Son Tops Messi: Historic Jersey Sales Mark LAFC Debut!
- lewishooper1
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The new King of Merch? Son Heung-min's Shocking Los Angeles Football Club debut overtakes Lionel Messi's jersey empire. We have all the details on this historic sports moment!
The Korean football legend Son Heung-min has become the first Asian player ever to score 100 Premier League goals, and in addition, he has also become the first Korean player to outsell the legendary football player Messi in jersey sales since signing with LAFC.
So what's the latest?
In a very historic move for South Korea, one of their national hero's Son Heung Min has now signed with LAFC, and within just weeks of transitioning over, he has set a new record for jersey sales surpassing global football players like Lionel Messi and Ronaldo.
This monumental achievement underscores Son's immense influence and status as a cultural icon, bringing immense pride to his home country and electrifying the Korean diaspora in Los Angeles. His move is more than just a sports transfer; it's a powerful statement of South Korea's rising presence in the global sports arena, with Son leading the charge as a true ambassador for his nation.
He is currently the number one football player in the world. In fact, after Son Heung Min's arrival, the price of LAFC home tickets skyrocketed over five times. Tickets for the match against San Diego soared from $300 (400,000 won) to $1,500 (210,000 won). This is also something new for American Soccer, as until now the US has not really been a big soccer country compared to Europe, this was even after British footballer David Beckham signed with a US team back in 2011.
It has also come to light that for every jersey sold, about 30% of the net profit goes to the club and sponsors, leading to calculations that suggest Son Heung-min's first-month sales could generate approximately $120 million (168 billion won) in revenue per quarter. There are also discussions about the potential to surpass broadcast rights revenue, going beyond merely acquiring a star, and simply one that any soccer team in the world would love to have.
So what does this mean for Korean-Americans?
Since Koreans are very patriotic, this helps them become the perfect dedicated fan. This new move to LAFC by Son, is a massive cultural moment for Korean-Americans, both at home and abroad, more so for those residing in Los Angeles. In-fact, LA is home to the largest Korean population outside of Korea.
For many Koreans, watching Son on a global stage, brings pride and comfort to Korean-Americans, who at times look at his success and accomplishments as a testament of their own heritage and hard work as a country. Considering fifty years ago, Korea was a very poor country, fast forward to 2025, Korea is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world.
Son's record-breaking jersey sales and international fame put the spotlight on the Korean community in a positive way. He is one of the most famous Koreans in the world, and his decision to join an American team validates and celebrates the Korean diaspora. It's a powerful form of representation that goes beyond entertainment, as it showcases Korean culture and identity.
His presence has energized the local Korean-American community. Fans of all ages, from first-generation immigrants to those born and raised in America, are coming together to celebrate him. Local businesses in Koreatown have embraced his arrival with murals and special events, and the LAFC's Korean supporters' group, Tigers SG, has seen a huge surge in membership and enthusiasm, so could his arrival help to strengthen cultural gaps?
The Rise of South Korea's sports stars
Of course, Son is not the only Korean athlete in the US. Major League Baseball players like Ha Seong Kim, Jung Hoo Lee, and Hyeseog Kim are also creating a powerful new narrative alongside Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. Their success is a huge source of pride for Korean fans, with each player bringing a unique talent to the league.
Kim's Gold Glove, Lee's quick rise to fame, and Hyeseog's move to the Dodgers alongside Ohtani are all a testament to the talent from the KBO and a major win for Korean representation in the sport. So with so many Korean athletes breaking into the US and international sports world, and with so many Korean-Americans both at home and overseas, could this help cement Koreas soft power efforts in the US, and see closer ties between the two countries moving forward?
What are your thoughts on what this move could mean for so many Korean-Americans worldwide? Why do you think Son has become so successful? Let us know in the comments below!
Check out our other Son Heung-min article before you leave!
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