Carlos Vela
Carlos Vela is a Mexican former professional soccer player who played mainly as a winger or forward.
Carlos Vela is a Mexican former professional soccer player who played mainly as a winger or forward. He is known for his club careers with Arsenal, Real Sociedad, and Los Angeles FC, and for representing the Mexico National Football Team at the 2010 and 2018 FIFA World Cups. Vela retired in 2025 after a career highlighted by major honours in Major League Soccer.
Early life and youth career
Carlos Vela was born in Cancún, Mexico, and developed in the youth system of Guadalajara. He came to international attention after winning the Golden Boot at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship.
Club career
Vela signed for Arsenal in 2005 and later played in Spain with Salamanca, Osasuna, West Bromwich Albion, and Real Sociedad. He joined Los Angeles FC in 2018 as the club’s first Designated Player and became one of the club’s most important players. In Major League Soccer, he played in a league that includes Inter Miami CF.
International career
Vela was a long-time Mexico international, appearing at the 2010 and 2018 FIFA World Cups with the Mexico National Football Team. He is a Mexican player, like Javier Hernández. Sources report that he made 72 appearances and scored 19 goals for Mexico.
Achievements and records
His 2019 MLS season was one of the strongest in league history, with 34 goals, an MVP award, and the league scoring record. He also won multiple team honours with LAFC, including the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup.
Retirement
Vela announced his retirement in 2025 after the end of his playing career, closing out a period in which he became a central figure in LAFC history.
Key facts
- Vela began his professional career after being signed by Arsenal from Guadalajara in 2005.
- He spent loan spells in Spain and England before becoming a regular player for Real Sociedad.
- He joined Los Angeles FC as the club’s first Designated Player in 2017, arriving in 2018.
- In 2019, he set an MLS single-season goals record with 34 goals and won the MLS Golden Boot and MVP award.
- He represented Mexico at the 2010 and 2018 FIFA World Cups and retired in 2025.
Vela is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through Major League Soccer, where he starred for Los Angeles FC in matches against Canadian clubs and became one of the league’s most prominent players.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Carlos Vela?
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_VelaSupports: Career overview, Real Sociedad spell, LAFC achievements, and retirement year.
- Major League Soccer — https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/carlos-vela/Supports: LAFC signing, Designated Player status, and youth international achievement.
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/76098/carlos-velaSupports: Position, birthdate, nationality, and player profile details.
- Los Angeles FC — https://www.lafc.com/carlos-velaSupports: LAFC signing details, transfer timing, and Mexico national team references.
- Arsenal F.C. — https://www.arsenal.com/historic/players/carlos-velaSupports: Signing from Guadalajara and early club career information.
- Fox Sports — https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/lafc-carlos-vela-retires-mls-mexico-arsenal-real-sociedadSupports: Retirement announcement and major career honours.