Background and Significance of Son Heung-min
Son Heung-min, a prominent figure in global football, has found a new home with LAFC in Los Angeles. Having spent the last decade in London playing for Tottenham, he now returns to a region with a growing Korean population.
According to South Korean government data, in 2023, there were more Koreans living in the United States than in any other foreign country. The Pew Research Center reports that California had the highest number of Korean residents at 530,000, more than any other state in the US. As captain of the South Korean national team, Son Heung-min has signed a contract with LAFC until 2027, with options extending to June 2029. The transfer fee is reportedly over $26.5 million, making it the most expensive signing in MLS history.
LAFC’s Perspective on Son Heung-min
John Thorrington, co-president of LAFC, expressed his excitement about Son Heung-min joining the team:
“Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and distinguished players in world football. His ambition, skill, and character align perfectly with our values at LAFC. We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career.”
“Sonny is an undeniable winner and a world-class person, and we believe he will propel our club forward and inspire our community, both on and off the pitch.”
Son Heung-min’s impressive career includes 173 goals in 454 appearances for Tottenham, placing him among the top 10 goal scorers in club history. He helped Tottenham reach the UEFA Europa League final in 2024-25, defeating Manchester United, and the Champions League final in 2018-19.
International Success with South Korea
On the international stage, Son Heung-min has scored 51 goals in 134 appearances for South Korea, ranking among the top three goal scorers in national team history. He has participated in the last three FIFA World Cups, notably reaching the round of 16 at Qatar 2022. Recently, he helped South Korea qualify for the 2026 edition.
LAFC’s Vision with Son Heung-min
Bennett Rosenthal, CEO of LAFC, shared his enthusiasm about bringing Son Heung-min to the club:
“Bringing Sonny to LAFC and our city has been a dream for us for several years. My partners and I are huge admirers of Sonny, both as a player and a person. His signing is a statement of our commitment to excellence on the field and our ambition to continue establishing ourselves as a world-class club in the global football landscape. Sonny, both as a player and a person, will inspire not only our fans in Los Angeles and the incredible Southern California community but also millions of football enthusiasts around the world.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Son Heung-min? Son Heung-min is a renowned South Korean footballer who has spent the last decade playing for Tottenham in the English Premier League. He is known for his goal-scoring ability and leadership, both on the national team and club level.
- Why is this transfer significant for LAFC? This high-profile signing demonstrates LAFC’s commitment to excellence and its ambition to be recognized as a world-class football club. It also strengthens the team’s connection with the growing Korean community in Los Angeles.
- What are Son Heung-min’s achievements with Tottenham? During his time at Tottenham, Son Heung-min scored 173 goals in 454 appearances, placing him among the top 10 goal scorers in club history. He helped Tottenham reach the UEFA Europa League final in 2024-25 and the Champions League final in 2018-19.
- What is the impact of Son Heung-min on the South Korean national team? Son Heung-min has scored 51 goals in 134 appearances for South Korea, ranking among the top three goal scorers in national team history. He has participated in the last three FIFA World Cups and recently helped South Korea qualify for the 2026 edition.
