Son Heungmin Joins LAFC: "I Came to Win... I Want to Become a Legend at LAFC"

Son Heungmin officially joined Los Angeles FC (LAFC) of Major League Soccer (MLS) on August 6 (local time).

At a press conference held that day at BMO Stadium, LAFC's home ground, Son stated, "I came to LA to win," and added, "I'm starting from zero, but when I leave LAFC, I want to be remembered as a legend."

The BBC reported that Son Heungmin signed a two-year contract with LAFC, setting the record for the highest transfer fee in MLS history. According to the BBC, Son's transfer fee exceeds 20 million pounds (approximately 37,012,200,000 KRW), surpassing the previous record of 16.5 million pounds set by Emmanuel Latte Lath when he moved from Middlesbrough to Atlanta United in February.

Son Heungmin is smiling while expressing his thoughts on joining LAFC at a press conference held on the 6th (local time) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, USA.
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

During the press conference, Son mentioned his connections with many fellow players and said he is well-acquainted with LAFC. He explained, "There were so many reasons why I couldn't help but know a lot about LAFC. Hugo Lloris and Gareth Bale also played for this team, and Kim Moonhwan from Korea was also here, so I naturally paid more attention and watched LAFC's matches. In particular, my conversations with Lloris helped me decide to transfer to LAFC."

Goalkeeper Lloris played with Son Heungmin at Tottenham from the time Son joined the club until 2013. With Son's move to LAFC, the two have reunited. Regarding Lloris, Son said, "He has returned to me as captain," and added, "He is an excellent player, and we have always maintained a good relationship."

Son also expressed his determination to bring joy to the Korean community in LA.

"There are truly many Koreans in LA, and I consider it a real blessing to be able to play here. I also believe my goal is to make them even prouder. That aspect played a significant role in my decision to join LAFC."

Regarding his physical condition, Son said there is no need for major concern and that he is eager to play as soon as possible. He stated, "I had a good preseason, so fans don't need to worry much about my condition. There are quite a few documents to prepare, but I didn't come here for anything other than football, so I want to greet as many fans as possible on the pitch and show my best as soon as I can."

Finally, Son reaffirmed his ambition to be recognized as a legend at LAFC. He emphasized, "Just because I played well in Europe doesn't guarantee I'll do the same here. Since this is a new beginning, I consider myself starting from zero, and my dream is always to finish as a legend." He added, "It has always been my dream and my way of life to give back what I have received, so when the time comes to leave this club, I hope I can be called a legend."

Son Heungmin is taking a commemorative photo after finishing a press conference held on the 6th (local time) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, USA.
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Tottenham Hotspur confirmed Son Heungmin's transfer by posting an article titled "Sonny (Son Heungmin's nickname) leaves for MLS side LAFC" on the front page of their official website.

Tottenham wrote, "Sonny, now 33, joined us in August 2015, and has established himself as one of the greatest players in the club's history. He scored 173 goals in 454 matches, making him the fifth-highest scorer in our history." The club continued, "His greatest achievement was leading the club to victory in the UEFA Europa League in May 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. He became one of only 13 captains in our history to lift a major trophy."

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said, "As one of the greatest players ever to wear the Lilywhite shirt, he has brought us immense joy over the past ten years. He is not only a talented footballer but also an amazing person who has inspired and moved the club and people around the world." Levy added, "Sonny has given so much to this club, and we will be forever grateful. We wish him the very best for the future, and he will always be welcomed as a beloved member of the Tottenham family."

LAFC also officially announced Son Heungmin's signing on their website that day. LAFC stated that Son will occupy a spot on the 'international player roster,' and that he will be eligible to play as soon as he receives his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).