Carlos Vela facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is Vela and the second or maternal family name is Garrido.

Quick facts for kids
Carlos Vela

Vela with Mexico at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Personal information

Full name

Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido

Date of birth

1 March 1989 (age 36)

Place of birth

Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Height

1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)

Position(s)

Forward, winger, attacking midfielder

Youth career

2002–2005

Guadalajara

2005–2006

Arsenal

Senior career*

Years

Team

Apps

(Gls)

2005

Guadalajara

(0)

2005–2012

Arsenal

(3)

2005–2006

→ Celta Vigo (loan)

(0)

2006–2007

→ Salamanca (loan)

(8)

2007–2008

→ Osasuna (loan)

(3)

2010–2011

→ West Bromwich Albion (loan)

(2)

2011–2012

→ Real Sociedad (loan)

(12)

2012–2018

Real Sociedad

184

(54)

2018–2024

Los Angeles FC

152

(78)

Total

472

(160)

International career

2005

Mexico U17

(5)

2007

Mexico U20

(0)

2007–2018

Mexico

(19)

Medal record

Men's football

Representing Mexico
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Winner	2009 United States
Winner	2015 United States–Canada
FIFA U-17 World Cup
Winner	2005 Peru

*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkaɾ.los ˈβe.la]; born 1 March 1989) is a Mexican former professional footballer. He was a very flexible player who could play as a forward, winger, or attacking midfielder.

Vela started his career at a Mexican club called Guadalajara. He became well-known after being the top scorer at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship. This led him to join the Premier League club Arsenal in 2005. While at Arsenal, he played on loan for Spanish clubs Salamanca and Osasuna. He also played for English club West Bromwich Albion on loan.

In 2011, Vela moved to Real Sociedad, first on loan and then permanently. He played 250 matches and scored 73 goals for them. In 2018, he joined Los Angeles FC. In his second year, 2019, he won the Supporters' Shield and the MLS Golden Boot. He also set a new league record by scoring 34 goals in one season. He was named the Most Valuable Player. In 2022, Vela won another Supporters' Shield and the MLS Cup. He announced his retirement from football in May 2025.

Vela first played for the senior Mexico national team in 2007. He scored his first goal for Mexico in a friendly match against Guatemala. He helped Mexico win the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2009 and played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. After 2010, Vela did not play for the national team for over three years. He returned in 2014 and played in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Early Life and Football Start

Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido was born on March 1, 1989, in Cancún, Mexico. His father, Enrique Vela, was a semi-professional footballer who had to stop playing due to an injury. Carlos's father encouraged him to play football.

Carlos's first club was Ko Cha Wolis, which means "Kicking Round Ball" in Mayan. His coach, Félix Alcalá, said Carlos learned a lot and improved greatly there. When he was younger, Carlos played both basketball and football. At age 12, his father made him choose one sport, and Carlos picked football.

In 2001, scouts from C.D. Guadalajara's youth team noticed Carlos in Cancún. He joined Guadalajara in 2003 but never played for their main team in Mexico.

Club Journey

Starting at Guadalajara

Vela began his football journey with Guadalajara, alongside his brother Alejandro. After winning the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship with Mexico and being the top scorer, the owner of Guadalajara, Jorge Vergara, signed him. Carlos asked the club to help his family move from Cancún, which had been hit by a storm. He showed his love for his father by dedicating his Golden Boot award to him.

Time with Arsenal

Many European clubs were interested in Vela. Arsenal signed him in November 2005. However, he couldn't play in England right away due to work permit rules. So, Arsenal loaned him to Spanish clubs.

Loans to Salamanca and Osasuna

Vela was first loaned to Celta Vigo in 2006 but didn't play any games. Then, he went to Salamanca for the 2006–07 season. He did very well there, scoring eight goals.

After Salamanca, he was loaned to Osasuna for a year. On October 31, 2007, he scored his first goal for Osasuna against Real Betis. His performance earned him praise from the Spanish news.

Back to Arsenal

Vela at Arsenal (26 April 2009)

Vela (right) and former teammate Aaron Ramsey against Stoke City (5 December 2009)

Vela playing for Arsenal (2010)

In May 2008, Vela received his work permit to play in England. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said Vela would be part of the first team.

Vela played his first game for Arsenal on August 30, 2008, against Newcastle United. In his first full game on September 23, 2008, against Sheffield United in the League Cup, Vela scored three goals in a 6–0 win. One of his goals was voted among Arsenal's Greatest 50 Goals.

He scored his first Premier League goal for Arsenal against Portsmouth in May 2009. This made him only the second Mexican player to score in the Premier League. Vela signed a new contract with Arsenal in December 2009.

Loan to West Bromwich Albion

On January 28, 2011, Vela joined West Brom on loan. He scored his first goal for them on February 20, 2011, in a 1–1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He scored again in another 1–1 draw against Stoke City.

Loan to Real Sociedad

On August 15, 2011, Arsenal announced that Vela would be loaned to Spanish club Real Sociedad. He was officially introduced on August 17, 2011. In December 2011, Vela scored a bicycle kick goal for Real Sociedad against Málaga. He later said he wanted to stay in Spain with Real Sociedad and not return to Arsenal.

Playing for Real Sociedad

Vela shooting against Levante goalkeeper Gustavo Munúa (September 2012)

After playing over 30 games and scoring 12 goals on loan, Vela officially moved to Real Sociedad from Arsenal on July 17, 2012. He was given the number 11 shirt. His great performances led him to be named Best Player of the Season.

In the 2012–13 season, Vela mostly played on the right wing. He scored 14 goals and made nine assists. He continued to shine in the 2013–14 season, scoring twice to help Real Sociedad reach the Champions League group stages. On November 23, he scored four goals in a 4–3 win over Celta Vigo.

In January 2014, Vela won the La Liga Player of the Month award for his excellent play. He was nominated for Best Forward in the league. In May, fans voted him Best Player of the Season. In June, Vela signed a new contract to stay with Real Sociedad until 2018.

In the 2014–15 season, Vela scored his first goal against Real Madrid in a 4–2 win. In November, he scored all three goals in a 3–0 win against Elche, earning him another La Liga Player of the Month award.

In January 2015, Vela got a knee injury that kept him out for two months. He returned in March, helping Real Sociedad win 3–1 against Córdoba.

On April 10, 2017, Vela played his 200th league match for Real Sociedad. He became the foreign player with the second-most appearances for the club.

In August 2017, Real Sociedad announced that Vela would move to Major League Soccer in 2018. He joined Los Angeles FC as their first special player. On December 20, 2017, Vela played his last game for Real Sociedad, scoring a goal in a 3–1 win over Sevilla.

Joining Los Angeles FC

2018 Season: First Steps

Vela officially joined Los Angeles FC on January 1, 2018. He made his debut on March 4, 2018, assisting a goal in a 1–0 win. On March 10, he scored his first goal for Los Angeles FC in a 5–1 victory. He became the first player to score in the El Tráfico derby against LA Galaxy, scoring two goals in a 3–4 loss.

In July 2018, fans voted Vela to be the captain of the MLS team for the 2018 MLS All-Star Game. After the team captain left, Vela was named the new captain. In November 2018, he was chosen for the MLS Best XI team.

2019 Season: Record-Breaking Year

Before the 2019 season, there were rumors that Barcelona wanted to loan him. Vela later said it was "really close."

On March 30, 2019, Vela scored his first three goals in one game (a hat-trick) for LAFC in a 5–0 win. He scored his 20th league goal on July 19, becoming the fastest player in MLS history to reach that mark.

He was again voted captain for the 2019 MLS All-Star Game. With his goal on July 26, Vela became the highest-scoring Mexican player in MLS history. On August 17, he broke a record for most combined goals and assists in an MLS season. On September 25, Vela scored a goal that helped LAFC win the Supporters' Shield.

On October 6, he scored another hat-trick, breaking the record for most goals in a single MLS season with 34 goals. He also had 15 assists, setting a new record for combined points. He won the MLS Golden Boot as the league's top scorer.

In the playoffs, Vela scored twice and assisted once in a 5–3 win against LA Galaxy. He won the MLS Most Valuable Player Award for his amazing performances.

2020 Season: Champions League Final

On February 18, 2020, Vela played his first game against a Mexican club, León, in the CONCACAF Champions League. He scored two goals in the second game, helping LAFC win.

On March 1, Vela scored the only goal in a 1–0 win against Inter Miami. In July, LAFC announced Vela would not play in the MLS tournament in Florida because his wife was pregnant. He returned in August but got injured. He came back on October 25, scoring a goal against LA Galaxy and becoming the leading scorer in El Tráfico history with 10 goals.

In December, Vela scored a penalty in the Champions League quarter-final, helping LAFC win. He scored two more goals in the semi-final, making LAFC the first MLS team to beat three Mexican teams in the same tournament. Three days later, LAFC lost 2–1 in the final. Vela was included in the tournament's best team.

2021 Season: Injuries

In 2021, Vela faced several injuries. He was substituted early in a match in April and missed the 2021 MLS All-Star Game. He finished the season with 5 goals.

2022 Season: MLS Cup Victory

On February 26, 2022, Vela started the 2022 MLS Season with a hat-trick. LAFC later won the 2022 MLS Cup on penalties. Vela assisted a goal in the final and also in the conference semi-finals and finals. He scored 12 goals in all competitions that year.

2023 Season: Two Finals

On April 11, 2023, Vela scored two goals in the CCL quarter-final. Five days later, he had a great game in an El Tráfico victory, scoring two goals and assisting one. On May 21, he scored a last-minute penalty to win a game for LAFC. On May 31, Vela played in his second CONCACAF Champions League final, but LAFC lost.

His contract with LAFC ended at the end of the 2023 season. His last match was a 2–1 loss in the MLS Cup Final. He played a personal best of 49 games and scored 14 goals that season.

2024 Season and Retirement

On September 16, 2024, Vela re-signed with LAFC until the end of the 2024 season. He explained that he enjoyed his time away from the team, spending time with his family. He only played four minutes after rejoining the team. In November 2024, the club decided not to extend his contract for 2025.

Vela announced his retirement from professional football on May 27, 2025.

International Career

Youth Teams

Vela played in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru. He helped Mexico win the tournament. He scored five goals, including one in the 3–0 final victory against Brazil. He won the Golden Boot as the top scorer.

Vela was also part of the under-20 team that played in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Senior National Team

Early Years with Mexico

Vela made his debut for the senior national team on September 12, 2007, in a friendly match against Brazil. He scored his first goal for Mexico on October 18, 2007, in a friendly against Guatemala.

He scored more goals in 2008, including in World Cup qualifying matches against Belize.

In July 2009, Vela played for Mexico in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He helped Mexico reach the final against the United States. Mexico won the final 5–0, with Vela assisting and scoring goals.

On October 10, 2009, Vela scored a goal and assisted another in a 4–1 win against El Salvador. This helped Mexico qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

In June 2010, Vela scored his first goal against a European team in a friendly against Italy. He played in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup against South Africa. He had to leave the next group match due to an injury.

Time Away from the Team

In September 2010, Vela was suspended from the Mexico national team for six months. He returned in March 2011 for a friendly match, which was his last game with the national team for three years.

He chose not to play in the 2012 London Olympics, which Mexico won. He also declined to join the national team for World Cup qualifiers in 2013, stating personal reasons. In February 2014, the new national team coach met with Vela, but Vela said he was not "100 percent mentally ready to represent Mexico" for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Return to the National Team

Vela converting a penalty kick against South Korea at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

In November 2014, after three years, Vela accepted a call-up to the national team. He scored two goals in his return match as Mexico beat the Netherlands 3–2.

Vela played in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, scoring two goals. Mexico won the tournament, but Vela missed the final due to yellow cards.

In May 2017, he was called up for the Confederations Cup in Russia. He assisted a goal in Mexico's first group stage match against Portugal.

In May 2018, Vela was chosen for Mexico's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. On June 23, he scored Mexico's first goal from a penalty kick in a 2–1 win against South Korea. This was his first World Cup goal. He played in all group stage matches and the round of 16.

In May 2020, Vela stated that the 2018 World Cup was his final appearance with the national team.

Playing Style

Carlos Vela was known for his skill and natural talent. His former Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, described him as "naturally gifted, quick, intelligent and with very good technique." He also called Vela a "special talent" who could score goals and create chances for others.

Vela was good at dribbling past defenders and working with his teammates to create scoring opportunities. He was a left-footed player known for his speed, technique, and vision. He often played on the right wing but could also play as a striker. He was also known for scoring goals by chipping the ball over the goalkeeper.

Outside of Football

Personal Life

Carlos's older brother, Alejandro, was also a professional footballer.

Carlos became a father to a son, Romeo, in November 2016, with his Spanish girlfriend Saioa Cañibano. He met her while playing for Real Sociedad. In October 2020, they had a daughter named India. Carlos and Saioa are married.

Vela has said he is not very passionate about football. He once said, "I really like basketball, I've always said that I would one thousand times rather watch a basketball game than a football one."

On March 4, 2020, Los Angeles FC announced that Vela had received a green card. This meant he was considered a domestic player for MLS team rules.

On January 8, 2025, Vela's home in Malibu was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. However, Vela and his family were safe.

Media Appearances

Carlos Vela appeared on the North American cover of the FIFA 11 video game with Kaká and Landon Donovan. He also appeared on the FIFA 20 MVP Edition. In 2019, Vela was in a Target commercial with his LAFC teammate Adama Diomande and other MLS players.

Career Statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League			National cup		League cup		Continental		Other		Total
Club	Season	Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Arsenal	2005–06	Premier League	0	0	—		—		—		—		0	0
	2008–09	Premier League	14	1	4	1	3	4	8	0	—		29	6
	2009–10	Premier League	11	1	4	0	2	1	5	0	—		22	2
	2010–11	Premier League	4	1	1	0	4	0	4	2	—		13	3
	Total		29	3	9	1	9	5	17	2	—		64	11
Celta Vigo (loan)	2005–06	La Liga	0	0	—		—		—		—		0	0
Salamanca (loan)	2006–07	Segunda División	31	8	1	0	—		—		—		32	8
Osasuna (loan)	2007–08	La Liga	33	3	—		—		—		—		33	3
West Bromwich Albion (loan)	2010–11	Premier League	8	2	—		—		—		—		8	2
Real Sociedad (loan)	2011–12	La Liga	35	12	2	0	—		—		—		37	12
Real Sociedad	2012–13	La Liga	35	14	2	0	—		—		—		37	14
	2013–14	La Liga	37	16	7	2	—		8	3	—		52	21
	2014–15	La Liga	29	9	1	1	—		2	0	—		32	10
	2015–16	La Liga	35	5	1	0	—		—		—		36	5
	2016–17	La Liga	35	9	4	1	—		—		—		39	10
	2017–18	La Liga	13	1	2	0	—		2	0	—		17	1
	Total		184	54	17	4	—		12	3	—		213	61
Los Angeles FC	2018	MLS	28	14	2	1	1	0	—		—		31	15
	2019	MLS	31	34	3	2	2	2	—		—		36	38
	2020	MLS	7	4	—		1	0	5	5	—		13	9
	2021	MLS	20	5	—		—		—		—		20	5
	2022	MLS	32	12	3	0	3	0	—		—		38	12
	2023	MLS	34	9	0	0	5	0	8	3	2	2	49	14
	2024	MLS	0	0	—		1	0	—		—		1	0
	Total		152	78	8	3	12	2	13	8	2	2	187	93
Career total			472	160	37	8	22	7	42	13	2	2	575	190

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Mexico	2007	2	1
	2008	11	3
	2009	9	3
	2010	11	2
	2011	2	0
	2012	—
	2013	—
	2014	2	2
	2015	11	4
	2016	1	0
	2017	15	3
	2018	8	1
Total		72	19

Scores and results list Mexico's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Vela goal.

List of international goals scored by Carlos Vela
No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	16 October 2007	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, United States	Guatemala	1–1	2–3	Friendly
2	8 June 2008	Soldier Field, Chicago, United States	Peru	3–0	4–0	Friendly
3	15 June 2008	Reliant Stadium, Houston, United States	Belize	1–0	2–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
4	21 June 2008	Estadio Universitario, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico	Belize	1–0	7–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
5	23 June 2009	Georgia Dome, Atlanta, United States	Venezuela	1–0	4–0	Friendly
6	26 July 2009	Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, United States	United States	3–0	5–0	2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup
7	10 October 2009	Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico	El Salvador	4–1	4–1	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
8	3 March 2010	Rose Bowl, Pasadena, United States	New Zealand	2–0	2–0	Friendly
9	3 June 2010	Stade Roi Baudouin, Brussels, Belgium	Italy	1–0	2–1	Friendly
10	12 November 2014	Amsterdam ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands	Netherlands	1–0	3–2	Friendly
11	12 November 2014	Amsterdam ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands	Netherlands	2–1	3–2	Friendly
12	9 July 2015	Soldier Field, Chicago, United States	Cuba	2–0	6–0	2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup
13	15 July 2015	Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, United States	Trinidad and Tobago	2–0	4–4	2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup
14	13 October 2015	Estadio Nemesio Díez, Toluca, Mexico	Panama	1–0	1–0	Friendly
15	13 November 2015	Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico	El Salvador	3–0	3–0	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
16	1 June 2017	MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, United States	Republic of Ireland	3–0	3–1	Friendly
17	11 June 2017	Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico	United States	1–1	1–1	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
18	10 October 2017	Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano, San Pedro Sula, Honduras	Honduras	2–1	2–3	2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
19	23 June 2018	Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don, Russia	South Korea	1–0	2–1	2018 FIFA World Cup