Son Heung-min says he wants to make MLS 'bigger' playing for Los Angeles FC

Son joined Los Angeles FC after playing in the Premier League for Tottenham.

Son Heung-min says he wants to make MLS 'bigger' playing for Los Angeles FC

Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min reacts after scoring a goal on a free kick during the first half against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 23, 2025.

Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min reacts after scoring a goal on a free kick during the first half against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 23, 2025.

Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min reacts after scoring a goal on a free kick during the first half against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 23, 2025.

Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min reacts after scoring a goal on a free kick during the first half against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 23, 2025.

The eyes of soccer fans around the world will be on Los Angeles on Aug. 31, when Son Heung-Min plays his first-ever home game with Los Angeles FC.

Son, though, isn't feeling nervous leading up to his home game debut, the South Korean soccer superstar told ABC News' Trevor Ault in an exclusive interview that aired Thursday on "Good Morning America."

"Nerves are good things, you know, that gives you happiness, gives you smile," said Son, who joined LAFC, part of Major League Soccer, earlier this month after the team paid a record $20 million transfer fee to bring him over from England.

Soccer star Son Heung-min speaks with ABC News' Trevor Ault in an interview that aired Aug. 28, 2025, on "Good Morning America." ABC News

Son, 33, had previously spent a decade playing in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur F.C., one of English football's top teams.

Son told Ault he hopes he can make soccer a top draw in the United States, where more sports compete for fans' attention.

"In England, football is the No. 1 sport. This is like their culture," he said. "In the U.S., there's a lot of sports going on -- football, baseball. I joined here to make MLS bigger."

Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min reacts after scoring a goal on a free kick during the first half against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 23, 2025. Kevin Jairaj/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In just a few weeks with LAFC, Son appears to have already made his mark in growing the sport.

LAFC games are nearly sold out for the season. Son's LAFC jersey has broken sales records compared to all other athletes globally, according to the team's general manager.

Son said he is "grateful" for all the fan support.

"I'm so, so grateful that everybody is looking for my name or my shirt, and obviously that takes you another responsibility, you know, to give something back towards the club and towards the people who are supporting me," he said.

Son Heung-Min of Los Angeles FC controls the ball during the MLS match between New England Revolution and Los Angeles Football Club at Gillette Stadium, on Aug. 16, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. Winslow Townson/Getty Images

Since arriving in Los Angeles, Son said he has not only focused on soccer -- but also baseball.

On Wednesday, the soccer star threw out the first pitch at the Los Angeles Dodgers' home game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Son told Ault that he practiced for the pitch with his teammates and even his security guard.

"I said to the boys, 'If my first pitch is not good, I'm not gonna come to tomorrow's training,'" he said with a laugh.

Son makes his home LAFC debut at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 31, against San Diego FC.

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