Son Heung-min has lit up Major League Soccer with a dazzling return to form, delivering back-to-back standout performances for LA FC that have reignited both his club and his own season. After a quiet spell leading up to and during the 2026 FIFA CONCACAF World Cup, the Korean superstar has come roaring back, leaving fans, pundits, and teammates alike buzzing with excitement.
On July 23, 2026, at Los Angeles' BMO Stadium, Son orchestrated a commanding 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake, notching a goal, an assist, and even provoking an own goal from the opposition. This latest performance capped a remarkable week for Son, who had already broken his season scoring drought just days earlier in a 3-0 win over LA Galaxy. That goal ended a 16-match, 237-day wait for a league strike, stretching back to November 23, 2025. Talk about a comeback!
MLS officials took notice. On July 24, the league announced its Team of the Matchday for rounds 16 and 17, slotting Son into the right wing forward position in a 3-4-3 formation. Flanking him were global stars Luis Suárez for Inter Miami and Kevin Kelsy for Portland, confirming Son's status among the league’s elite. As the MLS put it, "Son Heung-min has regained his form after returning from the 2026 FIFA North and Central American World Cup."
But let’s rewind to the match against Real Salt Lake, where Son’s influence was felt from the opening whistle. Starting up front in a 4-3-3, he wasted no time making his mark. In the 11th minute, after receiving a clever pass from Jacob Shaffelburg, Son dribbled past defenders at the edge of the penalty area and rifled a left-footed shot into the net. The crowd erupted as LA FC seized the early lead.
Son’s impact didn’t stop there. As the first half wound down, he helped engineer LA FC’s second goal. Breaking upfield on a counterattack, Son delivered a pinpoint pass to Mathieu Choinière, who then slipped the ball through to Denis Bouanga. Bouanga finished coolly, and by MLS rules, Son’s secondary assist counted toward his stats, giving him his 10th assist of the season. That milestone made him the first player in MLS this year to reach double-digit assists, solidifying his place atop the league’s assist charts.
In the second half, Son’s relentless pressure resulted in yet another scoring opportunity. In the 68th minute (23rd minute of the second half), he whipped a low cross into the box. Real Salt Lake defender DeAndre Yedlin lunged to intercept, but the ball deflected off his foot and into the net for an own goal. Officially, it went down as Yedlin’s error, but the chance was all Son’s making—a testament to his creativity and threat in the attacking third.
Son’s stat line for the night was exceptional: 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 shots on target, 2 chances created, and a 94% pass completion rate over 72 minutes. He was subbed off in the 72nd minute, earning a standing ovation from the home fans. LA FC coach Mark Dos Santos, who has overseen the team’s recent surge, surely appreciated the veteran’s leadership and spark.
With this win, LA FC extended their streak to three consecutive victories, boasting a season record of 9 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses (30 points). That keeps them firmly in third place in the Western Conference, hot on the heels of Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes, both on 32 points but with one more game played. The playoff race is heating up, and LA FC are right in the thick of it.
Son’s return to form is even more impressive considering his recent struggles. Before the World Cup break, he had provided 9 assists in 13 MLS matches but had failed to find the net. The World Cup itself brought further frustration: Son played all three group stage games for Korea but failed to score, and the national team crashed out with a record of one win and two losses, missing the knockout stage. For a player of Son’s stature, it was a bitter pill to swallow—especially as it may have been his last World Cup appearance at age 34.
Yet, if there were any doubts about his ability to bounce back, Son has answered them emphatically. As MLS noted, "Son Heung-min recorded his first league goal of the season and added another assist, solidifying his position as the league’s assist leader." The league’s official website highlighted his "fantastic curling shot at BMO Stadium," while LA FC fans flooded social media with praise: "Son Heung-min has completely regained his touch."
Statistical outlets were similarly impressed. Football analytics site Footmob awarded Son a 7.8 match rating—second only to teammate Denis Bouanga among LA FC players. It’s no wonder Son was named in the MLS Best Eleven for his performances in rounds 16 and 17.
Looking ahead, Son’s schedule remains packed. On July 26, LA FC host Sporting Kansas City at BMO Stadium, where Son will be chasing a third straight game with a goal. Four days later, he’ll represent his club at the MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte, North Carolina—a fitting reward for his recent exploits.
Son’s resurgence is a boon not just for LA FC but for the league as a whole. His name recognition, work rate, and flair have brought extra attention to MLS, and his leadership is invaluable to a team with championship ambitions. As the playoff push intensifies, LA FC will rely on their Korean talisman to keep delivering in the big moments.
For now, all eyes are on BMO Stadium, where Son Heung-min looks to continue his remarkable run. Can he make it three in a row against Sporting Kansas City? Fans certainly won’t want to miss what comes next.