Son Heung-min 'causes a storm' in MLS

Son Heung-min's arrival at LAFC has created a real stir in American football.

Not only did the South Korean captain shine with a hat-trick in his first matches, he also brought the entire city of Los Angeles to a rare frenzy. According to LAFC Vice President John Tarrington, the No. 7 jersey bearing Son's name has been the best-selling product in MLS for two consecutive weeks and even "tops every sport in the world".

This achievement surpasses Lionel Messi - who set a record at Inter Miami in 2024 with 500,000 shirts sold in the first month. Son is on track to reach 1.5 million shirts in just one month, an unprecedented record in the US soccer league.

Leaving Tottenham after winning the Europa League, Son joined LAFC on August 6 and immediately became a new icon alongside names like Carlos Vela and Denis Bouanga. Tickets for his debut home match against San Diego FC were sold out, with prices doubling compared to normal. Groups of fans from all over the US flocked to Los Angeles just to see the Asian star play.

Son's appeal doesn't stop on the football field. According to The Korean Post , LAFC's platform followers increased to a record high, content views increased by 594%, and international media coverage increased by 289%.

The club also signed a partnership with KYPA 1230 AM to broadcast the entire season in Korean, serving the community of more than 320,000 Korean Americans living in Los Angeles - the largest community outside of South Korea.

Son is exploding in America.

Son’s influence was likened to the “Ohtani effect” when the Japanese baseball star joined the Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass presented Son with an “Honorary LA Citizenship” certificate, affirming that it was “a moment the city will remember forever.”

Son also appeared at the Dodgers baseball stadium, throwing out the opening ball in front of 50,000 spectators - a testament to his appeal beyond sports boundaries.

Affectionately called “Sony” by his fans, Son Heung-min not only brings professional value with his goals, but also becomes a cultural icon, a community bridge and the face that brings MLS to the world . With a strong ripple effect, LAFC and the US professional league are witnessing a new era - where an Asian star can make Los Angeles explode and even surpass Lionel Messi on the commercial front.

Source: https://znews.vn/son-heung-min-gay-bao-tai-mls-post1586619.html