Carlos Vela announces retirement as MLS legend takes on new role with LAFC
Longtime Mexico international and former Premier League and La Liga star Carlos Vela has announced his decision to retire, taking on a new role with his beloved LAFC
Carlos Vela has called it a career, with the 36-year-old MLS legend announcing on Tuesday that he was officially retiring from soccer.
The longtime Mexico international announced his decision on social media, sharing a highlight video covering his storied career, playing in Mexico, Spain, England, and the U.S., along with the caption, “It has been an honor and a privilege to share my career with all of you. ‘Thank you, Carlos.’”
A Los Angeles FC icon, having joined in 2018 as the franchise’s first-ever Designated Player, Vela also paid tribute to the Black and Gold in a separate post. “Los Angeles will always be very special to me and my family. We achieved the impossible in a short period of time and won titles together,” the club ambassador wrote.
“My heart is full of gratitude. Thank you, LAFC. Thank you, 3252. Thank you, Los Angeles.”
In a separate statement, provided via LAFC, Vela explained how playing a part in building the team from the ground up, winning numerous trophies along the way, was “a highlight of my career.”
“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.”
LAFC’s co-president and general manager, John Thorrington, also took the opportunity to pay tribute to Vela, describing him as “the heartbeat, the captain, and the face of LAFC.”
“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.”
Between 2018 and 2024, Vela made 189 appearances for LAFC across all competitions. Along the way, he found the back of the net a franchise-high 93 times, while also providing another 54 assists.
In 2022, he captained LAFC to their first-ever MLS Cup win against the Philadelphia Union in their first of two consecutive Finals appearances. Vela also helped guide LAFC to two CONCACAF Champions League finals and two Supporters' Shield wins.
A three-time MLS All-Star, Vela also won the 2019 Golden Boot en route to being named that season’s league MVP.
Vela’s outstanding MSL career followed a lengthy career in Europe, having joined Arsenal’s academy in 2005 from Guadalajara. He wound up making 37 Premier League appearances with both the Gunners and West Bromwich Albion, while also spending time on loan in Spain with Salamanca, Celta Vigo, and Osasuna.
Following a season on loan with La Liga side Real Sociedad, Vela joined permanently in 2012, going on to spend the next six years in San Sebastian, appearing in 250 games, scoring 73 goals and adding 43 assists before heading Stateside.
2018 also marked the end of Vela’s career with El Tri, with Mexico’s 2-0 Round of 16 loss to Brazil at the FIFA World Cup proving to be his 72nd and final game. During his 11-year international career, Vela scored 19 goals, won two CONCACAF Gold Cups, and one CONCACAF Cup.