Carlos Vela facts for kids

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	(1989-03-01) 1 March 1989 (age 36)
Place of birth	Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Height	1.78 m
Playing position	Forward, winger, attacking midfielder
Club information
Current club	Los Angeles FC
Number	10
Youth career
2002–2005	Guadalajara
2005–2006	Arsenal
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2005–2012	Arsenal	29	(3)
2005–2006	→ Celta Vigo (loan)	0	(0)
2006–2007	→ Salamanca (loan)	31	(8)
2007–2008	→ Osasuna (loan)	33	(3)
2010–2011	→ West Bromwich Albion (loan)	8	(2)
2011–2012	→ Real Sociedad (loan)	35	(12)
2012–2018	Real Sociedad	184	(54)
2018–2023	Los Angeles FC	152	(78)
2024	Los Angeles FC	0	(0)
National team
2005	Mexico U17	8	(5)
2007	Mexico U20	8	(0)
2007–2018	Mexico	72	(19)
Honours 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
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 22 October 2023. † Appearances (Goals).

Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido (born 1 March 1989) is a Mexican professional footballer who plays for the Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC. He is a very flexible player who can play as a forward, a winger (someone who plays on the sides of the field), or an attacking midfielder (a player who helps score goals from the middle).

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, which is a big tournament for young players. After that, he joined the English club Arsenal in 2005. He then played for several Spanish and English teams on loan before settling with Real Sociedad in Spain in 2011. He played over 250 games and scored 73 goals for Real Sociedad. In 2018, he moved to Los Angeles FC in the United States. In his second year there, he won the Supporters' Shield and the MLS Golden Boot for scoring the most goals in the league, setting a new record with 34 goals. He was also named the Most Valuable Player. In 2022, he helped Los Angeles FC win another Supporters' Shield and the MLS Cup.

Carlos Vela first played for the senior Mexico national team in 2007. He helped Mexico win the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2009 and played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. After a break from the national team, he returned in 2014 and played in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Early Life and First Steps in Football

Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido was born on March 1, 1989, in Cancún, Mexico. His father, Enrique Vela, used to play semi-professional football but had to stop because of an injury. Carlos's father encouraged him to play football and enrolled him in local teams. His first club was called Ko Cha Wolis, which means "Kicking Round Ball" in the Mayan language. His coach at the time, Félix Alcalá, said that Carlos learned a lot and improved greatly there.

When he was younger, Carlos played both basketball and football. At age 12, his father asked him to choose just one sport, and Carlos picked football. His father was worried that Carlos wasn't being noticed by bigger teams because they lived in Cancún. However, in 2001, scouts from C.D. Guadalajara's youth team saw him and invited him to a tournament. In 2003, Carlos joined Guadalajara, but he never played for their main team in Mexico.

Club Journey

Starting with Guadalajara

Carlos Vela began his football journey with Guadalajara, alongside his brother Alejandro. After Mexico won the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship and Carlos was the top scorer with five goals, the owner of Guadalajara, Jorge Vergara, decided to sign him. Carlos asked the club to help his family move from Cancún, which had recently been hit by a storm, as a condition for signing. He had a strong bond with his father, even dedicating his Golden Boot award to him.

Time at Arsenal

Many European clubs were interested in Carlos Vela. Arsenal in England signed him in November 2005. However, because of rules about work permits for players from outside the European Union, he couldn't play in England right away. So, Arsenal loaned him to Spanish clubs.

Loans to Salamanca and Osasuna

First, Vela was loaned to Salamanca for the 2006–07 season. He did very well there, helping to create many goals and scoring eight himself. After that, he was loaned to Osasuna for a year. On October 31, 2007, he scored his first goal for Osasuna, which was praised by the Spanish news.

Back to Arsenal

Vela playing for Arsenal in 2009

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

Vela playing for Arsenal in 2010

In May 2008, Carlos Vela finally got a work permit to play in England. Arsenal's manager, Arsène Wenger, said that Vela would be part of the main team and saw him as a forward.

Vela played his first official game for Arsenal on August 30, 2008, in a Premier League match against Newcastle United. He came on as a substitute, and Arsenal won 3–0. In his first full game on September 23, 2008, in the League Cup against Sheffield United, Vela scored three goals in a 6–0 win! One of his goals was even voted as one of Arsenal's "Greatest 50 Goals."

He scored his first Premier League goal for Arsenal against Portsmouth on May 2, 2009. This made him only the second Mexican player to score in the Premier League. Vela signed a new contract with Arsenal on December 10, 2009. On May 4, 2010, he played his 50th game for Arsenal.

Vela scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season against Bolton Wanderers in a 4–1 win. On September 15, he scored two goals in the UEFA Champions League when Arsenal beat Braga 6–0.

Loan to West Bromwich Albion

On January 28, 2011, Vela joined West Brom on loan until the end of the season. He scored his first goal for them on February 20, 2011, in a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring a goal in the last moments to make it a 1–1 draw.

Loan to Real Sociedad

On August 15, 2011, Arsenal announced that Vela would be loaned to the Spanish club Real Sociedad. He was officially introduced on August 17, 2011. In early 2012, Vela said he wanted to stay in Spain with Real Sociedad and asked his agent to talk to Arsenal about it.

Playing Permanently for Real Sociedad

Vela shooting against Levante goalkeeper Gustavo Munúa in 2012

After playing more than 30 games and scoring 12 goals while on loan, Carlos Vela officially moved to Real Sociedad from Arsenal on July 17, 2012. He was given the number 11 shirt. During the 2012–13 season, Vela mostly played on the right side of the field and scored 14 goals, also helping with nine assists.

Vela started the 2013–14 season strongly, scoring once and assisting another goal in a 2–0 win. He scored two goals to help Real Sociedad reach the group stages of the Champions League. On November 23, he scored four goals in Real Sociedad's 4–3 win over Celta Vigo. In January 2014, he was named the La Liga Player of the Month for December.

On May 5, 2014, Vela scored his 15th league goal of the season, passing his previous best. He signed a new four-year contract with Real Sociedad on June 24, keeping him there until 2018.

He scored his first goal of the 2014–15 season in Real Sociedad's 4–2 win against Real Madrid. On November 28, he scored all three goals in a 3–0 win, earning him the La Liga Player of the Month award again. In January 2015, Vela got a knee injury that kept him out for about two months. He returned on March 22 and helped his team win 3–1.

On October 25, 2015, Vela scored his first two goals of the 2015–16 season in a 4–0 win. 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.

On August 8, 2017, Real Sociedad announced that Vela would move to Major League Soccer in 2018. Two days later, it was confirmed he would join the new team 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.

Joining Los Angeles FC

2018 Season

Carlos Vela officially joined Los Angeles FC on January 1, 2018, as their first "designated player" (a special player whose salary doesn't count fully against the team's cap).

On March 4, 2018, Vela played his first game for Los Angeles FC, helping Diego Rossi score the winning goal in a 1–0 victory. On March 10, Vela scored his first goal for the team in a big 5–1 win. On March 31, he became the first player to score in the "El Tráfico" derby against LA Galaxy, scoring two goals in a close 3–4 loss.

In July 2018, fans voted for Vela to be the captain of the MLS team for the 2018 MLS All-Star Game against Juventus. After the previous captain left, Vela was named the new club captain. In November 2018, he was chosen for the MLS Best XI team, which recognizes the best players in the league.

2019 Season: A Record-Breaking Year

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

On March 30, 2019, Vela scored his first three goals (a hat-trick) for LAFC in a big 5–0 win. On July 19, he scored two goals against LA Galaxy, and his first goal was his 20th of the season. This made him the fastest player in MLS history to reach that many goals. He was also voted captain for the 2019 MLS All-Star Game for the second year in a row.

With his goal on July 26, Vela became the highest-scoring Mexican player in MLS history with 36 goals. On August 17, he scored his 24th goal of the 2019 season, which helped LAFC secure a spot in the playoffs. This goal also broke a record for the most combined goals and assists in a single MLS season. On September 25, Vela scored the first goal in a 3–1 win, which meant LAFC won the Supporters' Shield (given to the team with the best regular season record).

On September 29, Vela scored his 31st goal, matching the record for most goals in a single MLS season. He broke that record on October 6 by scoring another hat-trick, finishing the season with a record 34 goals and 15 assists. This earned him the MLS Golden Boot award as the league's top scorer.

In the playoffs, Vela scored two goals and assisted one in a 5–3 win against LA Galaxy. He finished the 2019 season by winning the MLS Most Valuable Player Award for his amazing performances.

Later Seasons with LAFC

On February 18, 2020, Vela played his first professional match against a Mexican club, León, in the CONCACAF Champions League. He scored two goals in the second game, helping LAFC win and move to the next round. On March 1, Vela scored the only goal in LAFC's 1–0 win against new team Inter Miami CF.

In July 2020, Vela did not travel with the team for a tournament because his wife was expecting a baby. He returned in August but got a knee injury that kept him out for a while. When he returned in October, he scored a goal against LA Galaxy, becoming the leading scorer in the "El Tráfico" derby with 10 goals.

In December 2020, Vela scored a penalty in the CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final win against Cruz Azul. He then scored two goals in the semi-final against Club América, helping LAFC become the first MLS team to beat three Mexican teams in the same tournament. LAFC lost in the final, but Vela was included in the competition's best XI for scoring five goals.

In 2021, Vela had some injuries that kept him from playing many games. His contract with LAFC ended after the 2023 season, and his last match was a 2–1 loss in the MLS Cup Final. However, on September 16, 2024, Vela re-signed with Los Angeles FC for the rest of the 2024 season.

International Career with Mexico

Youth Teams

Carlos Vela played in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru, where he helped Mexico win the tournament. He scored three goals in the group stage and Mexico's first goal in the final against Brazil, which Mexico won 3–0. He ended up as the top scorer with five goals, winning the Golden Boot award. Vela also played for Mexico's under-20 team in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Senior National Team

Early Years

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

In 2009, Vela played for Mexico in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He got injured early in the tournament but returned to help Mexico reach the final. In the final against the United States, Vela came on at halftime and helped Mexico win 5–0 by assisting and scoring goals. On October 10, 2009, he scored a goal and assisted another in a World Cup qualifying match, helping Mexico qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Vela scored his first international goal against a European team on June 3, 2010, in a friendly match against Italy. He played in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup against South Africa. However, he got injured in the next game and missed the rest of the tournament.

A Break from the National Team

In September 2010, the Mexican Football Federation suspended Vela and a teammate for six months due to an incident after a game. After his suspension, Vela returned to the national team in March 2011, but that was his last game for three years. He decided not to join the team for several tournaments, including the 2012 London Olympics (which Mexico won) and World Cup qualifiers, for personal reasons.

In February 2014, the new national team coach, Miguel Herrera, met with Vela in Spain to see if he wanted to play for Mexico again. Vela said he wasn't "100 percent mentally ready to represent Mexico," so he did not play in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Return to the Team

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

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

Vela played in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, scoring goals against Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago. He missed the final due to yellow cards, but Mexico won the tournament. He also played in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, assisting a goal against Portugal.

In May 2018, Vela was chosen for Mexico's team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. On June 23, he scored Mexico's first goal in a 2–1 win against South Korea from a penalty kick. This was his first World Cup goal. He played in all of Mexico's group stage matches and their loss in the round of 16. In May 2020, he said that the 2018 World Cup was his last time playing for the national team.

How Carlos Vela Plays

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

Vela is known for being able to "dribble past defenders" and for working well with his teammates to create dangerous attacks. He is a left-footed player, known for his speed, good technique, and ability to see the whole field. While he often plays on the right side of the field, he can also play as a main striker. He is also known for scoring goals by "chipping" the ball over the goalkeeper.

Life Outside Football

Personal Life

Carlos Vela's older brother, Alejandro, was also a professional footballer. Carlos became a father in November 2016 to a son named Romeo, with his Spanish girlfriend Saioa Cañibano. They met when he played for Real Sociedad. In October 2020, they had a daughter named India, and Carlos and Saioa are now married.

Carlos Vela has shared that he is not super passionate about football, saying he 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, which means he is considered a domestic player for MLS team rules.

In January 2025, Vela's home in Malibu was destroyed in a fire, but he and his family were safe.

Media Appearances

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

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

As of match played 27 October 2024

International Appearances and Goals

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				2–1
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

Awards and Achievements

Los Angeles FC

• MLS Cup: 2022
• Supporters' Shield: 2019, 2022

Mexico U17

• FIFA U-17 World Championship: 2005

Mexico

• CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2009, 2015
• CONCACAF Cup: 2015

Individual Awards

• FIFA U-17 World Championship Golden Boot: 2005 (Award for top scorer)
• Real Sociedad Player of the Year: 2011–12, 2013–14
• La Liga Player of the Month: December 2013, November 2014
• MLS All-Star: 2018, 2019, 2022 (Chosen as one of the best players in the league)
• MLS Best XI: 2018, 2019, 2022 (Named among the best 11 players in MLS)
• MLS Player of the Month: March 2019, April 2019, September 2019
• MLS Golden Boot: 2019 (Award for the top scorer in MLS)
• MLS MVP Award: 2019 (Most Valuable Player in MLS)
• Los Angeles FC MVP of the Year: 2018
• Los Angeles FC Goal of the Year: 2018
• Los Angeles FC Goal of the Month: April 2018, May 2023
• CONCACAF Champions League Team of the Tournament: 2020, 2023
• MLS Latino Player of the Year: 2019
• Best MLS Player ESPY: 2022
• The Best of America Best MLS Player: 2019, 2022

See also

In Spanish: Carlos Vela para niños