Sports
Despite loss, Son’s LAFC homecoming highlights increasing pride from L.A.’s Korean community
LOS ANGELES — Welcome to your new, but familiar, home, Son Heung-Min.
Despite a tense 2-1 loss to San Diego FC in his first-ever match at LAFC’s BMO Stadium over the weekend, Sunday night’s result felt secondary to the raucous festivities for Los Angeles’ latest South Korean star, someone who represents much more than just a player on the pitch. Home to the largest Korean population outside of Korea, L.A. welcomed the iconic Asian forward as an extension of his own roots brimming with countless Son jerseys, banners that included such messages as “You are my SONshine” and “Welcome to Sonny LA,” plus Korean flags that gave the Southern California venue a concert-like atmosphere.
“I’ve been to amazing stadiums and I experienced a lot, but I mean, today was very special,” Son said postgame. “I feel like the fans [were] amazing. That’s why I’m upset, because they deserve [more].”
“I can’t wait to play again at home, and it felt like really, really home. You know, they were welcoming me.”
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Every time the 33-year-old touched the ball, the crowd roared at ear-piercing levels. Signed in early August but yet to play in L.A. until Sunday, Son created a pulsing buzz in the venue, which added a standing-room-only section that quickly sold out.
“It’s a hometown hero,” said Sam Ko, a member of LAFC’s Tigers Supporters Group started by the region’s Korean-American population, to ESPN ahead of the game. “He’s the face of soccer in our country and in a lot of Asia … he’s our superstar.”
“It’s a dream come true,” said fellow TSG member Daniel Chung earlier in the week. “It’s incredible. I never thought this would happen.”
Even with no scoreline contributions to show, Son nearly found the back of the net, and his early trajectory remains promising as he has a goal and an assist in his first four games. Off the field, Son’s impact has also been felt as the “highest-selling sports jersey of any sport in the world right now,” with the price of LAFC tickets on the secondary market increasing 187%.
For others, especially in the nearby Koreatown and overall Korean-American community of L.A., that impact and the love for “Sonny” is even more profound, regardless of what happened on the field Sunday.
‘Representing Koreatown’
Before LAFC arrived as an MLS expansion club in 2018, Su Jin Lee and her friends came up with an idea. “This new club, it’s part of MLS,” reminisced Lee about conversations among friends about a supporter group for Koreatown and Koreans for LAFC. “Let’s bring our passion into this too.”
Founded in 2017, the Tigers Supporters Group was born. Initially just a handful of friends that proudly celebrated their heritage and the diverse Koreatown neighborhood in the heart of L.A., their current and increasing number of 164 members reflects not only their growing support, but also the backing of the city’s diversity.
“It started as Koreans, but if you look at the different cultures in Koreatown, which is a lot of Mexican culture, a lot of Salvadorian, we wanted to just pretty much be inclusive to that and show that we’re representing Koreatown,” Lee said.
Members of the L.A. community soon reciprocated that love to a moment that has come full circle with Son’s 2025 arrival.
While Tottenham were training in the area in the summer of 2018, Mexican fans from the 3252 — the overarching LAFC supporters group union — used some help from the MLS club to pull some strings and surprise TSG. Celebrating the knockout round invitation that Mexico had gained in the 2018 World Cup thanks to the Taegeuk Warriors that defeated Germany in the group stage, Son was brought out as an unexpected guest.
“When we looked up, around the corner, was some of our 3252 members from the Mexican community, escorting Son to meet us … everyone just kind of freaked out,” said Ko, who noted that “seeds were planted” for the player’s eventual signing down the line.
“Even then, we were thinking, ‘OK, maybe one day,’ but even as someone who was there that day, I still thought it would be in like three years from now.”
Arriving earlier than expected in August — for a MLS-record transfer fee, an eye-catching $26.5 million — TSG and Koreatown have now welcomed back their hero that has officially made L.A. his new home. With Son in town, interest in soccer and LAFC is beginning to spike.
“We’re seeing a lot more jerseys,” TSG member John Lee said. “My buddy owns a bar here in Koreatown called Biergarten, and he says they’re getting nonstop calls from just about everyone — older Koreans, younger, just asking if they’re going to be playing the LAFC match.”
At Biergarten on the eve of the game, bar owner and LAFC fan David Dong reflected on the addition of Son and what it means for him personally and for his business.
“I would say most of our fan base, because they’re a part of the 3252 … the only time we’ll really see them is during away games, but now we’re seeing a lot of home game fans, which is really nice, because it’s gaining traction and see a lot more eyes on it,” Dong said.
“It’s huge: He’s our best athlete, like, the best Korean athlete I’ve ever seen.”
Down the street at Brothers Korean BBQ, owner Bu Gweon Ju commissioned a mural of the forward in between South Korean and U.S. flags on the outside of his business. Despite Son’s representation asking Ju to take down his likeness without his approval, Ju didn’t seem to mind much — and simply added his own face over Son’s body on the mural.
“I’m a big soccer fan, big Son fan,” said the beaming owner, who just so happened to be wandering proudly around his restaurant on Saturday in an LAFC kit. “I love watching him,” he added with a big smile on his face.
Supporting ‘Sonny’ wholeheartedly
Like any other high-profile MLS addition, there’s inevitably going to be off-days for Son. Across the league when looking at a demi-god of the sport like Lionel Messi, even the greatest of all time has had the occasional questionable performance in MLS. Messi himself suffered a bigger defeat earlier in the day through a 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final.
It wasn’t as if Son played poorly on Sunday, either. There were a number of moments in which he shined with his clever decision-making in the final third; he had a dangerous shot in the 45th minute that forced a highlight-worthy save from San Diego goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos, as well a dramatic opportunity in the 78th minute that bounced off the woodwork. In injury time, he added two more shots to his overall tally.
“Two decent chances tonight — maybe three — keeper with a good save, he hit the post, and keeper made another save on the third,” said LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo about Son’s performance. “We’re doing things right and he’s moving in the right areas … I’m excited about the future and the rest of the season with him and his future.”
That said, what was perhaps most impressive was what the TV cameras weren’t catching. Son acted as a conductor in LAFC’s build-up play, constantly dishing out instructions and directions to a roster that is still adjusting to the positioning and expectations of the club’s new attacking leader. For what it’s worth, there was a sense that LAFC were unlucky after finishing with a higher xG (1.48), in comparison to a more efficient San Diego (0.93).
“I thought we played well in creating the chances,” Son said post-game. “Obviously the result was not our night, but I’m still very proud of the team and [they] made a huge effort, so it was very unlucky today to not get the three points.”
In fact, the result may say more about how brilliant and efficient San Diego have been as the current Western Conference leaders, instead of how worrisome fans should feel about LAFC. Still, after the final whistle, there was Son, pensive for several minutes by himself in the center circle. Taking in the moment, the forward then slowly walked off the field while applauding the crowd that supported him for 90+ minutes.
“[As] a professional you can’t always win the game,” Son noted post-game. “We accept that, we respect that about the results, and we move forward.”
Considering the MLS record investment that LAFC made in the player, and the flop that a previous major addition like Olivier Giroud was to the club, there will be an immense amount of pressure for the three-time Tottenham player of the season to recreate the same magic seen in the European club game. One thing is for sure, though. In TSG, Koreatown, the Korean community in L.A. and beyond, they’ll have “Sonny’s” back.
“Obviously the buzz is crazy,” said John Lee about Son’s arrival. “Koreatown being the melting pot that it is … it’s exciting for everyone, not just Koreans.”
Chung agreed. “It’s something that I think the entirety of Koreatown can be proud of … he is here representing us and there’s so many eyes on us now, and now people are starting to get a little more into what we’re all about in TSG,” said Chung. “When Koreans are interested in something, they’re all in,” he added.
“They support their players wholeheartedly.”
Every Friday I will pick the best or most exciting upcoming games that are not to be missed in the world of football. From derbies to top-of-the-table clashes, relegation six-pointers to world-class players facing each other or other interesting tactical battles, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
This week, we take you to Portugal, Italy, Spain, France, Scotland and the U.S. across men’s and women’s football, with a final, a top-of-the-table clash, a derby and more!
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French Première Ligue, Matchday 9
Kick off: Friday, 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT
These two clubs have one of the biggest rivalries in France, and for the Paris Saint-Germain men’s team this is the biggest domestic game of the season. For the women, they are not there yet due to Marseille still being in a development phase, but the game will still be huge.
PSG are in transition under manager Paulo Cesar and have moved away from big signings to focus on youth development and their academy, building around experienced captain, left back/midfielder Sakina Karchaoui. They have struggled massively in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with four defeats from four games, but have won their last five league matches and are only three points behind leaders OL Lyonnes, who inflicted their only loss of the domestic season so far — 6-1 back in September.
For Marseille, this is probably the biggest game so far in the history of their women’s team. They were in the French second division last season and are trying to grow, guided by manager, and France legend, Corinne Diacre. They are currently ninth in the table, four points above the relegation zone, and have just one win in their last four matches, but the emotion and scale of the occasion could bring out the best in them. Of course, they will rely on their best player and top goal scorer Mathilde Bourdieu (four goals in eight games so far) to write a new great chapter in the history books. But it’s unlikely they will win.
Prediction: Marseille 1-3 PSG. The Parisiens will be too strong, even in a hostile environment like Marseille. This game arrives a little too early for l’OM against a side who are in good form domestically.
Mourinho’s first Lisbon derby for 25 years
Benfica vs. Sporting CP
Liga Portugal, Matchday 13
Kick off: Friday, 3.15 p.m. ET / 8.15 p.m. GMT
It’s one of the biggest derbies in European football, and José Mourinho’s first Lisbon derby since he returned to Benfica.
Mourinho loves to have bragging rights in his city. But both teams are behind his former side FC Porto in the table — Sporting are three points adrift; Benfica, six — which means neither can afford to lose on Friday as Porto will likely beat lowly Vitoria de Guimaraes at home.
This will also be an encounter between two top strikers: Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis, who has 10 goals and three assists in 12 league games so far, and Sporting’s Luis Suárez (not that one) who has nine goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the battle in midfield between Benfica’s Richard Ríos (who is back from suspension for this derby) and Sporting captain Kasper Hjulmand will be fascinating given their differing styles of play.
The game will also be a great tactical encounter between two different managers. Mourinho is a legend, full of experience and mind games; Rui Borges is only 44 years old (18 years younger than Mourinho), but has shown some good qualities since he took over in December 2024.
Prediction: Benfica 2-2 Sporting CP. This will be fun! Both teams [yes, even a Mourinho team] will attack and score. Sporting have energy to burn, but Benfica have the home advantage.
Spanish LaLiga, Matchday 15
Kick off: Saturday, 12.30 p.m. ET / 5.30 p.m. GMT
Stream LIVE on ESPN+ (U.S.)
Four days after facing Atlético Madrid in a huge game, there is another potential tricky one for Barcelona away against Real Betis on Saturday. The LaLiga champions go into it one point clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table after they beat Diego Simeone’s Atlético side 3-1 in midweek, a result that has given them tons of confidence.
Despite losing 3-0 to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League last week, Barcelona’s league form has been great and they’ve managed five wins in a row since their 2-1 Clasico loss to Madrid at the Bernabéu. Raphinha and Pedri are both back from injury and will bring more magic to support star winger Lamine Yamal who looks pain free and is playing well.
There are some big worries defensively, with Hansi Flick’s high line, and they might struggle against such a fluid Betis attack, but their attack is so flamboyant that they will fancy themselves to outscore the opposition.
What a game this is for Betis though. Manager Manuel Pellegrini and his players are having a great season. They are fifth in the table; Manchester United loanee Antony, whose form was one of the best stories of last season, is even better than he was then; Cucho Hernández has had a big impact since arriving in the summer; and things will get even better once midfielder Isco is back from injury soon.
Betis, who won the derby over Sevilla 2-0 last weekend, have drawn too many games this season (six, as many as their wins, with two defeats), which explains why they are 13 points behind Barcelona (with a game in hand). But this will count for nothing on Saturday.
Prediction: Real Betis 2-2 Barcelona. Betis have the pace and talent up front to cause the leaders all sorts of problems and it should be very exciting. Can defender Valentín Gómez cope with Yamal though?
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MLS Cup
Kick off: Saturday 2.30 p.m. ET / 7.30 p.m. GMT
You might not remember much from the 2014 World Cup final, depending on your age. But Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller faced each other for Argentina and Germany over a decade ago in Brazil, as Müller came out on top. The MLS Cup final is obviously not the World Cup final, but it is the first time the two legends of the game will compete directly again for another trophy. And it should be a great final, full of goals.
Miami has the home advantage of sorts, as the final will be played at the Chase Stadium, and is of course led by the unstoppable Messi. MLS is definitely too easy for him, even at 38, and the side has been on fire in the playoffs with four huge wins: 3-1 and 4-0 vs. Nashville; 4-0 vs. Cincinnati away; 5-1 vs. NYCFC!
Vancouver qualified on penalties against LAFC in the Conference final after an absolute crazy game, and 36-year-old Müller has been amazing since he arrived at the club, with eight goals and three assists in 10 starts in just 868 minutes played! Vancouver finished second in the West behind San Diego and fifth in the Supporters Shield, just two points behind Miami in third. However, Vancouver has beaten Miami twice already this season — including in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and a 3-1 win at Chase Stadium.
Prediction: Inter Miami 3-2 Vancouver. Messi will add another trophy to his long list as his Inter Miami side is flying right now. Watch out for in-form winger Tadeo Allende, as the Vancouver defense won’t be able to stop him.
Celtic out to break Hearts
Celtic vs. Hearts
Scottish Premiership, Matchday 15
Kick off: Sunday, 10 a.m. ET / 3 p.m. GMT
Let’s be honest: after years of domination from Celtic and Rangers, none of us saw this coming in the Scottish Premiership. After 15 league games, Hearts are top of the table in Scotland, just ahead of second-placed Celtic on goal difference. Nine points clear of the chasing pack, these two have been the best teams in the league by far — something we expect from Celtic, but clearly not from the Edinburgh side, who finished seventh last season before topping their relegation group in postseason.
It’s all credit to Hearts manager Derek McInnes, who has done an amazing job after arriving mid-season last year, and Portuguese summer signing Cláudio Braga has been incredible (six goals and one assist already). But their form has been patchy in recent weeks as they have had two draws from their last three games.
Meanwhile, Celtic went on a great run under interim boss Martin O’Neill and now Wilfried Nancy has taken over permanently they will be keen to keep up the momentum. It is a big job for the former Columbus Crew head coach, who found so much success in Major League Soccer and won an MLS Cup in 2023 and Leagues Cup in 2024, but he has all the tools to succeed. His intense and vertical brand of football should excite the Celtic fans.
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Hearts. Hearts have been a great story so far, but think Nancy will have an immediate impact and, after this win, Celtic will take the momentum into the rest of their season.
Napoli’s chance to hurt Juve
Napoli vs. Juventus
Serie A, Matchday 14
Kick off: Sunday, 2.45 p.m. ET / 7.45 p.m. GMT
It’s all about the managers. Antonio Conte lifted three Scudetti with Juve (2012, 2013, 2014) and now manages Napoli, where he won the title last season. Meanwhile, Luciano Spalletti made the Napoli champions of Italy again in 2022-23 (some 33 years after Diego Maradona had guided them to their previous title on the pitch), and is now in charge of Juve. How times have changed for both.
It’s also the second huge Serie A game in a row for Napoli after their 1-0 win at Roma last weekend; a game in which they showed their solidity defensively and where Conte showed again what a great tactician he can be. Not only did he match Roma’s system and man-to-man marking, but playing star midfielder Scott McTominay in a deeper role and Brazilian winger David Neres (who scored the winning goal) in an “inside No. 10” position had a huge impact on the outcome.
It will be a different kind of challenge on Sunday. Napoli are very much in the title race and are only behind leaders AC Milan on goal difference, but Juventus are seventh and five points behind their hosts. Spalletti took over from Igor Tudor five weeks ago and is slowly putting his stamp on the team, following a disappointing run of results under the former manager. His 3-4-2-1 formation is not surprising given its success when he was at Napoli and though playing defensive midfielder Teun Koopmeiners at center back is a bit more unusual, the Netherlands international has been great.
Juve striker Dusan Vlahovic, clearly the No. 1 choice at center forward, got injured last weekend and will miss three months of action. This means the club will have to rely even more on their Turkish prodigy Kenan Yildiz, still only 20, but already one of the best players in Italy.
Prediction: Napoli 2-1 Juventus. It could be close, but I think there will be a few goals. Napoli are still unbeaten in Serie A so far this season, and that won’t change on Sunday.
Olympiacos teenager Christos Mouzakitis has Real Madrid and Manchester United among his admirers, while Tottenham Hotspur could move for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
Transfers home page | Men’s grades | Women’s grades
TOP STORIES
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Real Madrid could rival Manchester United to sign Olympiacos wonderkid Christos Mouzakitis, The Sun reports. The 18-year-old midfielder recently impressed in the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid, leading Los Blancos manager Xavi Alonso to sing his praises after the game. As such, the likes of AC Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also tracking his development. The Greece international could be available for transfer at around €45 million as things stand, although that may increase by January.
– Tottenham Hotspur could launch a £40 million bid for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke in 2026, according to TEAMtalk. Spurs have been long-term admirers of the Netherlands center back and even considered formally bidding to sign him last summer, before turning their attention elsewhere. Van Hecke has continued to impress for Brighton this term, playing 14 times for the club in the Premier League to date, and with his current deal expiring in June 2027 a transfer next year remains a distinct possibility.
– Arsenal are keeping an eye on Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, according to Sky Sports News. The Spain U21 international is one of several talented youngsters being tracked by the Gunners, following a strong start to the LaLiga season. Primarily used as a central midfielder, Mendoza has played 10 times in the league this term, scoring once.
– Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has opened the door to a potential departure from Crystal Palace in January amid continued interest from Manchester United, says TEAMtalk. Mateta is reported to have communicated his desire to test himself at a higher level, prompting his team to explore possible options this winter. The France international has been in good form for Palace this season, scoring seven Premier League goals already, and bids in excess of £40 million could be enough to prize him away from Selhurst Park.
– AC Milan have agreed a deal to sign 20-year-old full back Juan Arizala from Deportivo Independiente Medellin, Fabrizio Romano has revealed. A €3 million fee, plus a future transfer clause, are reported to be part of the deal after the youngster turned down proposals from England and Belgium. Arizala has been capped 22 times by Colombia U20s, making his debut for the side at the beginning of 2025, and was part of the side that finished third at the U20 World Cup.
EXPERT TAKE
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Has Bruno Fernandes been forced to play deeper by new signings?
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OTHER RUMORS
– The Saudi Pro League is ready to fund a huge bid to sign Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah if he is open to leaving. (Telegraph)
– Brighton & Hove Albion are monitoring Aston Villa midfielder Lamare Bogarde, as they target a long-term replacement for Carlos Baleba (Telegraph)
– A host of European clubs are tracking West Ham United teenage sensation Emeka Adiele. The 18-year-old left back is entering the final six months of his contract. (Football Insider)
– Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Under-17 World Cup star Mohamed Zongo from Burkina Faso side Tenakourou Academy. (Daily Mail)
– Santos are pushing to try and extend the contract of Neymar, as it expires at the end of the year. (Nicolo Schira)
– Newcastle United are ready to trigger Palmeiras midfielder Allan Elias‘ €100 million release clause. (Ekrem Konur)
– Chivas are finalizing a deal to sign Brian Gutiérrez from the Chicago Fire, in a deal worth a reported €5 million. (Tom Bogert)
– Nantes have entered the race to sign Deiver Machado from Lens, with talks having progressed over a January move in the last few hours. (Rudy Galetti)
England were dismissed for 334 in their first innings of the day-night second Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane on Friday, with Joe Root remaining unbeaten on 138.
The visitors resumed day two on 325-9, with Root guiding England from a precarious 5-2 early on.
This marked his first century on Australian soil and 40th overall in Test cricket.
Root and Jofra Archer added nine more runs for the final wicket before Archer fell for a career-best 38, caught brilliantly by Marnus Labuschagne off Brendan Doggett.
Their 70-run 10th-wicket partnership set a new record for England at the Gabba.
Earlier, opener Zak Crawley scored 76 and Harry Brook added 31 to England’s total.
For Australia, veteran Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler, taking 6-75, and in the process, surpassed Wasim Akram to become the most successful left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket history.
Australia won the first Test in Perth by eight wickets inside two days.
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