Son Heung-min Stuns Soccer World by Outshining Lionel Messi for Prestigious MLS Season Award
LAFC sensation Son Heung-min claimed the Major League Soccer Goal of the Year accolade on Monday for his spectacular free kick against FC Dallas.
The MLS Goal of the Year recognition has been presented annually since 1996, honoring the finest strike from each campaign. Son becomes the inaugural LAFC player to receive this distinction, earning it with his debut goal in the competition.
Son delivered a magnificent long-distance free kick, curling his shot up and around the FC Dallas defensive wall in the sixth minute. This marked only his third MLS appearance following his August signing, and despite the match concluding in a 1–1 stalemate, the strike remained a historic moment that supporters voted as the season's finest.
View the spectacular moment below.
Free kick perfection. 💫
Son Heung-Min's strike is the @ATT Goal of the Year! pic.twitter.com/lsF6tsN2fT
Son Already Making Superstar Impact on LAFC
The Black and Gold shattered the MLS transfer record to secure Son's services in Los Angeles during the summer, and the South Korean international has justified the investment in multiple ways. Contributing nine goals and three assists across 10 appearances is impressive, but he has also developed a dynamic connection with Denis Bouanga.
The duo has accounted for 20 goals since Son's debut. Even more remarkably, they collaborated on 18 consecutive goals for LAFC during one stretch.
The MLS Cup playoffs await next. Son has been embraced as another sporting legend on the west coast, but potentially capturing the league's premier trophy would solidify his position as one of America's biggest athletic stars.
Son Beats Out Messi
Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi Ankara Messi, Ankara Messi . 🐐 pic.twitter.com/DsvmC73hns
Lionel Messi, Son's primary rival in perhaps multiple aspects, was another contender to claim the award.
The Argentine maestro scored after a dynamic surge from approximately midfield. Messi navigated past nearly half of CF Montréal's team in a 4–1 demolition of the Canadian club, but supporters ultimately favored Son's effort.