*This content was translated by AI.
Son Heung-min (34, LAFC), who suffered a bitter elimination in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, made a brilliant comeback immediately upon returning to his club. Leaving behind the regrets felt on the World Cup stage, he has begun conquering the MLS arena.
The MLS office announced the teams for Weeks 16 and 17 of the 2026 season via its official website on the 24th (Korean time).
In the Best 11 lineup featuring a 3-4-3 formation, Son Heung-min joined Luis Suárez (Inter Miami) and Kevin Kasi (Portland Timbers) as one of the three forwards. Son Heung-min's club manager, Marc Dos Santos, was also selected as the Coach of the Week.
Regarding the selection of Son Heung-min to the Best 11, the office praised: "Son Heung-min, who returned from the South Korean national team, has regained his peak form. After scoring his first goal of the season in a derby match against rival LA Galaxy (3-0 win), he continued to find the net in the game against Real Salt Lake (3-1 win). Adding assists to his performance, he further solidified his position as the league's assist leader with 10."
As if shedding the regret of failing to score while representing the national team, Son Heung-min displayed complete dominance in two matches following his return to his club, leading the team to three consecutive victories.
Notably, in the 17th-round home match against Real Salt Lake held at BMO Stadium on the 23rd, Son Heung-min, who started as a forward, was involved in all three of his team's goals. In the 11th minute of the first half, he used his characteristic skillful individual play to bypass defenders near the penalty area and scored the opening goal with a precise left-footed shot. In a counterattack in the 40th minute of the first half, he assisted Denis Bouanga's second goal with a sharp pass, recording his 10th assist of the season. Later, in the 23rd minute of the second half, he induced an own goal from opposing defender DeAndre Yedlin with a incisive pass toward the goal.
According to statistics specialist 'FootMob', Son Heung-min dominated the match with two shots on target, two chances created, and a 94% passing success rate. Son Heung-min, who performed brilliantly until the 27th minute of the second half, was substituted off amid enthusiastic cheers from home fans. Thanks to Son Heung-min's complete revival, LAFC improved to 9 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses (30 points), rising to third place in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, this week's Best 11 included numerous global stars besides Son Heung-min. Suárez earned his spot in the forward line with multiple goals against Chicago Fire (3-2 win), while Antoine Griezmann, who scored his debut goal in his Orlando City debut match, was selected for the midfield.
Other honorees included goalkeeper Maksim Kravets (Orlando City), who recorded a clean sheet with seven saves; Eduardo Atuesta (Orlando City), who recorded three assists in a single match; and Kevin Kasi (Portland), who contributed two goals and one assist.
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*This content was translated by AI.
