Son Heung-min ranks second in jersey sales following Messi immediately after joining MLS
Son Heung-min has proven his popularity in the Major League Soccer (MLS), rivaling that of Lionel Messi, known as the "God of Football," right after his transfer to LAFC.
Global media outlet 'Essentially Sports' reported on the 8th (Korean time) that "Son Heung-min has risen to second place in MLS stats, following Lionel Messi, after his historic transfer to LAFC."
On the 7th, Son Heung-min left Tottenham Hotspur to join LAFC, making a glamorous debut on the MLS stage.
LAFC paid approximately $26.5 million (about 36.7 billion KRW), the highest transfer fee in MLS history, to acquire Asia’s top soccer star, Son Heung-min. This fee has been recorded as the largest transfer fee in MLS history.
Son Heung-min’s move to LAFC has caused a major ripple effect across the entire MLS beyond just the player acquisition. Reports state, "Son Heung-min has already garnered a warm response from MLS fans and has captivated their hearts, surpassing Argentina's icon Messi since the announcement of his transfer."
Son Heung-min's effect is evidenced by his global star power, proven through jersey sales.
According to a social media announcement from 'Front Office Sports,' after LAFC announced Son Heung-min's signing, he ranked first in merchandise sales across all sports.
Even more surprising is the fact that "after joining LAFC, Son Heung-min has now risen to second place in all-time jersey sales in MLS, following Lionel Messi."
Setting such a record just two days after joining LAFC highlights his global influence.
The outlet analyzed, "While detailed figures have not been released, Son Heung-min's entrance into the MLS appears to be having a larger impact than even Zlatan Ibrahimović or David Beckham."
Both Ibrahimović and Beckham were global soccer stars during their active years, enjoying great popularity in MLS while playing for LA Galaxy, but Son Heung-min’s current popularity is evaluated to surpass that of both. This explosive interest is leading many soccer fans to look forward to Son Heung-min's debut with LAFC.
Son Heung-min has completed visa issuance and is set for debut against Chicago
LAFC is scheduled to face the Chicago Fire in an away match for Round 27 of the 2025 MLS season at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, at 9:30 AM on the 10th.
Initially uncertain about his participation due to visa issues, Son Heung-min fortunately received his visa before the match, allowing him to debut against Chicago.
Image source: gettyimageskorea
