Carlos Vela, LAFC Icon, Announces Retirement, Transitions to Ambassador Role

Carlos Vela, the face of Los Angeles FC (LAFC) since their inception, has announced his retirement from professional soccer after a stellar 19-year career. The 35-year-old Mexican forward,a transformative figure for the club and Major League Soccer (MLS),will transition into an honorary role as LAFC’s first “Black and Gold Ambassador.”

Vela’s impact on LAFC is undeniable. He joined the club in August 2017 as their first Designated Player, before their inaugural MLS season in 2018, and quickly became a cornerstone of the team’s identity and success. Think of him as LAFC’s version of David Ortiz with the boston Red Sox – a player who arrived and instantly elevated the franchise.

LAFC will honor Vela on september 21st at BMO Stadium during their match against Real Salt Lake, a game officially designated “Carlos Vela’s Night.” His final appearance for the club was October 27, 2024, in a playoff match against vancouver.

Building the LAFC from scratch and winning titles with this club is the most notable thing that has happened to me in my career. This team means a lot to me and my family. I am proud of what we achieved with our unbelievable fans. This new stage excites me.
Carlos Vela, in a statement released by LAFC

A Legacy Etched in Black and Gold

Vela leaves LAFC as the club’s all-time leader in games played (152), minutes played (11,194), goals scored (78), and assists (59). His influence extends beyond statistics; he embodied the club’s ambition and helped cultivate a passionate fanbase.

his 2019 season was especially remarkable. Vela was named MLS MVP after scoring a league-record 34 goals in the regular season. That year, he also set a record for goal contributions (goals plus assists) with 49 and maintained an astonishing average of 1.10 goals per game. To put that in viewpoint, it’s like a baseball player hitting .400 – a truly remarkable feat.

Vela captained LAFC to the 2022 MLS Cup title, as well as Supporters’ Shield wins in 2019 and 2022, and the U.S. open cup in 2024. he also led the team to two Concacaf Champions League finals (2020 and 2023).His individual accolades include four MLS All-Star selections (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022) and three selections to the MLS Best XI (2018, 2019, 2022).

Carlos has been more than a player: he has been the heart, captain and face of this club. He fulfilled his promise to do something special in Los Angeles and helped make theFC a worldwide recognized institution.
John Thorrington, LAFC Co-President and General manager

Beyond los Angeles: A Global Career

Born in Cancun, Mexico, Vela represented his country 72 times, scoring 19 goals and playing in the 2010 and 2018 World Cups. Before joining LAFC, he honed his skills in Europe, playing for Arsenal in England and later for Salamanca, Osasuna, and West Bromwich Albion.He enjoyed a successful stint with Real Sociedad in Spain, where he played over 200 games between 2011 and 2017 and was twice named the club’s player of the year.

Vela is one of only 13 players in MLS history to surpass 75 goals and 50 assists, and the only one to achieve this milestone in just six seasons. In 2022, he became the third-fastest player to reach 100 goal contributions, doing so in just 98 games.

What’s Next for LAFC?

Vela’s retirement undoubtedly leaves a void in LAFC’s lineup and leadership. The team will need to find a way to replace his offensive production and on-field presence. However, his continued involvement as an ambassador provides a valuable link to the club’s history and fanbase. It will be interesting to see how LAFC uses the Designated Player spot freed up by vela’s departure. Will thay target another high-profile international star, or will they invest in developing young talent?

One potential area for further investigation is the long-term impact of Vela’s ambassador role. How will he be involved in player recruitment, community outreach, and brand building? His experience and popularity could be invaluable assets for LAFC as they continue to grow and compete in MLS.

While some might argue that LAFC’s success was solely dependent on Vela, the team has consistently demonstrated a strong organizational structure and a commitment to developing a competitive roster. His departure presents an chance for other players to step up and assume leadership roles. The challenge for LAFC will be to maintain their winning culture and continue to contend for championships in the post-Vela era.