Son Heung-min Eager to Ignite LAFC Fans in Highly Anticipated Home Debut Against San Diego FC
Son Heung-min is preparing for his Hollywood debut moment.
Following an impressive start to his Major League Soccer journey with a goal, an assist, and earning a penalty in his opening three matches, the South Korean sensation will make his first appearance before LAFC's home crowd on Sunday when they face Western Conference leaders San Diego FC.
The Black and Gold have suffered only two defeats in their previous 18 fixtures, securing four points from a potential seven since Son's arrival for an MLS record transfer worth over $26 million from Tottenham Hotspur.
The experience has been overwhelming for both Son and LAFC, as the franchise has transformed from a well-liked team to one of the most watched clubs globally outside of Europe.
"It's been fantastic. I've really enjoyed it, and even with the extensive travel, I had opportunities to connect with the players, and I believe that building relationships is crucial for me," Son commented before his BMO Stadium premiere. "Obviously, the first home match after a month felt like an eternity, so I'm incredibly excited. The supporters will be absolutely amazing, and the venue will be completely full. I'm eager to step onto the field once more."
Following his signing, Son has made himself remarkably accessible to media outlets, contrasting with many other stars who joined MLS after their European peak years, and has already boosted the club's profile to heights not witnessed since Mexican star Carlos Vela's 2017 arrival.
The LAFC YouTube channel has experienced a 70% increase in subscribers, according to The Athletic, while other social media platforms have also witnessed substantial growth. From a league standpoint, it has unlocked a completely new market, with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV advertisements appearing throughout South Korea.
Merchandise sales haven't been overlooked either, with Son's kit becoming the top-selling jersey across North America in August.
The 33-year-old has also been amazed by this response. Despite his fame, celebrity status, and football abilities, he never anticipated the soccer enthusiasm in LA to reach such heights.
MLS Cup Victory Remains Primary Goal
Within his initial weeks, his impact in the city has transformed LAFC, earning him an invitation to deliver the ceremonial first pitch at a LA Dodgers baseball game—where he threw a perfect strike from the pitcher's mound.
"I'm quite astonished by it, because soccer probably wasn't the primary sport in your mind, so I wasn't aware that people actually knew about me," Son explained. "It's been an extremely busy three weeks, but I still believe I'm here to play football... I'm incredibly happy. These three weeks have been an extraordinary period. But as I mentioned, I'm here to secure victories and claim championships."
While much attention will focus on presenting Son to the LAFC supporters, the main emphasis remains entirely on winning, especially in this crucial encounter against San Diego, who became the first MLS team to secure a playoff berth last weekend.
Currently positioned in the Western Conference middle, LAFC aims to break into the top four before season's end and secure home-field advantage for the opening round best-of-three playoff series. Son will be instrumental in achieving that goal—and any extended postseason campaign that follows.
"I'm here to provide entertainment for the fans, bring some joy to people, create smiles, and naturally happiness, along with quality soccer. That's what I expect to demonstrate to everyone," Son continued.
"I have wonderful memories from three months ago, capturing the Europa League trophy. With that experience, with that energy, I want to continue forward...obviously attempting to secure a championship for this organization. That's my purpose here and what I'm working toward."