كرة القدم بيبي
- Argentine GOAT moved to U.S. in 2023
- South Korean forward now in California
- Kits selling out fast as ticket prices soar
After a decade of loyal service at الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز side Tottenham, which ended with the club’s 17-year wait for major silverware coming to a close in the 2025 Europa League final, Son has decided to go chasing the American dream.
He has trodden a similar path to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who linked up with انتر Miami in the summer of 2023. He has captured the imagination of supporters in the United States and around the world.
Front Office Sports claim that 500,000‘Messi 10′ jerseys were sold in the month immediately after his move to Florida. Son now sits second on that list, with it claimed that he could “surpass Messi’s figures” with 1.5 million – including more than 300,000 Koreans – living in LA County.
As reported by the Korea Times Son is also rivalling Messi in the ticket price stakes. Entrance passes change hands for inflated fees whenever the Argentine GOAT is in town, with it revealed that Son’s presence at LAFC has seen tickets for their clash with نادي سان دييغو لكرة القدم on September 1 soar from $300 towards $1,500.
Son is proving to be a hit on social media as well – having joined Dodgers baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani in Los Angeles – with it being suggested that former employers Spurs will be left £60 million ($81m) out of pocket on an annual basis after bidding farewell to a modern-day legend and marketing dream.
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Son Heung-min’s LAFC Jersey: A Sales Phenomenon
The arrival of Son Heung-min at LAFC has sent shockwaves through الدوري الأمريكي لكرة القدم, and not just on the pitch. The Tottenham Hotspur icon’s jersey sales have exploded, quickly becoming one of the league’s hottest commodities. But can the South Korean superstar potentially overtake the unprecedented demand generated by Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami move? This article dives deep into the numbers, the factors driving the sales, and the possibility of a new MLS jersey sales record.
The Initial Sales Boom: Numbers and Trends
Within the first 24 hours of Son’s LAFC jersey being available, the club reportedly sold more shirts than any other player in the league had achieved in a similar timeframe – *excluding* Messi’s initial launch. While official figures are closely guarded by LAFC and MLS, sources indicate that demand significantly exceeded projections. The initial stock was quickly depleted, leading to backorders and a frenzy among fans eager to secure a piece of football history. The surge in Son Heung-min jersey sales is fueled by his global popularity, particularly in Asia, and his established reputation as a world-class player.
Comparing Son’s Sales to Messi’s Record-Breaking Run
Lionel Messi’s arrival in Miami was a watershed moment for MLS. His jersey sales shattered all previous records, creating a global phenomenon. Estimates suggest Inter Miami sold over 100,000 Messi jerseys within the first week, and the demand continues to be exceptionally high. To put this into perspective, previous record-holders like David Beckham never reached these levels. Son faces a monumental task in surpassing these numbers. However, several factors could contribute to his success:
- Strong Asian Market: Son’s immense popularity in كوريا الجنوبية, China, and other Asian countries provides a massive built-in fanbase.
- LAFC’s Existing Popularity: LAFC is already a well-supported and successful MLS franchise, providing a strong base for jersey sales.
- On-Field Performance: Son’s performances on the field will directly impact continued demand for his jersey. Spectacular goals and key contributions to LAFC’s success will further drive sales.
- Marketing and Promotion: LAFC and MLS are actively promoting Son’s arrival, leveraging his global appeal through social media and marketing campaigns.
Factors Driving the Demand for Son’s LAFC Jersey
Beyond Son’s individual star power, several key factors are contributing to the high demand for his LAFC jersey:
- Global Brand Recognition: Son is a globally recognized athlete with a strong personal brand.
- Premier League Legacy: His successful tenure in the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur has earned him a dedicated following worldwide.
- MLS Growth: The increasing popularity of MLS, particularly among younger audiences, is creating a larger market for player jerseys.
- Limited Edition Appeal: The initial release of the jersey, with limited quantities, created a sense of urgency and exclusivity.
MLS Jersey Sales: A Historical Overview
Historically, MLS jersey sales have been dominated by designated players – high-profile signings brought in to elevate the league’s profile. Here’s a quick look at some past sales leaders:
لاعب | فريق | Approximate Sales (First Month) |
---|---|---|
ليونيل ميسي | Inter Miami | 100,000+ |
ديفيد بيكهام | لوس أنجلوس جالاكسي | 30,000+ |
زلاتان إبراهيموفيتش | لوس أنجلوس جالاكسي | 20,000+ |
Kaka | مدينة أورلاندو SC | 15,000+ |
As the table illustrates, Messi’s numbers are in a league of their own. Son will need to maintain consistently high sales figures over an extended period to even approach Messi’s initial impact.
The Role of Social Media and Digital Marketing
Social media is playing a crucial role in driving Son Heung-min’s LAFC shirt sales. LAFC and MLS are actively utilizing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to showcase Son in his new jersey, engage with fans, and promote online sales. Influencer marketing and targeted advertising campaigns are also being employed to reach specific demographics. The hashtag #SonnyInLA is trending, demonstrating the online buzz surrounding his arrival.
Potential Challenges and Roadblocks
Despite the initial success, Son faces several challenges:
- Maintaining Momentum: Sustaining the initial sales surge will be crucial.
- Competition from Other Players: Other MLS stars will continue to compete for jersey sales.
- Supply Chain Issues: Potential disruptions in the supply chain could limit availability and hinder sales.
- Messi’s Continued Popularity: Messi’s enduring appeal will continue to drive significant jersey sales for Inter Miami.
تجربة مباشرة: ردود أفعال المعجبين
Speaking to fans at a recent LAFC match, the excitement surrounding Son’s arrival was palpable. “I’ve been a Son fan for years, watching him in the Premier League,” said one supporter. “I had to get his jersey as soon as it was available. It’s amazing to see him playing in MLS.” Another fan commented, “He’s brought a new level of excitement to the league. I think his jersey will be a collector’s item.”
Benefits of Increased Jersey Sales for MLS
The surge in jersey sales, driven by players like Son and Messi, has significant benefits for MLS:
- Increased Revenue: Jersey sales generate substantial revenue for clubs and the league.
- Enhanced Brand Awareness: High-profile player signings and jersey sales raise the profile of MLS globally.
- Attracting New Fans: The excitement surrounding star players attracts new fans to the league.
- Boosting Merchandise Sales: Increased jersey sales often lead to higher sales