LA Councilwoman’s Gaffe Mistaking Son Heung-min as LAFC’s New Signing
Los Angeles Councilwoman’s World Cup Blunder at Son Heung-min’s LAFC Introduction
By Eric Blum, US Sports Reporter | Updated: 00:36 BST, 7 August 2025
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Heather Hutt sparked laughter and confusion during LAFC’s introductory press conference for soccer star Son Heung-min by mistakenly urging the South Korean captain to help the U.S. win the 2026 World Cup.
[Image: Heather Hutt addressing Son Heung-min at LAFC event]
Hutt, representing LA’s Koreatown-heavy 10th District, declared to Son: “No pressure, but when the World Cup comes, we’re expecting a win here in Los Angeles for the USA.” Son, a Tottenham legend and South Korea’s all-time leading scorer, chuckled as her remarks were translated. The cringeworthy moment quickly went viral, with Philadelphia Union reporter José Roberto Nuñez calling it the “ultimate faux pas.”
World Cup Context
The 2026 tournament will be hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with some matches held at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium. While the U.S. team will play group-stage games there, South Korea has also qualified for the expanded 48-team event. Hutt’s mix-up confused Son’s national allegiance, as he has represented South Korea in three World Cups.
[Image: Son Heung-min in South Korea’s national team jersey]
Awkward Introduction
Hutt, seemingly unaware of Son’s international career, praised LAFC for signing the 33-year-old forward and welcomed him to the city’s “tapestry” of culture. “Your bringing your smile, talent, and culture to LAFC… we have the best Korean food here,” she added, highlighting her district’s vibrant community.
A Recurring Theme
This isn’t the first time a foreign star faced quirky U.S. expectations. In 2017, German World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger was asked if he’d “bring a trophy to Chicago” after joining the Fire. Son, meanwhile, leaves Tottenham as a club icon after a decade, scoring 161 goals.
[Image: Son Heung-min training with LAFC]
While Hutt’s office hadn’t clarified her remarks at the time of publication, the gaffe underscored the playful yet perplexing moments when global sports collide with local politics. Son’s focus remains on his MLS chapter, far from international duties—at least until 2026.
— Daily Mail has reached out to Heather Hutt for comment.—
