Son Heung-min (33)'s arrival instantly elevated LAFC's stature. LAFC was rated the most desirable club to play for in Major League Soccer.
Sports Illustrated (SI), a U.S. sports media outlet, reported on the results of the annual survey conducted by the Major League Soccer Players Association ahead of the 2026 season on Dec. 30 (Korean time), in which LAFC was selected as the club players most want to play for. It beat Inter Miami, which had topped this institutional sector the previous season.
More than 500 active players across the league participated in this survey.
SI analyzed that the acquisitions of Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris raised LAFC's stature, producing these results. The outlet said, "With the joining of global stars, LAFC has become the most attractive team in MLS."
While the 2025 season was in full swing, the British public broadcaster BBC even used the term "Messi-level impact" regarding Son Heung-min's move to MLS. It was an assessment that Son, like Messi when he joined Inter Miami in 2023 and drew the league's attention, is creating a similar ripple effect.
LAFC also ranked first in the "best home advantage" institutional sector. Current players agreed that the supporters' culture of cheering is the best in the league. SI emphasized, "The cheering culture formed in the 3,252 seats leaves a strong impression not only on visiting teams but also on players in the same league." It means the home environment itself became a competitive advantage.
Putting these evaluations together, signing Son Heung-min is regarded as LAFC's best decision this year.
He joined LAFC after leading Tottenham Hotspur to victory in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League. He did not need much time to adapt to the new stage in the United States. After joining MLS in the second half of the season, he appeared in 10 regular-season games and recorded an impressive 9 goals and 3 assists. Thanks to that, LAFC improved its standing and finished the regular season third in the Western Conference.
There was disappointment in the MLS Cup. Son Heung-min sent the match to extra time with a last-minute free-kick goal in the Western Conference semifinals, but he missed in the subsequent penalty shootout, ending the season. However, there was little tendency to blame Son for the elimination.
Inter Miami, led by Messi, won the club's first MLS Cup since its founding. Nevertheless, LAFC was chosen as the club players most want to play for. It is not an exaggeration to say this change was brought about by Son Heung-min's presence.<
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