The soccer world is buzzing, and today, October 30, 2025, the focus shifts from on-pitch battles to the financial landscape of Major League Soccer (MLS). We finally have concrete figures on one of the biggest summer moves: Son Heung-min’s transfer to Los Angeles FC (LAFC). The Athletic has analyzed the annual salary data released by the MLS players' union, and the numbers for the South Korean superstar are nothing short of eye-popping, cementing his status as a global football icon.
The Price of Stardom: Son's Staggering Salary Unveiled
When Son Heung-min made the blockbuster move from Tottenham Hotspur to LAFC in August for a reported record MLS transfer fee of $26.5 million, the excitement was palpable. Now, the financial reality matches the hype. The data reveals that Son is pulling in an annual salary of $11.15 million! This figure immediately positions him as one of the league's absolute elite earners, reflecting the massive investment LAFC made to secure his services.
This revelation isn't just about bragging rights; it’s a crucial indicator of the growing financial muscle and global ambition of MLS. Signing a player of Son’s caliber, and then backing it up with a salary that places him near the very top of the league earnings list, sends a clear message to the international football community: MLS is serious about attracting world-class talent.
Second Only to the King: The Messi Benchmark
In the MLS salary hierarchy, only one player stands above the new LAFC signing: the legendary Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. Messi is reported to be earning approximately $20.45 million annually, based on the same player union disclosure data. While Son’s salary is significantly less than Messi’s, securing the second spot means Son is now firmly entrenched in the league’s top tier of earners, far surpassing most of his new peers.
This comparison is vital for understanding the structure of MLS star power. Messi remains the undisputed financial benchmark, but Son's contract establishes a new, extremely high ceiling for non-Designated Player (DP) earners or those whose new extensions haven't been factored in. It validates the massive transfer fee paid, proving LAFC views Son as a player whose value extends far beyond simple on-field production.
Performance Justifies the Investment
The financial commitment from LAFC is already showing returns on the pitch. Despite the adjustment period that comes with moving across continents and leagues, Son has settled in remarkably well. In his initial run, he has contributed nine goals and three assists in just 806 minutes of play. This electric start has been instrumental in guiding LAFC to a strong finish in the Western Conference, securing the third-place spot and a berth in the MLS Cup playoffs.
For a player who commanded the highest transfer fee in MLS history, these are the kinds of immediate, high-impact statistics fans and the front office demand. His goal-scoring prowess and proven ability to perform under pressure are precisely what an $11.15 million salary is designed to buy. It’s a narrative of immediate validation in the high-stakes world of MLS transfers.
The Broader Financial Picture: LAFC's Spending Power
Looking at the wider team structure, the figures also highlight LAFC’s significant commitment to star power. Miami leads the way in total salary expenditure, but LAFC follows closely, demonstrating a willingness to invest heavily in proven winners. With Son now factored in, the team's roster construction is clearly geared toward immediate success, leveraging their financial clout to build a championship-contending roster around their superstar acquisitions.
We also see other major international names making waves, such as Thomas Mueller with the Vancouver Whitecaps at $1.44 million annually. While Mueller’s salary is substantial, it underscores the gap between the league’s marquee, record-breaking signings like Son and Messi, and other high-profile European imports. The conversation now shifts to whether Son can maintain this level of output as the playoffs begin, justifying his place as the second-highest-paid player in the league and leading LAFC toward the ultimate prize.
This story isn't just about one player's bank account; it's a snapshot of the globalization of MLS and the escalating financial stakes in North American soccer. Stay tuned as we track how Son Heung-min’s performance in the MLS Cup playoffs measures up against his massive new contract!