Son Heungmin Signs Up to Four-Year Contract with LAFC
City Council Member's Remarks Draw Criticism Online
Son Heungmin, a football player representing South Korea, has officially joined LA FC in Major League Soccer. The contract runs through 2029 at the latest, meaning he will likely spend the remainder of his playing career in Los Angeles. At the LA FC signing press conference, Son stated, "I will become a legend in LA as well." However, an LA City Council member attending the press conference embarrassed American soccer fans with an inappropriate question.
Son Heungmin is holding up his uniform and posing for a commemorative photo at the Los Angeles FC (LAFC) signing press conference held on the 6th (local time) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, USA. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 6th, international media outlets such as USA Today reported that Heather Hutt, a city council member attending Son Heungmin's signing press conference at BMO Stadium, said, "LA FC is really smart. They have brought in the right person at the right time." She then asked, "This isn't pressure, but when the World Cup is held in LA, aren't we all expecting the US to win?" She continued, looking at Son Heungmin, "He is here to help you achieve that goal."
Regarding Hutt's comments, American media noted, "Son Heungmin politely smiled, but it was clearly an awkward moment," adding, "Hutt may have intended to show support for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, but Son Heungmin cannot play for the US national team." Afterward, Hutt's remarks became a topic of controversy online. A journalist from the Philadelphia Union wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Council member Hutt made the worst mistake," and added, "She told Son Heungmin, 'We expect the US to win when the World Cup is held.' Yes, she said that to Son Heungmin." An American soccer fan pointed out, "An LA city council member thinks Son Heungmin will play for the US national team at the upcoming World Cup. This is the reality LA faces."
Similar Question Once Asked to Germany's Schweinsteiger
Hutt's remarks also brought up a similar case from the past. Bastian Schweinsteiger, who contributed to Germany's victory at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, was asked at his 2017 Chicago Fire signing press conference, "Can we expect the US team to win the next World Cup?" At the time, online reactions included, "Americans' soccer knowledge is really behind. It's embarrassing," and "Don't invite people who aren't involved in soccer to soccer-related events."
On this day, Council member Hutt was invited to the signing ceremony because her district includes Koreatown, giving her cultural ties with Korean Americans. Hutt explained, "Koreatown has the largest Korean population and the best food in the US." USA Today added, "At least Hutt didn't get everything wrong."
Meanwhile, Son Heungmin signed a contract with LA FC for up to four years. The basic contract runs through 2027, with an option to extend through 2028 and an additional extension option until June 2029. He is registered as a Designated Player and will not be subject to the salary cap at least through 2027. The transfer fee is reportedly up to $26.5 million (about 36.7 billion won), the highest in MLS history.
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