Los Angeles FC (LAFC) all-time great Mexican striker Carlos Vela has announced his retirement from professional football at 36. With an illustrious 19-year career that has seen him play in Europe, Mexico, and Major League Soccer (MLS), Vela will act as an ambassador for LAFC.
With this move, he will be remained aligned with the club that he helped make a soccer powerhouse in America.
Foer those unaware, Vela’s football career started with an impressive display at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, where he was the competition’s top scorer.
His early talent earned him a transfer to Arsenal FC, before he went on loan to Salamanca, Osasuna, and West Bromwich Albion. Yet it was at Real Sociedad in Spain’s La Liga that Vela really came into his own, scoring 73 goals in seven years and winning over the fans.
Globally, Vela had 72 caps for Mexico, netting 19 goals. He played for Mexico at the 2010 and 2018 FIFA World Cups and was a member of the teams that took home the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2009 and the CONCACAF Cup in 2015.
Vela made a major leap to MLS in 2018, signing with LAFC as the league’s inaugural Designated Player. His effect was instant and significant. Vela broke the MLS single-season record for scoring 34 goals in the 2019 season and received the league’s MVP honor.
He took LAFC to their inaugural MLS Cup championship in 2022 and won two Supporters’ Shields while with the team. Vela is leaving as the club’s all-time leader in goals (78), assists (59), and appearances (152).
“Carlos has been so instrumental in the success we have had at LAFC on and off the pitch,” said LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington. “He is so important to our club, our fans, and our city.”
Transition to Ambassadorial Role for Carlos Vela
Even though the playing time of Vela decreased in the season of 2024, with only four minutes on the field in the playoffs, his impact on the club was still noteworthy. LAFC refused to pick up the option for 2025, and Vela retired accordingly.
Taking his new position in stride, Vela thanked his time with LAFC and looked forward to the future. “LAFC is a very special club, and I am proud of what we have created here. I am looking forward to coming back to LAFC and attempting to help the team do great things in any way that I can,” he said.
To celebrate his achievements, LAFC has proclaimed a unique tribute event, “Noche de Carlos Vela,” on September 21 at BMO Stadium, on game day against Real Salt Lake.
Famous for his relaxed attitude and open confessions of having a greater love for basketball than football, Vela’s attitude towards the game was unorthodox.
However, the ability and insight on the pitch were unmistakable. Opting to value personal contentment over conventional footballing feats, Vela achieved contentment in Los Angeles, both professionally and personally.
In his new role as LAFC’s first ambassador, Vela will help forge the club’s identity and connect with its expanding fan base. His move from player to ambassador guarantees his legacy as a force in the club and the game will extend beyond his playing career.
