Fans in Los Angeles are still celebrating the Wednesday, Aug.6, blockbuster signing of Korean soccer legend Son Heung-Min. The headlines simply say “Sonny in L.A.,” but the deal is about much more than what Son can do on the field.
Who is Son, and why is his signing significant?
It’s a new era of soccer in Los Angeles. The 33-year-old Son made the move to America from the English Premier League for an MLS record transfer fee of $26 million.
Son spent the last 10 seasons starring at Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored 173 goals and had 101 assists across all competitions. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and popular Asian players in soccer history. He didn’t think he’d wind up in L.A. but bought the pitch from general manager John Thorrington.
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“If I’m honest, it was not my first choice,” Son said. “But first call I had with John after my season finished and he just changed my mind, you know — he changed my heart, he changed my brain.”
What does Son mean to Korean fans?
Soccer fans in L.A. are rejoicing, none more than those who call Korea their home country or who are of Korean descent. Of the 2 million Koreans living in the U.S., 29% reside in California, according to the Pew Research Center. Around 320,000 Koreans live in greater Los Angeles, more than any other metro area in the world outside of Seoul, South Korea.
“It’s like our wildest dream. It’s gonna be, I think, an explosion of new fans, particularly Korean ones,” Josh Lee, a Korean-American leader of the Los Angeles Football Club’s Tigers Supporters Group, told The Athletic.
While Son signed his new contract with the club backstage, he was asked what it would mean to play in front of so many of his countrymen.
“Wow. This is one of the reasons that I joined the big club,” Son said. “So look — huge huge Korean community and I just want to make them very proud about the Korean footballer joining L.A., and make everybody proud and happy. I hope a lot of Koreans come to the stadium and support me and support us.”
What impact will Son’s signing have on MLS and the city of LA?
MLS has pulled off a coup like this only once before. The signing of Lionel Messi by Inter Miami in 2023 has been a wildly successful venture, driving record-setting attendance and viewership. The league and the city of Los Angeles hope to keep that momentum going with the current deal. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is mindful of what’s coming.
“This isn’t just a step up for this club,” Bass said. “It’s a leap forward for our city as we prepare in 11 short months to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. So, your decision to come here now sends a very strong message. Los Angeles isn’t just ready to host FIFA. Los Angeles is ready to lead.”
The commercial and marketing opportunities for MLS, the city of Los Angeles and Son himself could be endless. The star’s presence on the pitch and in the community has already energized current fans of the team and is already creating new fans.
Son could make his LAFC debut as early as Saturday, Aug. 9, in an away game against the Chicago Fire, if his immigration and visa applications are processed in time. Two more road games will follow. Son won’t make his home debut until Aug. 31, when LAFC takes on San Diego FC.
