One of the greatest Mexican soccer players of the modern era has called time on his career.
On Tuesday, Carlos Vela announced that he has retired from the game. The 36-year-old winger has most recently played for Los Angeles FC, having joined the MLS side before its inaugural season in 2018.
Vela was once among the most touted prospects in the sport, coming up through Chivas Guadalajara’s ranks before finishing as the top goalscorer at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship. The showing drew the attention of many European clubs, with Arsenal securing his signature in November 2005. He appeared in just 29 Premier League matches with the Gunners, spending most of his seven-year tenure on loan spells.
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In 2007, Vela made his debut with the Mexico men’s national team, earning the first of 72 caps for El Tri. Sharing star billing with Javier Hernández and Giovanni Dos Santos, Vela helped establish Mexico as Concacaf’s top program throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, winning the Gold Cup in 2009 and 2015.
His time with El Tri wasn’t without controversy, however, as he and a teammate were handed six-month bans in late 2010 for their involvement in a post-friendly party. When he was selected for the 2011 Copa América, though, Arsenal turned down the call. The player then turned down a chance to be a part of the 2012 Olympic squad as he focused on moving clubs; Mexico ultimately won the men’s soccer portion of that year’s Games. Vela again ruled himself out of contention for the 2014 World Cup, citing a lack of mental readiness. Vela finally returned from a three-year hiatus in late 2014, ending his Mexico career after the 2018 World Cup.
His final loan away from Arsenal provided him with his next home, as a strong spell with Real Sociedad led the La Liga side to spend a reported €14 million to sign the forward. He finished as the club’s top scorer in each of his first four seasons (including his loan spell), and has scored the second-most goals among Mexican players in La Liga, only trailing Real Madrid icon Hugo Sánchez.
Vela became Los Angeles FC’s first designated player in August 2017, kicking off a seven-year tenure that made him among the greatest players in MLS history. He made MLS’ year-end Best XI on three occasions (in 2018, 2019 and 2022), with the second of those selections ranking among the greatest individual campaigns the league has ever seen.
Vela set a record for goal contributions in 2019, with 34 goals and 15 assists across a 34-game regular season. He was named league MVP that year. He captained LAFC throughout his tenure, raising the trophy as LAFC won its first and only MLS Cup in 2022.
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In a joint announcement with the club, Vela stated he will become an LAFC ambassador as he begins his post-playing days.
“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.”
(Photo: Michael Owens / Getty Images)
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