Son Heung-min didn’t think he’d be playing in Major League Soccer. When the idea of playing in the United States was first offered to the LAFC star, he just couldn’t imagine leaving European soccer for MLS.
The South Korean striker finally made the switch in 2025, but it was after a shift in thinking about his career direction at Tottenham Hotspur.
Son Heung-min Reveals His Initial MLS Reaction
On The Late Run on GOAL, Son shared his recollection of when his agent first told him LAFC were interested.
“Before I joined MLS, obviously, I was back in London,” Son said. “So I got a call from my agent saying, ‘Yeah, LAFC are interested, and do you want to go to LA? Do you want to go to play in MLS?’”
His first reaction was, “‘Wow, I’m that old?’ You know, like I was thinking I would no way go to MLS,” Son admitted.
Photo by Kevin Terrell/MLS via Getty Images
Son had one year left on his Tottenham deal at the time. However, his career had reached a new level and he wanted something new.
“And then I think a year or two years later, my contract had one year left, and then I felt like I needed a new chapter and needed a new challenge,” he explained.
After some time, LAFC’s determination won him over. The club had been following him for years until he finally agreed to a Zoom meeting with LAFC officials, Son said.
Son Is Surprised By MLS Growth And Fan Support
Son has said since coming to Los Angeles that the truth of MLS has been more than he hoped for.
“I’m always surprised every single week on the league’s improvement,” he said. “Before I joined, I didn’t even know about MLS, but I’m really, really surprised about every single game.”
His remarks reflect the stark contrast in his view of American soccer. It was a step he would “no way” take, but it has become a new chapter in Son’s career — and one he seems to be enjoying.
