Son Heung Min with his new LAFC kit



Son’s Journey Continues in the USA

South Korean football legend Son Heung Min has completed his move to Major League Soccer’s LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club) after 10 successful seasons with Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. The transfer was announced on August 6 and marks Son’s first move to a new continent, having played exclusively for European clubs since making his professional debut.

Son’s Career So Far

Son began his professional career at Hamburger SV in Germany. Having come through Hamburger SV’s youth system, Son was considered a prodigy by the fanbase, and demonstrated his potential across three seasons before moving to Bayer 04 Leverkusen in 2013. At Leverkusen, Son developed further, maintaining strong form and hitting double figures for goals each season. His performances in the Bundesliga attracted the attention of Tottenham Hotspur. The then head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, had been eyeing Son before even being appointed at Spurs. In the summer of 2015, the London club made their move, signing Son as the 13th Korean to play in the English Premier League. Although he struggled in his first season, he soon adjusted to the pace of English football and became a vital player for Spurs.

During his time at Spurs, Son achieved remarkable milestones. His achievements include winning the FIFA Puskás Award in 2020 for his stunning solo goal against Burnley, claiming the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021/22 season as the league’s top scorer, and becoming the first Asian player to reach 100 Premier League goals. In 2025, he captained Spurs to end a 17-year trophy drought by lifting the UEFA Europa League, cementing his status as one of the club’s most iconic players.

Why the Fans Love Son

Son’s finishing ability has long been rated highly by football experts, with the Spain-based sports website VAVEL highlighting the brief touches before his finishes, his comfort with both feet, and his versatility in scoring from a range of distances and angles. The outlet also noted that since the 2016/17 season, Son has consistently outperformed his expected goals (xG), meaning he converts chances more often than statistically expected.

Beyond Son’s on-pitch performances, teammates, coaches, and fans alike admire his positive attitude and character. LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo, speaking after Son’s first start, praised Son’s attitude and communication skills. “He brings a smile to work every day, which I think is very important,” he said. Cherundolo added that the club is delighted to have Son not only for his technical ability, speed, finishing, and years of experience, but also because he is positive, highly motivated, and a good influence.

Son’s New Role

Throughout most of his career, Son has played primarily as a left winger. At LAFC, however, that position is already occupied by another star, Denis Bouanga. Thanks to his excellent shooting ability, Son has often stepped in as a striker when former teammates like Harry Kane or Richarlison were unavailable, and he has continued through the center role since moving to LAFC.

Now in the latter stage of his career, this positional change could be beneficial. The central role generally demands less intensive running than playing on the wing. Furthermore, the change could also address a tactical need for the South Korean national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the team has lacked an experienced striker for some time.

Reporters

Seongbeom Hong

hongsb@seoultech.ac.kr

Jinpyo Hong

undohere@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 홍성범

• 직책 :
• e-mail : hongsb@seoultech.ac.kr

홍진표 기자

• 직책 :
• e-mail : undohere@seoultech.ac.kr