Son Heung-min has officially signed with LAFC in a deal worth £19.5 million, marking the end of an era after more than 10 years with Tottenham Hotspur. For Son, leaving Spurs was, in his own words, “the most difficult decision,” but he felt ready for “a little bit of change.”

Son joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 for £22 million, becoming the most expensive Asian player in football history at the time. During his time at the English Premier League club, he scored 173 goals, registered 101 assists across all competitions and made history as the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021–22 season.

Furthermore, in 2023 Saudi pro league clubs, Al-Ittihad reportedly offered a £55 million transfer fee. This was alongside a £25 million per year contract that would be for four years. However, Son declined this offer due to not being ready to leave London or the Premier league.

Beyond his impact on the pitch, Son’s presence brought Tottenham massive international support. A 2022 report from Spurs’ main sponsor AIA revealed that 12 million South Korean fans followed the club largely because of him. This was more than one in four South Koreans.

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In South Korea, Son is more than a footballer, he is a national hero. His gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, which earned him and his teammates exemption from mandatory military service, was a moment forever cherished in Korean sporting history.

With 35 international goals, he stands as South Korea’s joint fourth highest scorer, having led his country into multiple World Cups and Asian Cups.

Son played his last match for Tottenham Hotspur against Newcastle. Brennan Johnson paid tribute to Son by borrowing his trademark goal celebration when his deflected strike beat Nick Pope just after the three minute mark.

After Tottenham Hotspur won the Europa League, Son left the team on a positive note. He is now ready to grow in his career after showing hard work and loyalty throughout the years. Son will be forever cherished by the team.

Even after Son has left Tottenham Hotspurs fans continue to wear the 2025/2025 home kit edition shirt with Son’s name on the back. They also buy key rings, cups, scarfs and more items with Son’s face or name on it.

Son’s legacy will be carried regardless where he is. He is a global hero who is cherished from fans all across the world.

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Los Angeles is home to the largest Korean population outside South Korea, making Son’s arrival far more than a typical transfer. For the city’s Korean community, seeing their national captain and global icon play in black and gold is deeply personal. It’s a moment of pride and identity.

His move to MLS also carries symbolic pride. Son is not coming at the end of his career, but while still performing at the highest level. For the league, it is a statement that MLS can attract world-class talent in their prime.

For young Korean and Korean-American players, it is proof that their dreams can extend beyond Korea and Son is an inspiration that this can be achieved.

LAFC are lucky to have such a kind-hearted player who interacts with fans, supports youth programs, attends community events and makes personal donations to charitable causes.

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Son’s presence in Los Angeles will undoubtedly boost jersey sales, merchandise, and global attention for LAFC. However, it is about more than just football, it is about a superstar choosing a city where his community can see him not just as a footballer, but as one of their own.

For LAFC fans, his arrival is the beginning of a new chapter for Soccer and for Koreans everywhere, it is a moment to celebrate one of their greatest heroes stepping onto a new stage, carrying their pride with him.

Sons first presence was seen with the game against Chicago and the teams battled through half time with the score tied at 1-1 before LAFC brought on Son in the 61st minute to immense applause from the 19,000 plus fans there.

As well as this, Son's move reunited him with former Tottenham teammate and French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who joined the club in December 2023.

For Tottenham fans this is fantastic as it is a mark of the Tottenham Hotspurs on the team with two fantastic ex players.

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Son Heung-min’s most “difficult decision” leaving Tottenham Hotspur and joining LAFC is a new beginning for the 33-year-old superstar. He is ready for a change after showing a strong commitment to Tottenham Hotspur for over a decade.

He will grow as a footballer and as Sonny fans are ready to follow along his journey and be proud of everything he achieves. Koreans in Los Angeles now have the opportunity to watch Son Heung-min in their city and celebrate his victories with him.

Son is a global hero and Los Angeles is ready to welcome his talent and watch him carry on his football career in MLS.