Mexican Striker’s 19-Year Career Comes to an End
Carlos Vela, the Mexican footballer, officially announced his retirement from professional football on May 27, 2025. The news came as no surprise, given that he had only played four minutes with his last team, Los Angeles FC, between 2024 and 2025.
Vela expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, “Throughout my career, I have experienced special moments, but it is time to officially retire from professional football. There are not enough words to express my gratitude to my family, all the clubs that gave me opportunities, and the fans for their support and affection. Thank you.”
He also shared a 30-second video showcasing the jerseys of all the teams he played for and the trophies he won, from his early days at Chivas’ youth academy to Los Angeles FC.
A Successful Career Spanning Nearly Two Decades
Born in Cancun, Quintana Roo, 36 years ago, Vela joined Los Angeles FC in 2018 as a franchise player with the aim of becoming the face of a newly born club in Major League Soccer (MLS).
With 12 years of experience in European clubs, including Salamanca, Osasuna, Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, and Real Sociedad, Vela not only became the club’s media reference but also its captain and historical leader in appearances (152), minutes played (11,194), goals (78), and assists (59).
The United States allowed him to live a more tranquil life, closer to his true passion: basketball. He balanced this calmness with his retirement from the Mexican National Team in May 2019.
“A Shared Vision Came to Fruition”
John Thorrington, co-president and general manager of the California team, praised Vela’s contributions: “Carlos arrived in Los Angeles with a shared vision of building something special, and he fulfilled that promise in many ways. With unforgettable goals and historic victories, he helped turn LAFC into what it is today.”
Vela will continue to be part of the club, now as an ambassador: “In his new role, he will help us grow the brand, strengthen our connection with fans, and continue inspiring the next generation of players.”
A Nearly Two-Decade Legacy
Carlos Vela’s name first appeared in the public eye in 2005 when he was part of Mexico’s golden generation that won the first U-17 World Cup title for Mexico in football, in the under-17 category in Peru.
Vela won the Golden Boot at that World Cup for being the top scorer, while his attacking partner, Giovani Dos Santos, won the Silver Ball as the second-best player in the tournament.
Interestingly, Vela never played in Mexico’s first division. He was developed in Chivas’ youth academy, and his performance at the 2005 U-17 World Cup led to his purchase by the prestigious Arsenal, managed at the time by French coach Arsène Wenger.
However, he was loaned to Spain to adapt to European football with Salamanca and Osasuna. He only played for Arsenal’s first team in 2008, then moved to West Bromwich in England, but his best moment came when he returned to the Spanish circuit with Real Sociedad.
There, he formed a duo with French striker Antoine Griezmann and played crucial roles in the team’s return to the Champions League in the 2013-14 season, ending a 10-year absence.
Vela also finished that season in the top 6 of LaLiga’s goal-scoring and top 5 for assists, yet ironically, he declined to play for the Mexican National Team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, despite coach Miguel Herrera’s efforts to include him.
Although he had already played in a full World Cup with Mexico in South Africa 2010, he returned to that stage only in Russia 2018 under coach Juan Carlos Osorio. He scored against South Korea in the group stage and was part of the team eliminated by Brazil in the round of 16. This marked his last appearance with the Mexican national team.
That same year, his transfer to the United States’ football scene took place, and his name became synonymous with what could have been, especially due to the expectations of playing more times for the national team.
The question remains unanswered, as Vela brought his 19-year professional career to a close in 2025, having played 561 games and scored 188 goals in total.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Carlos Vela? Carlos Vela is a Mexican professional footballer who announced his retirement in May 2025 after an 19-year career.
- What teams did Carlos Vela play for? Vela played for Chivas’ youth academy, Salamanca (Spain), Osasuna (Spain), Arsenal (England), West Bromwich Albion (England), and Real Sociedad (Spain). He also played for Los Angeles FC in the MLS.
- Why did Carlos Vela retire? Vela decided to retire from professional football after playing only four minutes with Los Angeles FC between 2024 and 2025. He wanted to pursue other passions, like basketball, and spend more time with his family.
- What were some of Carlos Vela’s achievements? Vela won the Golden Boot at the U-17 World Cup in 2005, played in Europe for 12 years, and became a key player and captain for Los Angeles FC in the MLS. He scored 188 goals in his professional career.
- What will Carlos Vela’s role be with Los Angeles FC after retirement? Vela will continue to be part of the club as an ambassador, helping grow the brand and inspire future players.
