The LAFC legend, Carlos Vela, announced his official retirement of professional football today after an incredible 19 -year career. One of the most decorated players in the history of the MLS and the leader of all time of Lafc in the games played (152), the minutes (11,194), the goals (78) and the assists (59), Vela won the 2019 MVP MLS in a record way, recording the most goals scored in a single season (34) in the history of the league.
Vela, 35, will remain with LAFC as the first black and gold ambassador of the club and will be celebrated at BMO Stadium during Noche de Carlos Vela on September 21 against Real Salt Lake.
“Helping to build the LAFC and winning trophies for the club is a highlight of my career,” said Vela. “This club means so much for me and my family, and I am proud of everything we have accomplished with the big fans of Los Angeles. I am delighted to start this next chapter of my trip here in Los Angeles ”
Vela joined Lafc as the first player in club history when he signed as a player appointed in August 2017 before the first 2018 season of Lafc. He made his last appearance for the Black & Gold on October 27, 2024, in a eliminatory match against Vancouver at the BMO Stadium.
“From the start, Carlos was more than a simple player – he was the heartbeat, the captain and the face of Lafc,” said co -president and managing director John Thorrington. “Carlos arrived in Los Angeles with a shared vision of building something really special, and he held this promise in every way. Unforgettable objectives to historic victories, Carlos helped Lafc what is today. Although his time on the field for Lafc has been finished, we are delighted to announce that Carlos will continue to be part of Black & Gold as an official ambassador for the club. The Lafc brand, strengthen our connection with supporters and continues to inspire the next generation of players. »»
The Mexican international has reserved his place in the history of Lafc and MLS with incredible performances throughout his career. A quadruple MLS All-Star (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022) and three times the best MLS Best XI Selection (2018, 2019, 2022), Vela led Lafc at the 2022 MLS Cup, the 2019 and 2022 Champions League Cup (2020, 2023). He recorded a goal or a decisive pass in seven of the 13 MLS Cup qualifying games in which he appeared.
“On behalf of my colleagues owners, I would like to express our gratitude for all that Carlos has done to help launch our club and establish the Black & Gold standards,” said LAFC principal owner Bennett Rosenthal. “The leadership of Carlos on and off the field as well as the grace and the style that his football has brought to our fans will be forever anchored in our hearts and our memories. We are delighted to make him continue his trip in the Lafc family and wish him the best when he continues in his next chapter.”
One of the 13 players in MLS history to record at least 75 goals and 50 assists, Vela is the only player to do so in just six seasons. In 2022, he became the third fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goals (goals and assists) when he completed the feat in just 98 games.
Vela helped the LAFC enjoy a historic season of 2023, playing in a career summit of 34 regular season games and playing in 48 games in all competitions, recording a total of 14 goals and 12 assists.
Its Record MVP 2019 MVP season remains one of the best performances in a season in the history of the League, establishing a new MLS record with 34 goals in the regular season and 49 contributions in total goals. Its average of 1.10 goals per match in 2019 also remains an MLS record.
The native of Cancun, in Mexico, contributed to the Mexican national team, playing in the 2010 and 2018 World Cup, and appearing in 72 games in total, scoring 19 goals.
Before signing with Lafc in 2017, Vela played in the Spanish upper division with Real Sociedad from 2011 to 2017, making more than 200 career appearances in all competitions and marking 72 goals. He began his career with Arsenal of the English Premier League in 2005 and appeared with Salamanca (Spain – Segunda Division), Osasuna (Spain – La Liga) and West Bromwich Albion (English Premier) before officially transferring to the real Sociedad in 2012. Vela was the real Sociedad player of the year 2011-12 and 2013.
Carlos Vela Lafc Career Fightings:
- MLS Cup champion: 2022
- MLS Supporters’ Shield Winner: 2019, 2022
- Open cup winner: 2024
- MLS Best XI: 2018, 2019, 2022
- MLS MVP: 2019
- MLS Golden Boot: 2019
- MLS ALL-STAR: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
- Concacaf Champions League Best XI: 2020, 2023
- MLS records:
- Most of a player’s goals in a single season (34, 2019)
- Most goals and assists combined with a player in a single season (49, 2019)
- The highest goals per game match in one season (1.10, 2019)
- The fastest player to score 20 goals in one season (20 goals in 21 games, 2019)
- Most of the goals scored by a Mexican player in MLS
- The fastest player in MLS history to reach more than 75 goals and more than 50 assists
