Another international soccer superstar has arrived in the United States to play in Major League Soccer.
South Korean forward Son Heung-min officially signed with Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) on a permanent transfer on Wednesday. Son was welcomed by chants from the club’s passionate fanbase as he walked onto the stage for his unveiling.
“What can I say? Dream come true, what a city?” Son said at his introductory news conference at BMO Stadium in LA. “I’m here to win and I will perform. I will definitely show you something exciting. Do we call it football or soccer?” he questioned while laughing and scanning the crowd for the answer. “I will definitely show some exciting football and we will definitely have success.”
Son admitted Los Angeles wasn’t his first choice but changed his mind and heart, saying he is happy with his decision.
On Tuesday, Son watched LAFC’s 2-1 Leagues Cup win over previously undefeated Liga MX’s Tigres UANL from a luxury suite.
“I’m so excited seeing all those Korean fans outside there yesterday,” he said. “I was at the game, watching you guys, supporting like crazy, was just insane. I wanted to run into the pitch and showing my performance.”
He added through his translator: “As a Korean, to know that Koreatown here in Los Angeles has so many Koreans here in this country, I’m very proud to be a part of the club and the city here.
“We’ll make them proud with my performance and do the best I can to represent the Koreans and Koreatown here in LA.”
The 33-year-old forward left the Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur after a decade. Son played his last game for Spurs on their preseason tour of Korea on Sunday.
Son’s arrival reportedly set MLS’ transfer fee record at approximately $26 million. He is signed through 2027 with options for two additional years.
The former Spurs captain netted 173 goals and had 101 assists in 454 matches with the North London club. Son became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot for the 2021-22 campaign, when he and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah both scored the most goals in the season with 23.
Son led Tottenham to the Europa League title, beating Manchester United in Bilbao, Spain, in May, for the club’s first trophy in 17 years.
South Korea’s favorite son has scored 51 goals in 134 matches for the national team, where he is the captain. He has appeared in three World Cups and four AFC Asian Cups, becoming the country’s most high-profile athlete ever. He led South Korea to a gold medal in 2018 at the Asian Games.
The Black and Gold face the Chicago Fire on the road this Saturday. He will be reunited with former Spurs teammate and LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris when he makes his debut.
As for when fans can expect to see him on the pitch, Son said through his translator, “I came here to play soccer and I’m ready to play but there’s some preparation work to be done. I’ll work with the coaching staff and others to get on the pitch as soon as possible.”
In 2023, Argentine icon Lionel Messi departed from French side Paris Saint-Germain to join the MLS club Inter Miami.
Son’s arrival to Los Angeles comes on the same day another international superstar joined MLS.
The Vancouver Whitecaps welcomed longtime FC Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller to the club on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old spent 17 years with the German side, amassing 250 goals and 238 assists, and helping the club secure a record 33 titles.