaders San Diego by 10 points but with three games in hand. With Son’s arrival, the club is aiming to climb the standings and make a serious push for the title.
Keywords: Son Heung-min LAFC, MLS record signing, Tottenham to LAFC, Korean football star in MLS, LAFC transfer news, Son Heung-min jersey LA, LAFC team news
