"SON IS BLACK & GOLD." That one sentence sent shockwaves through the global football community. The living legend of Asian football, a Premier League Golden Boot winner, 'Captain' Son Heung-min has officially left Tottenham Hotspur to join the heart of Major League Soccer (MLS), Los Angeles FC (LAFC). This isn't just a transfer. It's the biggest signing in MLS history, an 'event' set to change the landscape of North American soccer, and a signal that a new superstar has arrived on the grand stage of Hollywood.
LAFC: A Club Born for Glory
So, what kind of team is Son Heung-min's new home, LAFC? If you're not a regular MLS follower, the name might be unfamiliar. Surprisingly, LAFC is a relatively new club, founded in 2014 and only joining the league in 2018. But don't let their short history fool you. From their inception, under the slogan 'Street by Street, Block by Block, One by One,' they deeply connected with the city of Los Angeles and instantly became one of the league's most popular clubs.
LAFC's success is 'fast, flashy, and aggressive.' They made a splash in their debut season under inaugural coach Bob Bradley and, in 2019, led by Mexican superstar Carlos Vela, they won the Supporters' Shield for the best regular-season record. Then in 2022, under current head coach Steve Cherundolo, they achieved the double, winning another Supporters' Shield and, finally, the coveted MLS Cup trophy. Most recently, they won the U.S. Open Cup in 2024, proving their status as a consistent powerhouse that collects silverware.
"LAFC is not just a football club. It's a representation of the culture, energy, and diversity of Los Angeles." – Peter Guber, LAFC Co-Owner
Cherundolo's Kids: A Deep Dive into LAFC's Tactics
Known as the 'Mayor of Hannover' during his playing days, head coach Steve Cherundolo has elevated LAFC to another level since his appointment. The core of his tactical philosophy lies in 'flexibility' and 'efficiency.' He generally prefers a 4-3-3 formation, characterized by a high press and rapid transitions from defense to attack to overwhelm opponents.
If Bob Bradley's LAFC was a dominant, possession-based team, Cherundolo's version has evolved into a more pragmatic and deadly counter-attacking force. They are willing to cede possession, but the moment they win the ball back, their attackers swarm forward like demons to decide the game in an instant. The explosive speed and clinical finishing of the league's top scorer, Denis Bouanga, has been the key weapon in Cherundolo's arsenal.
This is precisely where Son Heung-min's arrival is the final, perfect piece of the puzzle. While Bouanga terrorizes defenses by cutting in from the left, Son can now perform the same role from the opposite flank or through the middle, presenting an impossible dilemma for defenders. Son's world-class two-footed finishing, explosive pace, and link-up play will make LAFC's counter-attacks even faster and more lethal. We may be about to witness the most formidable attacking trio in MLS history: Bouanga-Giroud-Son. 🤯
The 2025 Squad: Who Are SON's New Teammates?
So, who will Son be sharing the pitch with? The 2025 LAFC squad is a perfect blend of youth and experience, filled with talented players across every position. A reunion with a former Tottenham teammate makes things even more exciting for the fans.
| No. | Name (Nation) | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hugo Lloris (France) | Goalkeeper | Former Tottenham captain. Unchanged shot-stopping ability and leadership. |
| 25 | Maxime Chanot (Luxembourg) | Defender | Veteran center-back. Strong defensive organization. |
| 11 | Timothy Tillman (USA) | Midfielder | A box-to-box midfielder with immense work rate and attacking drive. |
| 99 | Denis Bouanga (Gabon) | Forward | 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner. Explosive pace and devastating finishing. |
| 9 | Olivier Giroud (France) | Forward | World Cup-winning striker. Master of link-up play and aerial dominance.(He will return to the French league on a free transfer in 2025) |
| 7 | Son Heung-min (South Korea) | Forward | Premier League Golden Boot winner. A world-class talent, period. |
Beyond these stars, the team boasts a solid roster with versatile attackers like Mateusz Bogusz and reliable defenders like Eddie Segura. The attacking combination of Son, Bouanga, and Giroud is a prospect that will surely give every defender in MLS sleepless nights.
Key Takeaway: The Significance of Son's Transfer
Son Heung-min's move to LAFC is more than just a player signing. It elevates the global prestige of the MLS and cements the LAFC brand in the massive Asia-Pacific market. A new history will be written at his feet.
The 'Son Effect' Has Begun: Changes On and Off the Pitch
Magical things started happening the moment Son landed in LA. His jersey sales are on pace to surpass those of Lionel Messi and LeBron James, and ticket prices for LAFC home games have skyrocketed. Koreatown in LA, which has the largest Korean population outside of Korea, is in a celebratory mood. BMO Stadium will now feature a spectacular scene of black, gold, and the South Korean Taegeukgi flag waving together every weekend.
The on-pitch impact is even more immediate. Reports from the training ground say his professional attitude and positive energy are already invigorating the entire team. Young players will grow daily by playing alongside a living legend, and veterans will find renewed motivation to win another championship with his arrival. Son is not just a 'Designated Player'; he is a 'game-changer' who will transform the team's culture and instill a winning DNA.
"Insane!" vs. "Heartbroken": Mixed Reactions from Fans Worldwide
Fan reactions to this historic transfer have been as hot as a furnace. The LAFC fan community on Reddit (r/LAFC) is in full-blown celebration mode. One fan couldn't contain their excitement: "Sonny is coming to our team, is this real life? This is our best chance to beat Messi's Inter Miami for the cup!" Another fan anticipated the economic and cultural impact: "All my Korean friends in LA just bought season tickets. BMO Stadium is about to become 'Sonny Stadium'."
"Every MLS fan outside of LA is annoyed, but you have to admit it. The greatest Asian player of all time going to the city with the most Koreans outside of Korea. It's a perfect marketing move." – A user on r/MLS
Meanwhile, the Tottenham fan community (r/coys), which supported him for nearly a decade, is filled with sadness and nostalgia. A post saying, "Our captain is leaving, I'm heartbroken. But I have to support his new challenge," received countless upvotes. Some expressed regret over his decision, stating, "The MLS level is too easy for him. He could still play in a top 5 European league." As such, his transfer has created waves of different emotions among football fans worldwide.
A New Challenge, Towards a New Dynasty
Son Heung-min has never been a player who shies away from a challenge. From Hamburg to Leverkusen, and then to Tottenham, he has proven himself at every step. Now, his journey continues on a new continent, in a new league. There may be debates about his decision to leave European glory behind for LAFC. But one thing is certain: he chose a new challenge over complacency, and his feet are still sharp and shining.
Can Son lead LAFC to another championship trophy and complete a 'Hollywood ending'? His quest has already begun. All that's left for us is to watch his journey and cheer him on passionately. Welcome to LA, Sonny! 🖤💛