South Korean superstar Son Heung-min has officially said goodbye to Tottenham Hotspur after a remarkable 10-year tenure. He is now moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) team Los Angeles FC (LAFC).
A Legendary Goodbye in London and Seoul
At a press conference in Seoul that made everyone cry, Son said that leaving was “one of the hardest decisions of his life.” He became an icon over the last ten years, scoring 173 goals in 454 games and becoming one of the club’s all-time greats.
His last game for Tottenham was a preseason friendly against Newcastle in Seoul, where fans gave him a standing ovation. This was a poignant way for him to make his mark. In a farewell video message, Son thanked his fans for their lifelong support and remembered how he went from being a promising 23-year-old who moved to North London to becoming Tottenham’s Europa League-winning captain in 2025. Daniel Levy, the chairman, also paid tribute to Son, calling him “a beloved member of the Spurs family.”
A Move Across the Pond That Set Records
On August 6, 2025, LAFC made the permanent transfer official. The $26.5 million transfer fee is the highest in MLS history and one of the most ever paid for a 33-year-old.
Son signs a Designated Player contract as part of the deal. It lasts until 2027, with an option for 2028 and an extra extension until June 2029. His move is also now on MLS’s official transfers list, which shows how important it is for LAFC and the league as a whole.
The Reason for the Move
Son’s decision to leave Spurs was influenced by several factors. Even though manager Thomas Frank offered him a new contract and made it clear that he wanted to keep him at the center of the team, he chose to leave because of ongoing injury problems, especially a recurring foot problem, as well as the physical toll of international duty and the need for complicated tactical setups.
Son honestly said that LAFC wasn’t his first choice at first. It was the constant pressure from LAFC’s general manager, John Thorrington, who “changed his heart,” that made him take the leap across the Atlantic.
A New Chapter: Feelings and Hopes in LA
When Son got to Los Angeles, there was a warm and enthusiastic ceremony to welcome him. At his first press conference, he stayed calm and thanked everyone. He called the move to LA a “dream come true.” He said nice things about the city and promised to help the team win.
Steve Cherundolo, the coach of LAFC, and the people of Los Angeles, including the large Korean-American population near Koreatown, were all very happy with this “perfect match.”
Looking Back on Ten Years of Excellence
Son was a great player and a loyal teammate at Tottenham. He left an unforgettable mark on the game by scoring more than 100 goals in the Premier League, winning the Golden Boot in 2021–22, and becoming the highest-scoring Asian player in Premier League and Champions League history.
His greatest achievement came in May 2025, when he led Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years, the UEFA Europa League. This ended a long drought and made sure he left on a high note.
End
Son Heung-min’s move to LAFC starts a new and exciting chapter for both him and Major League Soccer. His leaving Tottenham ends a decade full of accomplishments, milestones, and loyal fans.
LAFC not only gets a world-class forward but also a global icon whose star continues to shine. This transfer is more than just a deal; it’s a cultural and sporting milestone that connects continents and generations.
Son is still at the top of his game at 33, ready to take LAFC to new heights and write the next chapter in his storied career. Let’s see how this legend will change MLS and what new memories he will make in the US.
