Son Heung-min knows a thing or two about making a big switch. Last year, the global soccer star left the English Premier League for Major League Soccer (MLS), beginning a new chapter in his career. Now, Chime® is teaming up with the global soccer star to show how the right change can move you forward, on the pitch, with your money, and everywhere in between.
Launching October 6, 2026, the new campaign builds on Chime’s multi-year partnership with MLS and takes inspiration from Son’s own move to the league, which occurred in August of 2025 for an MLS record transfer fee. His decision to leave one of soccer’s most established leagues for one that continues to grow sparked the campaign’s central idea: sometimes, a simple switch can change the whole game. For Chime, it’s a natural parallel to the millions of Americans choosing to leave the old way of banking behind and make progress on their own terms.
“Son’s move marks an exciting new chapter—not only for him, but for LAFC, MLS and football fans across the country," said Vineet Mehra, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at Chime. “His arrival brings new energy and shows how embracing change can create new possibilities. That idea resonates deeply with Chime and with millions of people rethinking what they should expect from their financial lives. Our partnership with MLS is about being part of what makes the game matter to fans, not just showing up around it.”
The campaign brings that parallel to life through an energetic celebration of soccer and financial progress. Inspired by street football culture, Son shares the spotlight with Football Freestylers portraying Chime members as a soccer ball moves through everyday moments, from buying groceries and grabbing a meal to saving for a major purchase, with a cameo from two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup (see disclosure 1) champion Julie Ertz along the way.
“Starting a new chapter in MLS has been an exciting moment in my career,” said Son Heung-min. “What I liked about this campaign is that it connects my experience with a feeling everyone can relate to. We all have different goals and journeys, and sometimes moving forward starts with being open to change.”
The campaign marks the latest chapter in Chime’s multi-year relationship with MLS, Chime’s first league-wide sports partnership. As the Official Retail Banking, Credit Card and Debit Card Partner of MLS and Presenting Partner of the MLS All-Star Game, Chime has built its presence across the league through national and local activations spanning games, athletes, fan experiences and community programming.
For Chime, the relationship reflects a broader approach to sports built around consumer relevance rather than simply sponsorship. The brand has focused its MLS partnership on connecting with fans through the culture and community surrounding the sport, from storytelling centered on players to experiences designed to increase access to play in communities across the country.
