Carlos Vela Retires from Professional Football and Becomes LAFC Ambassador

Carlos Vela – former Mexico national team and LAFC forward –has officially retired from professional football, as revealed on his Instagram account.

“Throughout my career, I’ve experienced very special moments, but the time has come to officially retire from professional football,” Vela wrote.

From pitch to ambassador: LAFC honors a legend

Now aged 36, Vela’s contract with LAFC expired last year after a short return in October 2024. In a tribute to his contributions, LAFC appointed him as the club’s first-ever ambassador.

During his time in Major League Soccer, Vela led LAFC to:

• MLS Cup title in 2022

• Supporters’ Shields in 2019 and 2022

His individual milestones include:

• 2019 MLS Golden Boot

• 2019 MLS MVP

• A record 34 goals in a single MLS season

European journey and national team legacy

A product of the Chivas Guadalajara academy, Vela made his mark in Europe, playing for:

• Arsenal

• Salamanca

• Osasuna

• West Bromwich Albion

• Real Sociedad

With the Mexico national team, Vela earned 72 caps and scored 19 goals between 2007–2018, including participation in the 2010 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.

“Helping to build LAFC and winning trophies for the club is a highlight of my career,” said Vela in LAFC’s official announcement.