Son Heung-min has topped the list of Major League Soccer's summer signings with a staggering annual salary of $10.4 million and total compensation of $11.2 million, catapulting him to second place behind only Lionel Messi.
The South Korean forward made his highly anticipated move to Los Angeles FC in August after nearly a decade at Tottenham Hotspur, where he notched nine goals in 10 regular season matches. The impressive performance has earned him an enviable contract with LAFC, which has catapulted Son into the top tier of MLS earners.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in the summer, takes the top spot with an annual salary of $12 million and total compensation of $20.4 million. The Argentine superstar's figures include his initial deal running through the 2025 season, plus any marketing bonuses and agent fees he may be receiving. A new extension through 2028 was announced by Inter Miami last week, but exact terms are not yet known.
In contrast, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has a more modest $1.5 million annual salary with $3.6 million in total compensation. Other notable additions to the league include San Diego winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano ($6 million) and Chicago winger Jonathan Bamba ($5 million).
The large disparity between top earners like Son Heung-min and Messi is a stark reminder of the massive financial investments being made by MLS clubs. As the league continues to grow in popularity, it's likely that player salaries will continue to skyrocket, with the likes of Messi and Son vying for dominance at the top.
The South Korean forward made his highly anticipated move to Los Angeles FC in August after nearly a decade at Tottenham Hotspur, where he notched nine goals in 10 regular season matches. The impressive performance has earned him an enviable contract with LAFC, which has catapulted Son into the top tier of MLS earners.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in the summer, takes the top spot with an annual salary of $12 million and total compensation of $20.4 million. The Argentine superstar's figures include his initial deal running through the 2025 season, plus any marketing bonuses and agent fees he may be receiving. A new extension through 2028 was announced by Inter Miami last week, but exact terms are not yet known.
In contrast, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has a more modest $1.5 million annual salary with $3.6 million in total compensation. Other notable additions to the league include San Diego winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano ($6 million) and Chicago winger Jonathan Bamba ($5 million).
The large disparity between top earners like Son Heung-min and Messi is a stark reminder of the massive financial investments being made by MLS clubs. As the league continues to grow in popularity, it's likely that player salaries will continue to skyrocket, with the likes of Messi and Son vying for dominance at the top.
! I mean, I get it, it's a huge market now, but some players are still getting paid in peanuts compared to their European counterparts 
. It's like, we're living in a different world where a guy can earn more than a doctor or an engineer just because he kicks a ball around 
. Not complaining for Son Heung-min though, he deserves every penny 
. I'm curious to see how this changes the game – will players start demanding more from their teams and fans? 
! $10.4 million a year is insane 
and I can see why he's making waves in LAFC 
. But at the same time, it's crazy to think that Messi is taking the top spot with a whopping $12 million annual salary 
! The difference is staggering 
. With De Paul, Lozano, and Bamba joining the ranks, it's going to be a wild ride 
. But seriously, these huge contracts are going to have to come with some serious expectations 
. Can Son and Messi keep up the pace? Only time will tell 
! #SoccerSalarySeason #MLS #SonHeungMin #LionelMessi
but hey, at least it's not like he was playing for peanuts in Tottenham anymore 
. It's insane how much money these guys are raking in now 
. Can't wait to see how this all plays out in the coming years 
.
?!
anyway, i guess mls clubs are willing to break the bank to get the best players... wonder if this is gonna attract more top talent from europe 
and i'm still trying to wrap my head around messi's new contract $12 mil is insane 
i mean we all knew he was a superstar but wow!