Son’s dazzling start reshapes the scene in Los Angeles

When Los Angeles FC secured Son Heung-min’s signature, it quickly became clear this was an ideal match between player and club. In just nine outings since arriving in Major League Soccer, the South Korean forward has registered eight goals and three assists, immediately turning his new team into genuine MLS Cup challengers.

Towards the end of his spell at Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored 173 times across 454 games, his form had started to raise questions. At 33, observers wondered if it marked the beginning of decline or just a temporary dip. His explosive introduction in California has dispelled any doubts, showing his sharpness remains.

The league may offer a different competitive environment compared to England, but it brings its own set of adjustments. Many high-profile European players have struggled to adapt in the United States, some even weakening their sides. Son, however, has so far delivered both excitement and results.

A cultural connection as strong as his performances

For LAFC, the arrival of Son mirrors the influence Carlos Vela had when he became the club’s first major figure in 2018. Longtime commentator Dave Denholm has drawn parallels between the two, noting that both have excelled on and off the pitch.

Son’s signing has resonated powerfully within Los Angeles’ sizeable Korean community. Trebor Tracy, who runs the Angels on Parade supporters’ site, highlighted that Korean fans form one of the city’s largest groups, second only to the Mexican community. A prominent supporters’ section, the Tigers, has a majority Korean membership and has been integral to the club’s identity.

For these fans, bringing in a national icon was a significant moment. Son arrived not just as a star but as someone who already held a special place in their hearts.

Rapid integration on and off the field

Son’s introduction to his new surroundings was remarkably quick. According to broadcaster Max Bretos, he arrived midweek, met the media the following day, sorted his visa almost immediately, and was included in the squad for the weekend’s away game in Chicago. He came off the bench in that match, and by the next fixture on artificial turf in New England, he was starting, playing the full match, and setting up a goal.

Since then, he has barely missed a minute, a rarity for marquee arrivals. His seamless adjustment has been evident in how naturally he has linked up with teammates, earning their trust and affection straight away. Unlike some superstars whose presence overshadows the club, Son has slotted into LAFC’s existing structure.

Bretos compared the situation to how Cristiano Ronaldo might dominate a team’s identity or how Lionel Messi transformed Inter Miami. By contrast, Son’s presence enhances LAFC without overwhelming it.

A partnership driving results

One of the clearest signs of his influence has been Denis Bouanga’s scoring run. Since Son joined, the Gabonese forward has netted 11 times in nine matches, becoming the first player in league history to record three straight 20-goal seasons. His current tally has placed him alongside Messi at the top of the 2025 Golden Boot race.

Together, Son and Bouanga have accounted for LAFC’s most recent 18 goals, a partnership that has made the team one of the most feared ahead of the upcoming playoffs.

A wave of attention and enthusiasm

The response to Son’s arrival has been compared to the effect Messi had when he entered MLS. While the figures are not identical, they are striking. His introductory press event drew 200,000 views on YouTube, while LAFC’s social channels recorded a 594% surge, reaching around 34 billion views that month. His shirt quickly became the top seller across all sports.

His first goal — a free-kick against FC Dallas — drew admiration from fans in England who had long believed he should have taken more set pieces for Tottenham. Bretos noted that across every media metric, engagement has multiplied several times over since Son’s debut.

While global reach matters, the most striking change has been the local buzz. Many stars have passed through MLS without forging such a connection, but Son’s early weeks suggest he is set to leave a lasting mark on Los Angeles.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Posted in

Staff Writer