Carlos Vela Retires from Professional Soccer After 19 Years

Los Angeles, CA — Carlos Vela, the most iconic figure in LAFC history, announced his retirement from professional soccer on May 27, 2025, after a remarkable 19-year career. The 35-year-old Mexican forward will step away from the field but will remain connected to the club as the first Ambassador of the Black and Gold, a honorary role representing the team he helped build.

LAFC will honor their former captain on September 21 at BMO Stadium during a match against Real Salt Lake, a game dubbed “Carlos Vela Night.” Vela’s last appearance for LAFC was on October 27, 2024, during the postseason against Vancouver.

“Building LAFC from the ground up and winning titles with this club is the most significant thing that has happened in my career,” Vela said in a statement released by the team. “This team means a lot to me and my family. I am proud of what we achieved together with our amazing fans. I look forward to this new chapter.”

Vela became the first player in LAFC history when he was signed as a Designated Player in August 2017, before the club’s MLS debut in 2018. He made a profound impact on the LA club, becoming its all-time leader in games played (152), minutes played (11,194), goals (78), and assists (59).

In 2019, Vela was awarded the MLS Most Valuable Player after scoring a record 34 goals during the regular season, a record that still stands. He also set another mark with an average of 1.10 goals per game

Known as ‘The Bombardero,’ Vela led his team to win the MLS Cup in 2022, the Supporters’ Shield in 2019 and 2022, and the U.S. Open Cup in 2024. He also guided LAFC in two CONCACAF Champions League finals in 2020 and 2023, and was named to the MLS All-Star team four times (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022).

“Carlos has been more than a player: he has been the heart, the captain, and the face of this club,” said John Thorrington, LAFC co-president and general manager. “He fulfilled his promise to do something special in Los Angeles and helped make LAFC a recognized institution around the world.”

LAFC’s principal owner, Bennett Rosenthal, also shared his appreciation, saying, “The grace and style with which he played will always be in the hearts of our fans. We are excited to know that he will continue to be part of the LAFC family.”

Born in Cancun, Mexico, Vela represented the Mexican national team 72 times, scoring 19 goals and participating in the 2010 and 2018 World Cups. At the club level, he began his career in Europe with Arsenal and had stints with Salamanca, Osasuna, and West Bromwich Albion, before shining with Real Sociedad, where he played over 200 matches between 2011 and 2017 and was named Player of the Year twice.

Vela is one of only 13 players in MLS history to surpass 75 goals and 50 assists, achieving it in just six seasons. In 2022, he became the third fastest player to reach 100 goal contributions in MLS history.