90 MIN FOOTBALL - South Korean footballer Son Heung-min has officially joined Major League Soccer (MLS). He joined Los Angeles FC for a record transfer fee of $26 million. Son joins LA FC after 10 seasons with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. MLS might not have been the main target for Son because he built his career primarily in European football’s elite leagues. The arrival of Messi transformed all previous assumptions about the league. Messi serves as a star player who also functions as proof that MLS has become an authentic option for international football excellence. Son Heung-min has shown his respect for Messi through his public statements. Son revealed to club media that witnessing Messi join MLS made the most significant impact on him because he had previously seen many European stars join the league. Son's admiration shows that Messi possesses a personal appeal which transcends his team affiliation. “Our generation benefits tremendously from having Messi play football. The football world has felt his influence since he started playing and scoring numerous goals before moving to MLS. Through his club achievements and national team success he became my inspiration. Signing with LAFC provided me the chance to share the field with him after he transformed my thinking,” stated the former Tottenham Hotspur player. The possibility of playing alongside Messi in the same league presents Son with an exciting professional challenge. The football press conference revealed Son's enthusiasm about starting a new phase in his professional career. He had a goal to compete against Lionel Messi. LAFC welcomes me with pride because it represents a club that pursues ambitious goals within one of the most famous sporting cities throughout the world. This marks the start of my contribution to build the next chapter. The new challenge in MLS has me extremely excited. I dedicate all my efforts to help this team win trophies while giving my all to represent this city and its supporters.
Son Heung-min Profile
Modern football considers Son Heung-min as one of its biggest names because he crossed national frontiers to achieve global superstardom. Son has established himself as one of the greatest Asian footballers ever through his distinct smile along with his deadly goal-scoring abilities and his dedicated work ethic.
Career Journey in Europe
Son Heung-min started his European football career at 16 years old when he joined Hamburger SV's youth academy in Germany after his birth on July 8, 1992, in Chuncheon South Korea. The young talent developed his skills until he earned his professional debut in 2010 then he became a regular player for the team. Son transferred to Bayer Leverkusen in 2013 before his career reached a turning point. Son Heung-min officially signed for Tottenham Hotspur in August 2015 when the club paid £22 million for his transfer. The North London club became the platform for his breakthrough into stardom. As a key attacker for Spurs he set multiple records while leading the team's offensive plays.
The Captain and Icon of Asian Football
The South Korean National Team depends on Son Heung-min to lead as their captain and main figure during international competitions. Throughout his leadership role he has guided South Korea to multiple World Cups and Asian Cups while becoming a symbol for millions of football enthusiasts throughout Asia. The national team reached one of its highest points through Son Heung-min during their 2018 Asian Games competition. Son took charge of the South Korean U-23 squad which won the gold medal by beating Japan. The win held a dual purpose because it gave national pride while sparing Son from military service which would have threatened his European professional career.
Individual Achievements and Legacy
Throughout his professional journey Son Heung-min has accumulated various awards and achieved outstanding individual milestones.
The Premier League Golden Boot went to Son Heung-min during the 2021/2022 season when he scored 23 goals to become the first Asian player ever to claim this distinguished award.
FIFA Puskás Award: In 2020, he won the award for the most beautiful goal of the year thanks to his phenomenal solo goal against Burnley.
Best Footballer in Asia: He has won this award multiple times, cementing his status as the best player in Asia.
More than just statistics, Son's legacy lies in how he paved the way for other Asian players to dream and compete at the highest level of European football. He is a symbol of perseverance, hard work, and pure talent, proving that a player can reach the top with talent and dedication.***
