LAFC Acquires Son Heung-Min
Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced today their signing of Son Heung-Min from Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. The talented forward will take an international roster spot and is set to play pending the acquisition of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
A Stellar Career at Tottenham
Son, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished Asian footballers, enjoyed a remarkable decade with Tottenham, where he netted 173 goals and provided 101 assists across all competitions. His outstanding performance included becoming the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021–22 season.
International Recognition
As the captain of the South Korean National Team, Son has made over 130 appearances and participated in three World Cups. He ranks among South Korea’s all-time leading goalscorers.
LAFC’s Vision
“Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football,” remarked LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington. “His ambition, ability, and character align perfectly with our values at LAFC. We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career. Sonny is a proven winner and a world-class individual, and we are confident he will elevate our club and inspire our community – both on and off the pitch.”
Following Football Legends
Son joins an elite list of international stars at LAFC, which includes Carlos Vela, Giorgio Chiellini, Olivier Giroud, and his former Tottenham teammates Gareth Bale and Hugo Lloris.
Son’s Aspirations in MLS
“I’m incredibly proud to be joining LAFC, a club with big ambitions in one of the most iconic sports cities in the world,” Son stated. “Los Angeles has such a rich history of champions, and I am here to help write the next chapter. I’m excited for this new challenge in MLS. I have come to L.A. to lift trophies and give everything for this club, this city, and its fans. I cannot wait to get started.”
Personal Background and Milestones
Born on July 8, 1992, in Chuncheon, South Korea, Son debuted in the Bundesliga at age 18 with Hamburg SV before transferring to Bayer Leverkusen in 2013, where he scored 21 goals in 62 appearances. In 2015, he signed with Tottenham, winning multiple accolades, including Player of the Year and leading the team to the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final. Notably, his exceptional goal against Burnley on December 7, 2019, earned him the FIFA Puskas Award for the year’s most beautiful goal. In 2023, he succeeded Lloris as captain and helped Spurs capture the UEFA Europa League title in 2025, the team’s first trophy in 17 years.
Commitment to Excellence
“Bringing Sonny to LAFC and to our city has been a dream of ours for several years,” said LAFC Lead Managing Owner Bennett Rosenthal. “My partners and I are huge admirers of Sonny the player and Sonny the person. His signing is a statement of our commitment to excellence on the pitch and our ambition to continue building our reputation as a world-class club on the global football stage. Sonny will inspire not only our fans in LA and the incredible community in Southern California, but millions of fans around the world.”
International Success
On the international stage, Son has scored 51 goals for South Korea, taking part in the FIFA World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2022, as well as four AFC Asian Cups. He led South Korea to a gold medal at the Asian Games in 2018.
