Son Heung-min breathes a different life into LAFC and MLS

Son Heung-min makes the difference for LA FC.

At the age of 33, the Korean striker not only maintains an impressive scoring performance, but is also seen as a "special superstar" - someone who changes the atmosphere in the dressing room, the behavioral culture and even the image of the tournament in the US.

The boost named Son Heung-min

Since arriving in MLS last month, Son Heung-min has been the center of attention for LAFC. He has started all seven games, scored six goals and assisted two – an average of more than one offensive mark (goal/assist) per game. That performance has helped the Los Angeles team win four, draw two and lose only one, thereby breaking into the top group of the Western Conference. There is no doubt that Son is the “heart” of all the tactical calculations of coach Steve Cherundolo.

Speed, versatility and intelligent movement are still familiar trademarks from his years at Tottenham Hotspur. But in MLS, the most prominent factor is the mettle of a star who has fought in the Premier League. Son knows how to appear at the right time, leading the LAFC attack with coolness and experience.

One of the things that makes LAFC so dangerous is Son’s partnership with Denis Bouanga. The Gabonese striker was already a key player, but since Son’s arrival, the two have formed a formidable duo. Fans have nicknamed them “Song Heungbu” – a nod to the famous Son-Kane partnership at Tottenham.

Son is exploding in MLS.

The 4-1 win over Real Salt Lake on September 22 was a clear example: Son scored one goal, assisted another, and Bouanga scored a hat trick. The pair not only shared the goals, but also opened up a new way for LAFC to play: using speed, mobility, and quick coordination to penetrate an MLS defense that was not used to dealing with European-class stars.

The reward was a third MLS Team of the Week selection for Son, following his performances against New England and Dallas. The Son Heung-min effect is clearly more than just a statistical one, it’s also a game-changer.

Stars create culture

However, what has made Son especially praised by the American press is not only on the pitch. Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times emphasized: “Son Heung-min is not simply a player who can score goals. He is an incredibly wonderful person, and in just seven weeks has completely changed the atmosphere at LAFC.”

Son’s likability, outgoing spirit and professional attitude quickly won him over from his teammates, coaching staff and fans. Many LAFC players shared that Son’s presence alone made the locker room more positive. The image of Son lingering for hours after matches to sign autographs and take pictures with fans has become a “specialty” at MLS stadiums – a rare thing in this tournament.

With LAFC, Son not only helps the team compete for titles but also raises the club's image on the international stage.

In a football world where audiences always want to emotionally connect with stars, Son brings a difference: he is both a star player and an inspiration, knowing how to create a bridge between the team and the fans.

MLS has seen the rise of many European stars, from David Beckham to Thierry Henry to Zlatan Ibrahimović. But Son Heung-min has something else in common: he didn’t arrive too far past his prime, but has retained his form, pace, and competitive spirit. That makes him a rare case – an Asian star, once the captain of a major Premier League club, now continuing to maintain his influence in the United States.

With LAFC, Son has not only helped the team compete for titles but also raised the club’s profile internationally. With MLS, he represents deeper integration, proving that the league can attract and exploit the cultural and commercial value of global superstars.

From a curious contract, Son Heung-min is taking steady steps to become the new symbol of MLS. He is both a tactical leader and a cultural figure, setting standards for professional attitude, lifestyle and behavior towards fans.

The journey is still ongoing, but it’s clear that with Son, LAFC has more than just a goalscorer, they have a player capable of changing the face of the league. And at 33, Son Heung-min is proving that a star’s greatest value comes not just from the number of goals he scores, but from the legacy he leaves on and off the field.

Source: https://znews.vn/son-heung-min-thoi-luong-sinh-khi-khac-biet-vao-lafc-va-mls-post1588153.html