South Korean icon Son Heung‑min officially joined Los Angeles FC today in a record‑breaking transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS).
The transfer shattered previous records, with reports citing a fee of up to $26.5 million—a figure that eclipses the prior record of $22 million set earlier this year.
A packed press conference at the BMO Stadium set the tone for a momentous occasion.
LAFC co‑president and general manager John Thorrington lauded the signing, calling Son “a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football” whose ambition, ability, and character fit perfectly with the club’s values.
Lead managing owner Bennett Rosenthal added that bringing Son to LAFC had long been a dream, and his presence signifies the club’s global ambitions and continued commitment to excellence.
The significance of the signing extended beyond the pitch. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ceremonially welcomed Son, declaring, “Son, now you are officially an Angeleno,” and presented him with a symbolic certificate of citizenship.
She described the acquisition as historic for the city, emphasizing its unity and the growing prominence of the Korean‑American community—especially meaningful with the FIFA World Cup arriving in Los Angeles in just over a year.
Son himself spoke with palpable emotion, calling his move a “dream come true” and expressing pride in joining a club with lofty ambitions in an iconic sports city.
“Los Angeles has such a rich history of champions, and I am here to help write the next chapter. I’m excited for this new challenge in MLS,” he said, pledging to lift trophies and give everything for the club, the city, and its passionate fans.
The South Korean superstar also noted the influence of LAFC’s leadership on his decision, saying his first call with John Thorrington “changed my heart… showed me the destination where I should be”.
He even revealed a personal pitch from former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris, now LAFC’s goalkeeper, helped sway his decision.
The transfer ends a decade-long chapter at Tottenham Hotspur where Son established himself as a club legend.
Over 10 years, he amassed 173 goals in 454 appearances, became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot (2021–22), scored the celebrated Puskás Award‑winning goal in 2020, and led Spurs to their first major trophy—the Europa League—in 2025, ending a 17‑year wait.
His departure was deeply emotional: in a heartfelt farewell, he described leaving as one of the hardest decisions he has ever made but felt the timing was right.
“I will always be in your history books and Spurs will always be in my heart,” he wrote.
Son’s arrival in Los Angeles also represents a strategic milestone for MLS and LAFC, both sporting and commercial.
He instantly becomes the most expensive incoming signing in league history, underscoring MLS’s growing financial muscle and competitive ambition.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Son’s presence is expected to elevate the club’s global brand, further positioning LAFC as a global footballing power—much like Shohei Ohtani’s role in Los Angeles baseball.
The Korean‑American community, particularly vibrant in Koreatown near BMO Stadium, is poised to embrace him warmly.
Son’s MLS deal runs through 2027, with options extending to 2029, positioning him as a long-term centerpiece for LAFC both on and off the pitch.