Son Heung-min : From Tottenham Legend to MLS Superstar

Son Heung-min, the pride of Asian football and symbol of Korean soccer, is writing another chapter of history on
a new stage.

In August 2025, after completing a brilliant 10-year journey at Premier League’s Tottenham, Son transferred to
MLS’s LAFC and has been captivating American soccer fans and media from his debut, signaling a new prime era.

“Truly proud of Son Heung-min. Looking at the reason he rejected that huge money and went to America is amazing.
It’s a wise decision. For the future too… The fact that he could make such a judgment is really admirable. _J”

1. Departure from Tottenham with Record-Breaking Transfer Fee

Son Heung-min’s transfer to LAFC created massive shockwaves in American soccer, recording approximately
$26.5 million – the highest transfer fee in MLS history.

This wasn’t simply the transfer of one player, but a historic decision to elevate the entire status of MLS.

Son’s departure from Tottenham was itself an emotional drama.
Even rival Arsenal fans “seemed sad as if seeing off their own legend,” and those who used to mock Tottenham
reportedly failed to hate Son Heung-min.

This has been evaluated as a very unusual and surreal farewell in North London Derby history.

Those who expressed the greatest regret were Son’s Tottenham teammates. Bissouma was particularly captured shedding tears, saying “Son Heung-min was the reason I joined Tottenham,” even using the expression
“brother connected by blood” to show his deep affection.

Other teammates also praised Son as “one of the most lovable people in the world” and “a true captain both on
and off the pitch.”

2. American Debut – Magic Shown in Just 30 Minutes

On August 10, 2025, in an away match against Chicago Fire, Son was substituted in the 76th minute and played only 30 minutes, yet American media showered him with praise. Son’s play in his debut was truly shocking.

American media spotlighted Son’s debut as “spine-tingling play” and didn’t spare praise, calling him “a player who will grow MLS.” Even the MLS office stepped forward to acclaim him, saying he “proved creativity and quality.”

Particularly impressive was Son’s unique celebration. With his ‘LA No. 1′ snapshot celebration, Son instantly captured local fans’ hearts and is already establishing himself as LA’s new icon.

The effect of Son’s American debut is clearly proven in numbers. Videos of Son’s debut recorded 1.1 million views
on YouTube and 14.5 million views on Instagram, drawing explosive reactions.

He’s also showing hot popularity on ESPN’s official channel, once again proving Son’s global star power.

LAFC’s social media followers surged by 80,000 immediately after announcing Son’s signing, which carries meaning beyond simple numbers. It’s an indicator showing how much expectation American soccer fans have for Son.

American media ranked Son as the 4th greatest star in MLS history, highly evaluating his value. This evaluation came even before his debut, showing how great American soccer’s expectations for Son are.

The Korean-American community’s reaction is also hot.
Son expressed his determination in an exclusive interview with Korean media, saying he will “make Koreans proud.

” This is interpreted as a will to contribute to elevating the status of the Korean-American community in the US,
beyond just his resolve as a soccer player.

Son’s American venture is becoming an opportunity to elevate the status of Asian soccer as a whole,
beyond personal challenge.

Son, who opened a new chapter in Korean soccer history in England, the birthplace of football, is now writing
another history in America, the center of professional sports.

Son Heung-min faces a new beginning in America.
The attention of soccer fans worldwide is focused on what emotions and records his journey will create.

Looking at the already hot reactions from American media and fans, Son’s success in America already seems
like a predetermined outcome.