Son Heung-min’s LAFC Move Proving a Major MLS Success
Son Heung-min’s move to California has delivered both on the pitch and beyond it, with 19 goals and an MLS All-Star appearance reinforcing his impact after a decade at Tottenham. The 34-year-old arrived in the United States having left Spurs as a Europa League-winning captain, ending the club’s 17-year wait for silverware.
What changed for the club
Son has brought proven attacking quality, global visibility and a connection with Los Angeles’ substantial Asian community. His influence has been assessed as a strong return both from a footballing and commercial standpoint, with the forward still showing the standard required to make a decisive contribution in Major League Soccer.
His relocation has also placed him alongside another major Asian sporting figure in the city, LA Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani. Their presence has helped broaden interest in sport across Los Angeles and create new links with supporters in Asia.
Son has accepted the responsibility that comes with his profile, saying he does not take supporters’ interest in his life and work for granted. He believes fans deserve openness in return for their backing and says he tries to make time for people whenever possible.
- Son has scored 19 goals in MLS.
- He has been selected for the MLS All-Star game.
- He joined the league after 10 years at Tottenham.
- His Spurs spell ended with Europa League success and the captaincy.
Competition context
Expectations around Son’s arrival were substantial, particularly given the benchmark set by Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. Matching Messi’s on-field influence was always likely to be difficult, but Son’s value in MLS extends beyond direct comparison with the Argentine.
The South Korean forward remains one of the game’s most recognisable players and has won support across the clubs and cities of his career, from Hamburg and Leverkusen to London, Seoul and Los Angeles. He has said that he aims to remain humble and genuine, even while recognising that not everyone will be a supporter.
Football remains central to that outlook. Son has described his love for the ball, his team-mates and supporters as the reason he continues to play, adding that the game has been a source of enjoyment and relief from stress since childhood.
What is scheduled next
No immediate fixture decision has been set out, but Son’s long-term future in California is protected by extension clauses in his contract. Those options could keep him at his current club until 2029, giving MLS the opportunity to retain one of its most marketable and productive international names for several more seasons.
