Son Heung-min scores first MLS regular-season goal in LA derby, says he recovered 'mentally' after World Cup disappointment

Son Heung-min marked his return to LAFC with a long-awaited first MLS regular-season goal, scoring in the LA derby in his first match back after a bittersweet 2026 North and Central America World Cup campaign.

Son netted in the 57th minute at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, on Friday (local time), converting an assist from Mark Delgado as LAFC routed LA Galaxy 3-0 in the away fixture. The goal was Son's first in the MLS regular season this season.

Son had scored twice for LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup this season but had struggled to find the net in league play. He returned to the club in low spirits after South Korea were eliminated in the group stage of last month's World Cup. That he broke his regular-season drought in his very first match back — and on the symbolic stage of the El Tráfico derby — visibly lifted his mood.

"Whether I score the first goal or not doesn't matter as long as the team wins, but scoring my first goal of the season in a derby should help us going into the second half of the season," Son said at the post-match news conference. "I want to keep this momentum going."

On the delayed arrival of his first league goal, Son said he was not worried despite the wait. "It came a little later than many people expected, but I wasn't concerned," he said. "Performance was what mattered most, and today — Saturday — I played well, scored and we won, so I think it will do a lot for the overall atmosphere."

Reflecting on his recovery after the World Cup, Son said a trip home to South Korea had helped him reset mentally. "I stayed healthy, rested well in Korea, spent time with good people and even celebrated my birthday there on July 8, so I was able to recover mentally and have a day like today," he said. He added: "It's hard when you represent your country and the result is disappointing, but I really love what I do, so I wanted to come back as soon as possible. The good feelings you get on the pitch seem to make you forget the mental fatigue."

The goal also meant Son had scored in his first-ever El Tráfico — the local rivalry between LAFC and LA Galaxy — since joining LAFC last summer. "The derby is special for the fans and the club, and I know exactly what it means," he said. "The way the whole team came together and performed was fantastic. We fully deserved the three points."

There was also a warm moment during the match. Late in the first half, after teammate Denis Bouanga won a penalty, Son was seen holding the ball as if he intended to take the kick himself before handing it over to Bouanga, who converted to put LAFC 2-0 ahead.

Son was quick to clarify the gesture. "Bouanga has been taking penalties since before I joined the team. I respect that, and I think it's right that he takes them — I didn't give it up," he said. "Opposing players come over and try to get in your head, so I was holding the ball to help Bouanga feel comfortable and take the kick calmly."

Son closed the interview on a warm note. "When Bouanga scores, I feel as happy as if I had scored myself," he said. "I always want the best for him."