The MLS announced on Monday that the 2025 AT&amp;T Goal of the Year, decided by fan voting, was awarded to LAFC forward Heung-Min Son, who edged out <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a>’s Lionel Messi for the honor. The South Korean star earned the award for his spectacular free-kick goal against FC Dallas on August 23, curling the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box and leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.



The strike marked Son’s first goal for LAFC, coming in just his third match since joining the club from Tottenham Hotspur on August 6. The 33-year-old’s precise execution and flair instantly made an impression among MLS fans and his new teammates.



Although the match in Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, Son’s opener in the sixth minute brought even the home crowd to its feet. His arrival sparked a turnaround for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/LAFC">LAFC</a>, who finished third in the Western Conference. In only 10 matches, Son tallied nine goals and three assists, while his jersey became the second-best seller across the entire league — an impressive feat considering he joined late in the season.



The MLS AT&amp;T Goal of the Year has been awarded annually since 1996, recognizing the most outstanding strike of the season through fan voting on the league’s official website.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="516525" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251027_BUS_516511_heung-min-son_0ce9c224.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Heung Min Son of the Los Angles Football Club." class="wp-image-516525" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Heung Min Son of the Los Angles Football Club. </figcaption></figure>
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<h2>The form in which Son arrived in MLS</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min">Son</a> joined LAFC after a decade-long run with Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, where he scored 173 goals and provided 101 assists in all competitions. During that time, he became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot, accomplishing the milestone in the 2021–22 season.


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<h2>Messi misses out on the award</h2>



Lionel Messi’s nominated goal came against CF Montreal on Matchday 22 of the MLS season. Starting near midfield, the Inter Miami captain weaved through the entire opposing defense before finishing with a spectacular solo strike — a moment many fans believed was worthy of winning the honor.



Despite missing out on the Goal of the Year, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a> still closed the 2025 regular season on a high note, securing his first MLS Golden Boot on the final matchday and adding yet another personal accolade to his legendary career.

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Lionel Messi misses out on MLS award with Son Heung-min emerging victorious - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The official launch of EA Sports FC 26 is just around the corner, and some player ratings have already been revealed. In Major League Soccer, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> leads the pack with an overall rating of 86, but Rodrigo De Paul is not the second-highest rated player in the league as many expected.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rodrigo-de-paul">De Paul</a> comes in at 84, while LAFC’s new star Son Heung-min takes the second spot with an 85 rating. That makes the MLS top three Messi, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min">Son</a>, and De Paul, with a clear gap separating them from the rest of the league.



Beyond the top three, ratings are much closer. Vancouver Whitecaps’ Thomas Muller, Inter Miami’s Sergio Busquets, and LA Galaxy’s Riqui Puig all check in at 80 overall. Just below them, Luis Suarez, Marco Reus, Evander, Emil Forsberg, Carles Gil, Denis Bouanga, and Hany Mukhtar each hold a 79 rating.



Other notable players include Jordi Alba, Hirving Lozano, and Aleksei Miranchuk at 78 overall, while Wilfried Zaha, Hugo Lloris, and Roman Bürki have been downgraded to 77. EA Sports FC 26 is set to release on September 26, with several <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls">MLS</a> stars seeing notable drops compared to recent editions.



<div class="ck-instagram"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOeDYeKCV8X/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOeDYeKCV8X/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"></div> <div style="height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px"> <div style="color:#3897f0;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:550;line-height:18px">Ver esta publicación en Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"></div> <div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"> <div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"></div></div></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"></div></div></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOeDYeKCV8X/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Una publicación compartida de EA SPORTS FC (@easportsfc)</a></div></blockquote></div>




<h2>What about Cristiano Ronaldo?</h2>



Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo comes in with a slightly lower rating than Messi at 85 overall, but he is the highest-rated player in the Saudi Pro League. He shares that rating with notable stars like Iñigo Martinez, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante.


 

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Looking at their history in the Ultimate Team mode, these are the lowest ratings both Messi and Ronaldo have received in the video game. When they were first added in the 2010 edition, Messi had a rating of 91, while Ronaldo was at 93.



When Messi joined Inter Miami, he had a rating of 90 in the 2024 edition, which gradually declined in subsequent releases to his current 86. Ronaldo, meanwhile, started with an 86 rating upon joining Al Nassr and sees his rating drop for the first time in this edition of the game.

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South Korean superstar Son Heung-Min has written his first golden chapter in Major League Soccer. On Saturday night, in a thrilling clash against FC Dallas, the new signing for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/LAFC">Los Angeles FC</a> delivered in style. With the pressure of being one of the biggest names to arrive in the league this season, Son silenced any doubts with a moment of brilliance that electrified fans in California. But the comparison with Lionel Messi inevitably lingers.



The goal was far from ordinary—it was pure genius. Son Heung-Min opened his account with Los Angeles FC through a stunning free kick that sailed into the net beyond the goalkeeper’s reach. The flawless technique, pinpoint accuracy, and composure under pressure reminded everyone why he was considered one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards for years. For Los Angeles, it was the first sign that their new star is ready to leave his mark on the MLS.



The arrival of a world-class talent like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min">Son</a> naturally draws comparisons, and the most obvious one is with the player who redefined the league last year: Lionel Messi. Both joined the MLS as global icons, though under different circumstances and expectations. The immediate question becomes: how quickly did Son adapt compared to the Argentine legend? The numbers provide an intriguing answer.



The South Korean star needed three matches to find the back of the net for the first time in MLS. After making his debut as a substitute and then recording an assist in his second outing, Son struck in his third appearance. The slight delay in his first goal can be attributed to adjusting to a new system and teammates, though his overall impact on the pitch was felt right away.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="478112" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250824_BUS_478111_son-heung-min-lafc_fe4fdc83.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="son heung min playing" class="wp-image-478112" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/24034016/son-heung-min-lafc.jpg 1920w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/24034016/son-heung-min-lafc-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/24034016/son-heung-min-lafc-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/24034016/son-heung-min-lafc-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/24034016/son-heung-min-lafc-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Son Heung-Min #7 of LAFC controls the ball during the MLS soccer game between FC Dallas and Los Angeles Football Club</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>How long did Lionel Messi take to score his first goal in MLS?</h2>



Lionel Messi’s first goal in American soccer was among the most anticipated moments in league history. With Inter Miami, he didn’t require any warm-up period, making an instant impact. His debut strike came just 45 minutes after stepping onto the field in his first match, although that was during the Leagues Cup and not the MLS regular season.


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In the league itself, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a> wasted no time either. He found the net against the New York Red Bulls in his MLS debut, scoring in the 89th minute of the game. It meant Messi needed just one league match to make his mark, confirming what many already expected—his transition to the MLS was seamless and explosive.



The contrast between the two stars is fascinating. Messi’s immediacy is almost unmatched, but Son’s free kick masterpiece was a reminder of his extraordinary skill. While Son took longer than Messi to break through, his first goal was pure spectacle, setting the stage for what could be a dazzling chapter in Los Angeles.



Now, with Son and Messi shining on opposite coasts, the MLS enjoys a fresh rivalry between two global icons. Their presence not only elevates their teams in Los Angeles and Miami but also adds new prestige and anticipation to the league as a whole in the months ahead.

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Son Heung-Min scores first goal with LAFC in MLS: How long did it take Messi to net his first one? - Bolavip US

Lionel Messi is without question the best player in MLS, and if he isn’t, it is a very close call. The only figure who seems capable of matching him right now is Los Angeles Galaxy’s new star, Son Heung Min, whose arrival has caused an immediate impact. Still, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a>’s star remains in pursuit of yet another individual honor.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a> is chasing another undisputed MLS MVP award. He currently boasts a goal contribution of 29 — with 19 goals and 10 assists — and is once again pushing to secure one of the league’s most prestigious individual accolades.



However, there may be a new challenger on the horizon. Son may not be in direct competition for the award this season, but his performances suggest he could be a serious contender in years to come. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/son-heung-min-breaks-lionel-messis-inter-miami-record-in-first-weeks-with-lafc">The South Korean forward has already broken a record previously held by Messi</a> and shows every sign of targeting even more milestones.



Son’s arrival in Los Angeles has also had a transformative effect off the field. The city is home to the largest Korean community outside of South Korea, with an estimated 300,000 residents, and the demand to see the former Tottenham forward has sent ticket prices soaring.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨Lionel Messi for Inter Miami in 2025: 📊 19 Games ⚽ 19 Goals 🅰️ 10 Assists 20 goal contributions in his last 9 MLS games. The undisputed MVP is on track for back-to-back 🏆🔜🐐 <a href="https://t.co/FB92W9IGL8">pic.twitter.com/FB92W9IGL8</a>— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) <a href="https://twitter.com/Intermiamicfhub/status/1956897994390802444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>What record did Son break?</h2>



According to LAFC vice president John Tarrington, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min">Son</a>’s jersey has become the best-selling sports jersey in the world. Wearing the No. 7, he has outsold global icons such as Messi, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry.


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“This is now the second week where we’re not just talking about the highest-selling <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer">soccer</a> jersey in MLS,” Tarrington told talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein. “It is the highest-selling jersey of any sport in the world right now.”



Messi set the MLS record last year by selling 500,000 Inter Miami jerseys in his first month, according to Front Office Sports. However, the outlet reports that Son is on pace to sell nearly 1.5 million jerseys in his first month with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-galaxy">Los Angeles</a> — tripling Messi’s total and rewriting the commercial record books.

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After establishing himself as a legend at Tottenham, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Son Heung-min</a> made the bold move to MLS, taking on the mantle of franchise player at LAFC following Olivier Giroud’s exit. In his first league start, the South Korean star did not find the back of the net but made an immediate impact by notching his first assist. His performance drew instant comparisons to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a>’s headline-grabbing debut with Inter Miami back in 2023.



Despite Lionel Messi scoring in his debut with Inter Miami against Cruz Azul of Liga MX in the 2023 Leagues Cup, the Argentine superstar could not replicate his scoring magic in his first <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/MLS" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLS</a> start. Inter Miami faced Nashville SC on August 30th of 2023, and the game concluded in a scoreless draw. In contrast, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-fc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LAFC</a> star delivered a crucial assist in his own first MLS start.



Just over two years into his tenure with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has elevated them to the pinnacle of competitiveness. The team transformed from a last-place finisher in the Eastern Conference to topping the league standings last season. Additionally, his influence propelled them to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, where it advanced to the quarterfinals before meeting its match against PSG.



Not only has Lionel Messi improved Inter Miami’s competitiveness, but he has also become the team’s all-time leading scorer with 59 goals in 71 games. With his contribution, the Herons have claimed the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2023-24 Supporters’ Shield, the team’s first titles in its history. For this reason, Son Heung-min still faces significant challenges if he hopes to match or surpass the impact that the Argentine superstar has made since his arrival in MLS.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250817_BUS_474332_Lionel-Messi-1024x576_75cd7d0d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi celebrating with Inter Miami" class="wp-image-458703" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/01220457/Lionel-Messi-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/01220457/Lionel-Messi-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/01220457/Lionel-Messi-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/01220457/Lionel-Messi-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/01220457/Lionel-Messi-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/01220457/Lionel-Messi-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/01220457/Lionel-Messi-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/01220457/Lionel-Messi.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi of Inter Miami</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How many goals does Son Heung-min need to become LAFC’s all-time top scorer?</h2>



Son Heung-min’s arrival in Los Angeles has been nothing short of revolutionary, as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/son-heung-min-breaks-lionel-messis-inter-miami-record-in-first-weeks-with-lafc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he has even broken a record held by Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer</a>. Although he has already made his debut, he has yet to score his first goal in the league. However, if the South Korean wants to become a legend at LAFC, he will need to break the club’s all-time scoring record held by Carlos Vela.


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The Mexican not only became the first franchise player in LAFC history, but also the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 93 goals in 189 games. This presents a tough task for the 33-year-old South Korean. Yet, Son Heung-min has already become the top foreign scorer in Tottenham’s history with 173 goals in 454 games, indicating that surpassing such records is not beyond his reach.

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Son Heung-min provides assist in first MLS start with LAFC: How did Lionel Messi fare in his Inter Miami debut? - Bolavip US

Son Heung-min’s move from Tottenham Hotspur to LAFC has been one of the headline-grabbing transfers of this MLS window, rivaled only by Rodrigo De Paul’s arrival at Inter Miami. The South Korean star’s signing sparked a wave of excitement that saw him surpass <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> in a record the Argentine had set in the United States.



According to LAFC vice president John Tarrington, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min">Son</a>’s jersey is now the best-selling sports jersey in the world. Wearing the No. 7, he has outsold global icons like Messi, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry.



“This is now the second week where we’re not just talking about the highest-selling soccer jersey in the MLS,” Tarrington told talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein. “It is the highest-selling jersey of any sport in the world right now”.



Messi set the MLS record last year by selling 500,000 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a> jerseys in his first month, per Front Office Sports. However, the outlet reports that Son is on pace to sell nearly 1.5 million jerseys in his first month with LAFC — tripling Messi’s total.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250815_BUS_473378_son-jersey-1024x576_9e45ac60.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-473383" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/15194217/son-jersey-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/15194217/son-jersey-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/15194217/son-jersey-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/15194217/son-jersey-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/15194217/son-jersey-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/15194217/son-jersey-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/15194217/son-jersey-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/15194217/son-jersey.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>The jersey of Son Heung-Min #7 of Los Angeles FC is displayed in the dressing room prior to the MLS match against Chicago Fire FC. (Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Until now, Messi had topped the league’s jersey sales chart on four separate occasions this year. But according to Tarrington, Son is expected to claim the No. 1 spot when MLS updates its rankings.


 

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<h2>The ‘Son effect’ in Los Angeles</h2>



Son’s arrival in Los Angeles has also had a major impact off the field. The city is home to the largest Korean community outside of South Korea, with roughly 300,000 residents, and demand to see the former Tottenham forward has sent ticket prices soaring. 



According to The Korea Times, the cost of attending <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-fc">LAFC</a> matches has jumped from $300 to $1,500 since his signing. Still, Tarrington emphasized that the success of Son’s move will ultimately be judged by results on the pitch.



“The wisdom of this move will not be measured by commercial success, it will be measured by trophies and on-field success,” he said. “That’s what we’re really excited about. There’s two sides to it”.


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<h2>How Son fared in LAFC debut</h2>



The 33-year-old forward made his first appearance for LAFC in Week 27 of the 2025 MLS season, coming off the bench in a 2–2 road draw against the Chicago Fire. Entering the match in the 71st minute, Son made an immediate impact — winning a penalty — directly contributing in one of his team’s goals on the night.

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Son Heung-min breaks Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami record in first weeks with LAFC - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tottenham">Tottenham</a> and Paris Saint-Germain meet this afternoon to decide the winner of the 2025 UEFA Super Cup. The match will be played at Italy’s Bluenergy Stadium, but the Premier League side will be without a key figure, as South Korean star Son Heung-min will miss the final.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uefa-super-cup">UEFA Super Cup</a> crowns the first champion of the European season, pitting the reigning Champions League winner against the Europa League champion in a one-off match to open the campaign.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/psg">PSG</a> claimed last season’s Champions League title in dominant fashion, routing Inter Milan 5–0 in the final at Allianz Arena. Tottenham, meanwhile, captured the Europa League trophy with a 1–0 win over Manchester United in the final at San Mames Stadium.



This will be the first appearance for both clubs in the UEFA Super Cup, as each lifted its respective European trophy for the first time in team history. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/heung-min-son">Son</a> played a key role in Tottenham’s Europa League final victory but will not be available for today’s match.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250813_BUS_471846_son-4-1024x576_23b20aaf.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-402839" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184123/son-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184123/son-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184123/son-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184123/son-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184123/son-4-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184123/son-4-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184123/son-4-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184123/son-4.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Son Heung-min lifts the UEFA Europa League trophy after his team’s victory in the Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. (Carl Recine/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Why is Son Heung-min not playing for Tottenham?</h2>



Son will not be available for today’s UEFA Super Cup final, as he is no longer part of Tottenham, having been sold to LAFC earlier this transfer window for a reported league-record fee of $26 million. 


 

 

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The South Korean forward announced in an emotional press conference on Saturday, August 2, during Tottenham’s pre-season tour, that he would be leaving the club after a decade in the Premier League.



The 33-year-old forward made his official MLS debut on Saturday, August 9, coming off the bench to play just over 40 minutes in a 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire FC.

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After a successful spell at Tottenham Hotspur, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Son Heung-min</a> made the surprising decision to join MLS, signing with LAFC. Upon his arrival, he gave an interview where he was asked about the GOAT of soccer. To the surprise of many, the South Korean star shared a changed perspective in the debate between <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a> and Cristiano Ronaldo.



In a recent social media feature for GOAL USA, Son named both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the greatest soccer players of all time. While his response remained neutral, it highlights a departure from his earlier stance on the question. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/lionel-messi-or-cristiano-ronaldo-tottenham-star-son-heung-min-names-his-favorite-soccer-player" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Previously, Son had offered a more definitive opinion on this debate.</a>



With this response, is showing admiration for both soccer legends. Although his playing style is much more similar to that of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> in his early days at Manchester United, the South Korean has always shown great respect for Lionel Messi. He even spoke about the Argentine at a press conference with Adidas in 2022. “Standing next to Lionel Messi is like a dream. It is a dream to stand next to the best soccer player in the world.”



This admiration for Messi does not mean Son has changed his idol. In an interview with Sky Sports in April 2025, he stated that Cristiano Ronaldo is his soccer hero. He mentioned watching videos of Ronaldo and dreaming of playing like him. Furthermore, he praised CR7 as a role model as he remains in impressive shape while still scoring goals.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250812_BUS_470659_messi-cr7-1-1024x576_bde405b5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo" class="wp-image-470662" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/11200528/messi-cr7-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/11200528/messi-cr7-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/11200528/messi-cr7-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/11200528/messi-cr7-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/11200528/messi-cr7-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/11200528/messi-cr7-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/11200528/messi-cr7-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/11200528/messi-cr7-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Will Son Heung-min make a bigger MLS impact with LAFC than Lionel Messi with Inter Miami?</h2>



With the arrival of Son Heung-min, many fans argue that his signing holds greater significance than the Argentine star’s move to Miami. They justify this claim by highlighting Son’s age, suggesting that at 33, he might enjoy a longer career in the MLS compared to Lionel Messi. However, the Argentine icon has already etched his name in history as Inter Miami’s all-time leading scorer, elevating the MLS’s global profile in the process.


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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/son-heung-min-explains-how-lionel-messi-influenced-his-move-from-the-premier-league-to-mls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Even Son acknowledged Lionel Messi’s profound influence on his decision to join the league</a>. The Argentine star brought immense prestige to MLS as a recent Ballon d’Or winner, making comparisons seem unfair to the South Korean international. Nonetheless, Heung-min has the opportunity to carve his own legacy by becoming a pivotal player for LAFC and leading them to multiple championships.

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After joining MLS, Son Heung-min changes stance on GOAT question involving Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - Bolavip US

After joining MLS, Son changes stance on GOAT question involving Messi and Ronaldo

Major League Soccer has landed another global superstar. After 10 seasons with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, Son Heung-min has signed with Los Angeles FC for a reported league-record fee of $26 million. But in a surprising revelation, the South Korean international admitted that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> played a major role in his decision to leave European soccer for the United States.



Speaking to the club’s official media, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min">Son</a> said that the recent arrival of several top players from Europe caught his attention, but seeing Messi make the move ultimately changed his perspective on elite soccer in America.



“We’re very fortunate that Messi plays soccer in our generation. Watching him play, score so many goals, and come to MLS must have impacted a lot of other players. It also impacted me, for everything he’s done for his club and his country,” Son said.



“He changed my thinking. We’re all already fortunate to be able to watch him play, and I’m very lucky now to be able to share a field with him,” the former Tottenham Hotspur forward added, who signed with LAFC through 2027, with an option to extend his deal until 2029.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250808_BUS_468754_son-1024x576_c9c58ea4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-468759" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08180300/son-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08180300/son-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08180300/son-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08180300/son-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08180300/son-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08180300/son-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08180300/son-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/08180300/son.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Son Hueng-min of Los Angeles Football Club poses on the pitch after he was introduced during a news conference at BMO Stadium. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



For now, LAFC will only get a chance to face Messi and Inter Miami if both teams reach the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls">MLS</a> playoffs. They play in separate conferences and were not drawn against each other in the six random cross-conference matchups for the regular season.


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<h2>Son’s first impressions in Los Angeles</h2>



At his introductory press conference, Son expressed excitement about the next chapter of his career. “I’m incredibly proud to join LAFC, a club with great ambition in one of the most iconic sports cities in the world,” Son said.



“Los Angeles has a rich history of champions, and I’m here to help write the next chapter. I’m excited for this new challenge in MLS. I’ve come to lift trophies and give everything for this team, this city, and its fans. I can’t wait to get started,” he added.

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The MLS continues to attract top international talent that once starred in Europe. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>’s arrival at Inter Miami opened the door for other marquee signings, including Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Marco Reus, Hugo Lloris, and most recently Rodrigo De Paul. The next big name expected to join that list is Tottenham’s Son Heung–min, who is reportedly close to finalizing a move to LAFC.



The South Korean forward announced in an emotional press conference on Saturday, August 2, that he would be leaving Tottenham after a decade with the Premier League club. Widely regarded as one of the best Asian players in league history and a Spurs icon, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min">Son</a> helped the team capture its first UEFA Europa League title.



Despite receiving offers to remain in Europe or make a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, Son appears set on heading to MLS, where he would join Messi and Suarez among the league’s most recognizable stars.



To secure his signature, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-fc">LAFC</a> will need to make a significant financial commitment — not only negotiating a transfer fee with Spurs but also offering a competitive contract. Son currently earns roughly $12 million gross annually in England, per Capology, and reports indicate the potential transfer fee could range between $20 million and $26 million.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250805_BUS_466567_son-heung-min-1024x576_2eeb6dad.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-466573" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/05165051/son-heung-min-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/05165051/son-heung-min-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/05165051/son-heung-min-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/05165051/son-heung-min-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/05165051/son-heung-min-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/05165051/son-heung-min-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/05165051/son-heung-min-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/05165051/son-heung-min.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Son Heung-Min lifts the UEFA Europa League trophy after his team’s victory in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 against Man United. (Michael Steele/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Comparing Messi and Son’s earnings</h2>



According to official league data, Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a> star earns $12 million per season in base salary, with his total compensation rising to around $20 million when endorsements and other agreements are included.


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While Son Heung-min’s salary at LAFC has not been finalized, reports from Tom Bogert and Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport indicate he is expected to earn similar to what he earned at Tottenham, approximately £9.88 million annually — about $13 million USD.



If finalized, Son would become one of the league’s top earners, surpassing Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets, who ranks second by earning $8,774,996 according to the MLSPA’s 2024 salary guide.

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When <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> announced in July 2023 that he had signed with Inter Miami, Major League Soccer changed forever. The league had never attracted global attention on that scale before, and the level of competition has risen noticeably since. Now, Los Angeles FC are reportedly interested in adding a Premier League forward to their squad.



“LAFC have already presented their initial proposal to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min">Heung-min Son</a> as the new star of their project,” transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano wrote Thursday on his official X account.



The news comes as a major surprise considering Son’s status in European soccer. The South Korean forward has been one of the Premier League’s most recognizable faces over the past decade, earning that reputation with standout performances for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tottenham">Tottenham Hotspur</a> since joining the club in 2015.



Given how important Son has been to the team over the years, Tottenham are expected to show him a high level of respect regarding his future. “Spurs will let Son decide about his next step,” Romano noted—an important detail, especially as the forward signed a contract extension earlier this year through June 30, 2026.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250725_BUS_447761_Son-Heung-Min-of-Tottenham-1024x576_edf9e7d3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-401750" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20145737/Son-Heung-Min-of-Tottenham-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20145737/Son-Heung-Min-of-Tottenham-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20145737/Son-Heung-Min-of-Tottenham-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20145737/Son-Heung-Min-of-Tottenham-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20145737/Son-Heung-Min-of-Tottenham-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20145737/Son-Heung-Min-of-Tottenham-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20145737/Son-Heung-Min-of-Tottenham-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/20145737/Son-Heung-Min-of-Tottenham.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Son Heung-Min acknowledges the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest on April 07, 2024.</figcaption></figure>



Apparently, Son first wants to understand where he stands under the club’s new head coach. “Decision up to Son as he will speak to Thomas Frank and clarify his future as soon as possible,” Romano added.


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<h2>How did Son perform last season with Tottenham?</h2>



Son joined Tottenham in 2015 after impressing in the Bundesliga with Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen. Since then, he has been a consistent key figure for Spurs—and that continued during the 2024–25 campaign. He made 46 appearances across the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Europa League.



In those matches, Son was typically a starter and recorded 11 goals and 12 assists. However, a foot injury sidelined him during the decisive stretch of the season, and upon returning, he played only limited minutes—including as a substitute in the club’s biggest game of the year, the Europa League final win over Manchester United. That trophy is the only title Son has won in his 10 years at Tottenham.



<h2>What can LAFC offer Son?</h2>



Currently, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-fc">LAFC</a> sit fifth in the Western Conference standings with 36 points—seven behind leaders San Diego FC. They’re in playoff position for now and continue to be one of the most competitive teams in the league. In fact, they were one of just three American clubs that earned a place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.



If Son accepts LAFC’s offer, he would reunite with a former Tottenham teammate: Hugo Lloris. The French goalkeeper played alongside him from 2015 to 2023 in the Premier League before moving to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/MLS">MLS</a> last season. Additionally, Los Angeles is home to the largest Korean community in the United States, offering Heung-min a welcoming environment for his first experience outside of Europe.



Son would join a growing list of soccer stars who have made the move to MLS in recent years. That group is led by Lionel Messi, who is joined at Inter Miami by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets—as well as the nearly finalized arrival of Rodrigo De Paul. Hugo Lloris, Hirving Lozano, and Miguel Almiron are also part of that list.


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This Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur secured a historic victory over Manchester United in the 2025 UEFA Europa League, capturing their first major title in nearly two decades. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min">Heung-min Son</a>, one of the team’s key leaders, played an important role—but something unusual happened to him during the celebrations.



Son, as captain of the English side, was the one who lifted the trophy at San Mames Stadium in Spain. However, unlike most of his teammates, he wasn’t wearing a medal around his neck. According to The Sun, this oddly happened because UEFA bosses did not have enough for everyone on the roster.



Television cameras even captured the moment when UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin exchanged a few words with the South Korean winger before handing him the trophy, prompting a slight smile—possibly a nod to the unusual situation.



Son wasn’t the only <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tottenham">Tottenham</a> player spotted without a medal during the celebrations. At least two more teammates were in the same situation: Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur. However, judging by their expressions and demeanor, they didn’t seem particularly upset.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250521_BUS_402837_tottenham-2-1024x576_263dd9c3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-402842" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184642/tottenham-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184642/tottenham-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184642/tottenham-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184642/tottenham-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184642/tottenham-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184642/tottenham-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184642/tottenham-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/21184642/tottenham-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Tottenham players celebrate the UEFA Europa League title.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Other key figures did receive medals</h2>



James Maddison, for example, did get his medal. The English midfielder missed the final stretch of Tottenham’s campaign, including Wednesday’s final, due to a knee injury. Still, he was on the field with the squad and, unlike Son, Romero, and Bentancur, didn’t miss out due to the shortage.


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Interestingly, all eight members of the officiating crew assigned to the final also received medals. That included lead referee Felix Zwayer of Germany, assistant referees Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz, fourth official Maurizio Mariani, reserve referee Daniele Bindoni, and VAR officials Bastian Dankert, Benjamin Brand, and Carlos del Cerro Grande.



<h2>Son earns the first club title of his career</h2>



Despite not receiving a medal—at least not yet, until UEFA corrects the oversight—Heung-min Son has plenty of reason to celebrate. This marks the first club trophy of his professional career, ending a 16-year drought that began when he made his debut with Hamburg. Before this <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/europa-league">UEFA Europa League</a> title, the South Korean winger had finished runner-up with Tottenham in the 2019 Champions League and the 2021 English Football League Cup.



On the international stage, Son has already enjoyed success with South Korea U-23, winning the 2018 Asian Games. Individually, he’s built a decorated resume: eight-time Player of the Year in his country, top scorer in both the Premier League and the FA Cup, and a 2020 FIFA Puskas Award winner for Goal of the Year.


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Tottenham may not have the silverware to match England’s most decorated clubs, but it remains a Premier League powerhouse with world-class talent. Leading the charge is Son Heung–Min, one of the most prolific forwards of the past decade. Having faced some of the best strikers in both league and international competitions, the South Korean captain made it clear who he believes is the best in the world—and it’s not <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.



With over 120 Premier League goals and 173 in total for Spurs—making him the club’s fourth all-time top scorer—Son’s goal-scoring ability is unquestionable. However, when asked about the greatest striker, he didn’t hesitate to name his former teammate, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/harry-kane">Harry Kane</a>.



Kane and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min">Son</a> formed one of the most lethal attacking duos in Premier League history during their years together at Tottenham. Speaking about the Bayern Munich star, Son praised Kane’s all-around game in a video shared by Sky Sports Premier League.



“For me, he’s the best striker because it’s not just about scoring goals, which is, of course, very important,” Son admitted. “But it’s also how he brings others into play, how he gets involved in the game, and makes wingers better”.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250404_BUS_369688_Son-Heung-Min-1-1024x576_14efe346.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-369694" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/03195807/Son-Heung-Min-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/03195807/Son-Heung-Min-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/03195807/Son-Heung-Min-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/03195807/Son-Heung-Min-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/03195807/Son-Heung-Min-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/03195807/Son-Heung-Min-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/03195807/Son-Heung-Min-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/03195807/Son-Heung-Min-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Harry Kane celebrates with teammate Heung-Min Son after scoring his sides second goal during a match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. (Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Despite now playing in different leagues, Son admitted he still keeps in touch with Kane and hopes to reunite with him on the pitch someday. “We still talk. Obviously, I miss him,” Son revealed. “I think he’s a fantastic player—he makes wingers look better. I hope that one day, even if it’s just in a charity match, we can play together again”.


 

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<h2>Kane &amp; Son: The best duo in Premier League history</h2>



The stats back it up—Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min form the most productive duo in Premier League history. From 2015 to 2023, they combined for more goals than any other attacking pair, surpassing iconic duos like Didier Drogba &amp; Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry &amp; Robert Pires, and Sergio Agüero &amp; David Silva.



With 47 goals assisted between them, Kane and Son lead the all-time rankings, well ahead of Chelsea legends Drogba and Lampard (36). Rounding out the top five are Agüero &amp; Silva (29), Henry &amp; Pires (29), and Darren Anderton &amp; Teddy Sheringham (27).



<h2>Top 10 Premier League goal-scoring duos:</h2>



<ul><li>1- Harry Kane &amp; Son Heung-Min – 47 goals</li><li>2- Didier Drogba &amp; Frank Lampard – 36 goals</li><li>3- Robert Pires &amp; Thierry Henry – 29 goals</li><li>4- David Silva &amp; Sergio Agüero – 29 goals</li><li>5- Darren Anderton &amp; Teddy Sheringham – 27 goals</li><li>6- Mohamed Salah &amp; Roberto Firmino – 25 goals</li><li>7- Freddie Ljungberg &amp; Thierry Henry – 24 goals</li><li>8- Robbie Fowler &amp; Steve McManaman – 24 goals</li><li>9- Mohamed Salah &amp; Sadio Mané – 22 goals</li><li>10- Alan Shearer &amp; Nolberto Solano – 22 goals</li></ul>

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The fact that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> and Cristiano Ronaldo remain dominant figures in world soccer today speaks to the incredible longevity of both players. Having been active professionally for over 20 years, they have influenced an entire generation of players who grew up admiring them. Now, Tottenham Hotspur‘s star Son Heung-min has named one of them as his favorite.



“Name your top five favorite players to watch when you were growing up,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/son-heung-min">Son</a> was asked during a recent interview with Goal’s Fan Zone. After a brief pause, the forward began with the fifth spot. “Five, I will say Ji-Sung Park, national hero,” he said.



This choice, while unexpected at first glance, makes sense. Park was the highest-profile South Korean player in European soccer for years, winning 11 titles with Manchester United. It is therefore understandable that South Korean children, including Son, followed his career closely.



“Number four, Zinedine Zidane,” the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tottenham">Spurs</a> star continued, referencing the legendary French midfielder. “Number three, Ronaldinho,” he added. Both Zizou and Dinho became household names through unforgettable matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona, which laid the groundwork for the iconic duels between Messi and Ronaldo.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250306_BUS_350058_Son-Cristiano-1024x576_4fcf4d22.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-350064" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06170707/Son-Cristiano-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06170707/Son-Cristiano-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06170707/Son-Cristiano-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06170707/Son-Cristiano-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06170707/Son-Cristiano-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06170707/Son-Cristiano-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06170707/Son-Cristiano-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06170707/Son-Cristiano.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Heungmin Son embraces Cristiano Ronaldo prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Korea Republic and Portugal.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The choice is between Messi and Ronaldo</h2>



With the top two spots remaining, it was clear Son Heung-min would reserve them for the two greatest stars of this generation. What wasn’t clear was in what order he would place them. “Number two… Lionel Messi,” said the South Korean forward, leaving only one spot unclaimed.


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“Number one? Your favorite one?” the interviewer asked eagerly. “Ah, Cristiano Ronaldo,” Son replied after a brief moment of reflection. This choice is logical for several reasons. First, it’s apparent that, as a child, Son was more drawn to CR7’s characteristics.



Additionally, it’s possible that his preference is linked to his first answer. It’s clear that South Korean children in the 2000s closely followed Manchester United’s success in support of Ji-Sung Park, and, of course, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> was a key figure in that team. This likely helped form the bond between Son and the Portuguese striker.



<h2>Like Ronaldo, Son shines in the Premier League</h2>



Before becoming Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo had an outstanding spell at Manchester United from 2003 to 2009, winning the Premier League three times and the UEFA Champions League once. In a similar vein, Son Heung-min has carved out his own legacy in England’s top flight.



After excelling in Germany with Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen, Son joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 and gradually established himself as one of the team’s standout players. In his 10 seasons at Tottenham, the South Korean forward has made 444 appearances and scored 172 goals—an impressive tally. However, he is still in pursuit of a major title, with only a runner-up finish in the Carabao Cup and another in the UEFA Champions League to show for his efforts so far.

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Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Tottenham star Son Heung-min names his favorite soccer player - Bolavip US

The biggest move of the transfer window has been <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> going to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a>. But that was an exception when looking at the rest of the market, with multiple megastars like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/karim-benzema">Karim Benzema</a> going to Saudi Arabia.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> joining <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al-Nassr</a> was the transfer that started everything. More recently another big name like N’Golo Kante decided to go to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/saudi-pro-league">Saudi Pro League</a> on a free transfer. However, some players have rejected their offers.


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The most recent star that did so was Son Heung-Min. The team interested in signing him was <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-ittihad">Al-Ittihad</a>, but the deal didn’t go through because neither the player nor Tottenham was ready to accept the transfer.



<h2>Son Heung-min turns down huge contract from Saudi Arabia</h2>



Tottenham relies exclusively on what Son and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/harry-kane">Harry Kane</a> do, so it was clear that the club was most likely going to reject any offer. Especially because the player is still under contract until 2025. However, something big was that the player also agreed to not accept the offer.



Al-Ittihad offered Son a four-year contract worth €30m per season, according to James Olley of ESPN. Those almost 33 million dollars per year were an impressive figure, but the South Korean explained his decision while playing for his country.



“I have many things to do in Premier League. Money doesn’t matter to me now, and the pride of playing football, to play in my favorite league is important. I want to play more for Tottenham in PL, I’ll prepare well when I’m back to Spurs“, Son said per Sungmo Lee.

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Premier League star reportedly rejects massive offer from Saudi Arabia

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