Son Heung-min (LAFC) directly proved that he still maintains top-level speed. At the same time, he delivered a clear message regarding the aging curve debate surrounding him.
LAFC recently released training footage through the club's official channel. In the video, Son Heung-min discussed the top speed recorded during a match with captain Aaron Long. When Long mentioned his top speed as 33.8 km/h, Son Heung-min did not hesitate to cite a higher figure.
Son Heung-min said, "I'm 35 km/h."
At first the reaction was one of disbelief. When Long expressed doubt, Son Heung-min immediately asked club staff to verify the record. The check showed that Son Heung-min recorded 35.5 km/h in the MLS away match against Austin on the 22nd of last month.
When it emerged that he maintained top-level speed despite being in his mid-30s, the atmosphere on site stirred. Long could not hide his surprise, and Son Heung-min clapped and cheered.
He then faced the camera and gave a meaningful reply, "It's 35.5 km/h. People tell me I'm old."
Recent poor form was the background. In the early part of the 2026 season Son Heung-min did not score in seven official matches, drawing doubts about a decline in form. Criticism grew as he also failed to leave a clear impression against Côte d'Ivoire and Austria during the international window.
But Son Heung-min's response was firm. After the Austria match he directly refuted criticisms of a decline in performance in an interview, saying, "I don't think so."
The flow then changed completely. After returning to his club, Son Heung-min began to lead the team more as a playmaker than as a scorer. In the Orlando City match on the 5th he recorded four assists and was at the center of the 6-0 rout. He even forced an own goal by the opponent and was involved in virtually all the scoring scenes. Recording four assists in the first half was a feat rarely seen in MLS.
He also played a decisive role in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal against Cruz Azul. He opened the scoring in the 30th minute of the first half, creating the starting point for the 3-0 rout.
In the end Son Heung-min answered with records and performance. His speed remains top-level, and his influence on matches has actually widened. He has established himself as a key figure who orchestrates the whole team, not just a simple scorer.
Despite doubts about an aging curve, Son Heung-min is proving himself to be a player who still does not fit that mold.
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