Mexico, LAFC legend Carlos Vela announces retirement

Mexico Football

and Los Angeles FC

legend Carlos Vela has announced his retirement from professional soccer. He will continue with LAFC as a club ambassador and will be celebrated at BMO Stadium on September 21.

Vela has been without a club since the winter and for the majority of the last year-and-a-half, making just one appearance for four minutes in 2024. His LAFC contract expired at the end of the 2023 season before he re-signed near the end of 2024.

The Mexican international made 72 caps for his country. He led his country to win the U-17 World Cup (2005) and two Gold Cups (2009, 2015). He won the Golden Boot at the U-17 World Cup, fueling a transfer to Arsenal.

Vela is a MLS Great

Vela is best known in America for his dominant run with LAFC.

“Helping to build LAFC and winning trophies for the club is a highlight of my career,” Vela said in a club statement. “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 was the first player signed in LAFC history, announced in 2017 ahead of the team’s 2018 debut. He was the face of the club on and off the field, leading the club to instant success and establishing a culture at the club. He won three major trophies — one MLS Cup and two Supporters’ Shields — as well as setting records that still stand today as the best individual season in MLS history in 2019, when he won MLS MVP with a 34-goal, 15-assist campaign.

Carlos Vela – Career MLS Stats (2018-2023)
Appearances	189
Goals	93
Assists	54

Carlos Vela – Career MLS Stats (2018-2023)

Appearances

189

Goals

Assists

“From the beginning, Carlos has been more than just a player—he has been the heartbeat, the captain, and the face of LAFC,” Co-President & GM John Thorrington said. “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.

“While his time on the pitch for LAFC has come to a close, we are thrilled to announce that Carlos will continue to be a part of the Black & Gold as an official ambassador for the club. In this new role, he will help us grow the LAFC brand, strengthen our connection with supporters, and continue to inspire the next generation of players.”

Vela was a product of Chivas’ youth academy, but never made his first-team debut. He was signed by Arsenal in January of 2006, where he made 62 appearances.

The mercurial talent bounced around on a couple of loans before he starred for Real Soceidad. He was the club’s top scorer in four seasons and formed a great connection with Antoine Griezmann. The two remain close friends.

“I don’t say this lightly — LAFC is not what it is without Carlos Vela,” Thorrington told GIVEMESPORT last September. “That’s on the field, that’s off the field.”