Son Heung-min: Career Profile & MLS Move

Early Life & Background

Born August 7, 1992, in Chuncheon, South Korea, Son Heung-min grew up immersed in football. His father, Woong-jung Son, a retired player turned club CEO, and his brother, retired professional Heung-yun Son, provided a nurturing environment. Source 8 Following traditional Korean naming conventions, the family surname “Son” precedes the given name “Heung-min.” Source 1

Professional Journey

European Career

Son honed his craft at Hamburger SV and Bayer 04 Leverkusen before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2015, where he eventually became club captain. Detailed domestic and international stats are tracked on FBref. Source 4

Move to LAFC

On August 6, 2025, Los Angeles FC signed the South Korean star from Tottenham. Source 10 The move brings a global brand with roughly 15 million Instagram followers (@hm_son7) and endorsements from Adidas Football and @nos7_official. Source 2

International Career & 2026 World Cup

Son captains South Korea and is prominently featured in FIFA’s 2026 World Cup preview. Source 9 After a tactical benching against South Africa backfired, Source 7 he scored his first post-World Cup goal for LAFC, signaling renewed form. Source 6

Performance Highlights

In MLS, Son captured AT&T Goal of the Matchday honors for Matchdays 16 and 17 with a 38.5% fan vote, underscoring his resilience and leadership in the league. Source 5

FAQ

1. When did Son Heung-min join LAFC? LAFC signed him on August 6, 2025.
2. What is his correct name order? Traditional Korean order places the family name first: Son Heung-min.
3. How many Instagram followers does he have? Approximately 15 million (@hm_son7).
4. Has he played in the 2026 World Cup? Yes, he captained South Korea.
5. What notable awards has he won in MLS? AT&T Goal of the Matchday for Matchdays 16 and 17.
6. Who are his family members in football? Father Woong-jung Son and brother Heung-yun Son.