It’s a sad day in Major League Soccer (MLS). Former LAFC star player Carlos Vela has announced his retirement from professional football after 19 years of playing.
“Helping to build LAFC and winning trophies for the club is a highlight of my career,” Vela said. “This club means so much to me and my family, and I am proud of everything we have accomplished together with the great fans of Los Angeles. I am excited to begin this next chapter in my journey here in L.A.”
Vela will be honored by LAFC during a home game on Sept. 21 when the team hosts Real Salt Lake.
“From the beginning, Carlos has been more than just a player—he has been the heartbeat, the captain, and the face of LAFC,” said LAFC co-President and General Manager John Thorrington. “Carlos arrived in Los Angeles with a shared vision of building something truly special, and he delivered on that promise in every way. From unforgettable goals to historic victories, Carlos helped make LAFC what it is today.”
Before joining the Black & Gold, Vela played for the English football club Arsenal and the Spanish club Real Sociedad. He was loaned to other clubs while playing for Arsenal and was loaned to Real Sociedad for the 2011-12 season. After the loan with Sociedad, he decided to join Sociedad permanently.
Vela became the first player in club history to sign with LAFC in 2017, ahead of LAFC’s inaugural 2018 Season. Vela will be the first ambassador for the Black & Gold.
With the Mexico national football team, Vela scored 19 goals in 72 matches. He played for two FIFA World Cups in 2010 and 2018 and also helped Mexico win two CONCACAF Gold Cup titles.
Vela was the key player for the Black & Gold. He also helped the team make it to the playoffs. Vela won a lot of awards after he joined LAFC. He won the MLS MVP in 2019. Vela was one of the greatest players for LAFC. He was also a four-time MLS All-Star player from 2018,2019, 2021, and 2022.
The list of Vela’s accomplishments is long. He helped LAFC win its first MLS Cup trophy in history in 2022. He also won two MLS Supporters’ Shields in 2019 and 2022.
During the 2019 MLS season, Vela scored the most goals in the league with a total of 34 in 31 appearances. Vela also had his best season in 2019. His play was spectacular. Vela wound up receiving the MLS Golden Boot honor for his play that season.
Vela’s last game for the Black & Gold was in 2024 in a playoff match against Vancouver at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
“On behalf of my fellow owners, I would like to express our gratitude for everything Carlos has done to help launch our club and establish the Black & Gold standard,” LAFC lead managing owner Bennett Rosenthal said. “Carlos’ leadership on and off the pitch as well as the grace and style his football brought to our fans will forever be ingrained in our hearts and memories. We are excited to have him continue his journey as part of the LAFC family and wish him the best as he continues on in his next chapter.”
Vela was a free agent after the 2023 season and returned to LAFC in October 2024 after his absence from his previous contract in late 2023. Vela will always forever be a legend with LAFC. Vela was one of the most important signings in MLS history, alongside David Beckham (2007) and Lionel Messi (2023).
For six seasons, Vela starred with the Black & Gold. He retired as the top leader in 152 appearances, 78 goals and 59 assists. During his career playing football with the club and the Mexico national team, Vela made 647 appearances and scored 209 goals.
Feature Image: Los Angeles Football Club forward Carlos Vela in action against the New England Revolution in an LAFC preseason game on April 3, 2021. Photo credit: LAFC
My favorite sport to write about is soccer. I am very passionate about soccer. I also write stories and cover college football. I cover and write about college or professional sports in and around Los Angeles. I enjoy watching soccer, basketball, baseball, and football.
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