Aug 9, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA: Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min (7) and Chicago Fire defender Jonathan Dean (24) battle for control of the ball during the second half at SeatGeek Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

mls-soccer

Topps To Immortalize Son Heung-Min’s First MLS Game by Turning Used Match Ball Into Trading Cards

Son Heung-min’s first-ever Major League Soccer (MLS) appearance for Los Angeles FC was nothing short of memorable. Just days after completing his move from Tottenham Hotspur, the South Korean superstar flew directly to Chicago. He was cleared to play at the last minute and came off the bench in the 61st minute against Chicago Fire FC.

The South Korean forward wasted no time in making an impact. LAFC were trailing 2-1 in the game and they immediately felt the effect of the debutant’s blistering pace. Son’s explosive pace helped him tear through the Chicago defense, winning a penalty that Denis Bouanga calmly converted to level the scores. It was a moment of pure magic from the former Tottenham captain that lit up the game.

Speaking after the match, Son was full of praise for the reception he received,

“I really enjoyed it. I’ve never had this welcoming at an away game. It was nice to see that people are celebrating and people are enjoying the football. I love to be here.”

Also Read: Who Is Ismaila Sarr, Crystal Palace’s Hero of FA Community Shield Final? All About the Senegalese Footballer

Topps To Immortalize Son Heung-Min’s First MLS Game

Off the pitch, Son’s debut has already made history. Collectibles giant Topps announced that they had acquired the match-used ball from his MLS debut and they will produce trading cards featuring fragments of the ball. Topps plan to release a special set of trading cards made with pieces of the match ball and each design will be a one-of-a-kind.

JUST IN: We’ve secured a match-used ball from Son Heung-min’s MLS debut.

This ball will be inserted into one-of-a-kind trading cards ⚽️🔥 pic.twitter.com/56Lb7CFuDj
— Topps (@Topps) August 11, 2025

Also Read: Rodrygo Transfer Rumor- Manchester City eye €100m move for Real Madrid Superstar

Son has joined an already lethal LAFC attack alongside Denis Bouanga as the club targets silverware both domestically and internationally. LAFC now have two away trips to New England Revolution (August 16) and FC Dallas (August 23). After that, the South Korean will make his home debut at BMO Stadium on August 31 against San Diego FC.

LAFC

MLS 2025

Son Heung Min

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.