Los Angeles, California – The city of Los Angeles has further solidified its position as a global sports capital, marked by the acquisition of a third international superstar athlete and the confirmed hosting of two major global sporting events. The latest development sees South Korean football sensation Son Heung-min joining Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in a record transfer deal, adding to the city's roster of elite talent. This move comes as the city prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic Games in 2028.
Son Heung-min, widely regarded as Asia's greatest footballer, arrived at LAFC in August 2025 after a decade with Tottenham Hotspur, in a deal reportedly worth $26.5 million, an MLS record. His signing was met with significant fanfare, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and numerous officials welcoming him. LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington hailed Son as "a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football," emphasizing his ambition and character.
Son joins an already impressive lineup of sports figures who have recently made Los Angeles their home. Basketball superstar Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025, subsequently signing a long-term contract extension in August 2025, cementing his future with the team. In baseball, two-way phenomenon Shohei Ohtani signed a historic contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023, and helped the team secure a World Series victory in October 2024.
This concentration of top-tier athletes coincides with Los Angeles' role as a host for upcoming international sporting extravaganzas. The city's SoFi Stadium is slated to host eight matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026, including the highly anticipated opening match for the U.S. Men’s National Team on June 12, 2026. Furthermore, Los Angeles is confirmed to be the host city for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, promising another spectacle of global competition.
As stated in a recent tweet by Jason Yeh, "LA cemented as the sports superstar capital of the world. Luka in basketball, Shohei in baseball and now Sonny in football. World Cup matches coming in 2026 and Olympics in 2028. What an exciting time for young aspiring athletes and burgeoning fans of all sports to be growing up in the city." This sentiment reflects the growing excitement and opportunities for sports enthusiasts and aspiring athletes in the region, positioning Los Angeles at the forefront of the global sports landscape for the foreseeable future.