Heung-Min Son has admitted that one of the biggest surprises since joining Los Angeles Football Club has been the passion and support he has experienced from MLS fans.
The South Korean superstar arrived in Major League Soccer after an extraordinary decade at Tottenham Hotspur, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most recognizable forwards. Although Son initially had doubts about moving to the United States, his first experience of MLS has changed his perception of the competition.
For Cambodian football fans who have followed Son throughout his Premier League career, his comments provide an interesting insight into how quickly football culture has developed in the United States.
Heung-Min Son Was Surprised by MLS Stadium Atmospheres
One of the most striking things for Son has been seeing stadiums regularly filled with passionate supporters.
Speaking about his MLS experience, Son explained that he did not know much about the league before arriving but has been “really, really surprised about every single game.” He specifically highlighted the crowds and atmosphere surrounding MLS matches.
That reaction is particularly significant because Son spent 10 years playing in European football, where football is deeply embedded in the sporting culture.
In the United States, where American football, basketball and baseball traditionally dominate the sporting landscape, Son did not necessarily expect the same level of football support.
Packed Stadiums Changed Son’s Perception
The LAFC forward said that seeing so many supporters attending matches was both surprising and enjoyable.
“I was very surprised and very happy about it.”
That feeling has been evident since his arrival in Los Angeles.
LAFC’s own coverage has highlighted the extraordinary reception Son received from supporters, including a packed BMO Stadium and strong support from the city’s Korean community. Son has described the welcome as something he never expected.
🟡 For football fans in Cambodia, this is perhaps the most interesting part of Son’s MLS story: the move has not simply been about changing leagues. It has introduced him to a football culture that he now sees as growing rapidly.
Korean Fans Have Played a Major Role in Son’s MLS Experience
Son’s arrival has also created a powerful connection between LAFC and the Korean community in Los Angeles.
The city has one of the largest Korean-American populations in the United States, and Son has repeatedly spoken about how proud he is to represent the Korean community through his performances for LAFC.
When he made his LAFC debut, Korean flags and Son shirts were visible among supporters, including at an away match against Chicago Fire. Son said the reception was different from what he had experienced during Premier League away games, where visiting players were often met with boos.
Son Wasn’t Expecting Such a Warm Welcome
Son’s first MLS experience immediately demonstrated the emotional connection supporters could have with him.
After his debut, he spoke positively about seeing Korean flags and supporters in the crowd.
That connection has continued at BMO Stadium, where Korean supporters have helped create an atmosphere that made Son feel particularly welcome.
During LAFC’s home victory over Real Salt Lake, Son scored his first home goal for the club in front of a packed stadium. LAFC reported that he was impressed by the level of support and described himself as fortunate to have such passionate fans behind him.
LAFC’s Long-Term Interest Helped Change Son’s Mind
Son’s surprise about MLS is even more interesting because he initially did not see the league as his preferred next destination.
According to Son, when his agent first told him about LAFC’s interest, he questioned whether moving to MLS was something he wanted to do.
However, with one year remaining on his Tottenham contract, Son began thinking about the possibility of a new challenge.
LAFC’s persistence eventually made a major difference.
Son explained that the club had followed him for years, and a Zoom meeting with LAFC officials helped convince him that their interest was genuine. The South Korean star ultimately felt that joining the club could provide the new chapter he was looking for.
That personal connection appears to have been an important factor in his decision.
Son Has Quickly Become a Major MLS Attraction
The impact of Son’s arrival has gone well beyond his performances on the pitch.
He has become one of the league’s biggest international stars while also helping attract attention to LAFC and MLS from football supporters around the world.
MLSsoccer.com previously highlighted the scale of his arrival, with large crowds of supporters and extensive media attention surrounding his introduction to LAFC.
His performances have also helped justify the excitement.
LAFC reported that Son had scored six goals and provided three assists during his first stretch with the club, accounting for a significant portion of LAFC’s goals during that period.
Son’s MLS Journey Is About More Than Football
There is also a wider story behind Son’s move to America.
After spending most of his professional career in Europe, the move to Los Angeles has placed him in a completely different sporting environment.
He has had to adapt to long-distance travel, different stadiums, new teammates and a league that continues to develop its international reputation.
Yet rather than seeing those differences as a problem, Son appears to be embracing the experience.
His comments suggest that the support from fans has helped him settle into American football culture much faster than he expected.
A New Chapter for a South Korean Superstar
Son’s relationship with LAFC supporters is becoming an important part of his MLS story.
The player has repeatedly emphasized that he wants to give something back to the fans through his performances and results. LAFC has also benefited from the energy surrounding his arrival.
For Cambodian football fans who watched Son become a Premier League icon, seeing him receive such a reception in MLS is a reminder of how much his global popularity has grown.
What Does Son’s Reaction Mean for MLS?
Son’s comments could also be viewed as a positive sign for Major League Soccer.
The league has invested heavily in attracting internationally recognized players, but attracting those stars is only part of the challenge. Creating a strong football culture and keeping supporters engaged is equally important.
Son’s reaction suggests that MLS is making progress.
The South Korean forward arrived with relatively limited knowledge of the competition but quickly found himself impressed by the quality of the matches, the stadium crowds and the passion of supporters.
That is a significant endorsement from a player with extensive experience at the highest level of European football.
Conclusion: Son Has Found an Unexpected Football Home in Los Angeles
Heung-Min Son may have initially questioned whether MLS was the right destination for the next stage of his career, but his experience at LAFC has clearly changed his perspective.
The biggest surprise has not simply been the league itself. It has been the passion of MLS supporters, the packed stadiums and the incredible welcome he has received from fans in Los Angeles and across the United States.
For Son, the move represents a new challenge. For LAFC and MLS, his arrival represents an opportunity to build an even stronger connection with football fans around the world.
And for Cambodian supporters who have followed Son since his Tottenham days, his MLS journey is another fascinating chapter in the career of one of Asia’s greatest football stars. ⚽
