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Carlos Vela: The Legacy of the Best Mexican Player to Ever Play in MLS
Carlos Vela: The Legacy of the Best Mexican Player to Ever Play in MLS Carlos Vela announced his retirement from professional soccer on May 27. His career in MLS will be viewed as one of the best by a Mexican international. For many, both on the national team and in public perception, Vela represents Mexico's unfulfilled soccer potential. And one night, he said 'goodbye.' Carlos Vela hung up his boots at the age of 36. The Mexican international had played for Chivas, Arsenal, Salamanca, Osasuna, West Bromwich Albion, Real Sociedad, and LAFC. Like Gio Reyna of the United States men's national team today, Vela was seen by Mexican pundits as a player with world-class potential. Despite his unquestionable ability, he didn't find a true home until landing at Real Sociedad. Advertisement By the time Vela arrived in MLS with LAFC — a club he helped launch by becoming the face of the franchise — he had already been written out of the Mexican national team, more due to his own personal choice than his on field form. Whatever the circumstances surrounding Vela as a player and national team star, at the MLS level, he was nothing short of fantastic. He was exactly the kind of player the league needed to succeed and shift the narrative surrounding previous Mexican stars in MLS. Vela: The Best Mexican Player to Play in MLS On paper, Vela's numbers are unmatched when it comes to Mexican players in MLS, or Designated Players in general. He was an MLS Cup winner, a two-time Supporters' Shield winner, and a U.S. Open Cup winner with LAFC. Advertisement Individually, he was named to three MLS Best XI teams, won the MLS MVP in 2019, and also took home the Golden Boot that year. He was a four-time All-Star and a two-time CONCACAF Champions League Best XI selection. He also holds the record for most goals scored in a single MLS season (34 in 2019), and he was the fastest player in MLS history to reach 75 goals and 50 assists. Off the field, Vela gave LAFC a strong connection to the Mexican fanbase looking for an alternative to the LA Galaxy. LAFC aimed to capture the hearts of Los Angeles' urban community, and Vela was the face of that effort. He was also surrounded by young talent, including Diego Rossi and Eduard Atuesta. Vela became the first player to score in the El Tráfico derby against the LA Galaxy, netting the first two goals in a game remembered for Zlatan Ibrahimović's incredible debut. Vela finished his debut season with 15 goals. Advertisement In 2019, Vela had the best season of his MLS career, and one of the best in league history, scoring 38 goals in 36 games across all competitions. That season included his first MLS hat trick, which came in a 5–0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. Vela is the all-time leading scorer in El Tráfico with 12 goals and delivered countless jaw-dropping moments. One of his most memorable goals came against San Jose in August 2019, when he weaved through multiple defenders and slipped past the goalkeeper before calmly slotting the ball home. In total, Vela scored 93 goals in 187 matches for LAFC, playing injured in two of those seasons. When compared to other big-name Mexican stars, only Cuauhtémoc Blanco and Jorge Campos — each for different reasons — come close in terms of delivering on all fronts in MLS, both in performance and in drawing crowds. Advertisement The league has seen its share of high-priced Mexican disappointments, including Rafa Márquez, Luis Hernández, Carlos Hermosillo, and more recently Giovani dos Santos and Chicharito Hernández. A Passion for the Game To many Mexican pundits, Vela's Achilles' heel was his 'lack of passion' for the game. It's one of the reasons often cited for why he never reached an even higher level. Vela himself admitted he never had the burning obsession for soccer that drives players like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. For him, soccer was a job, not a lifelong passion. That mindset shaped his career. He showed moments of brilliance — perhaps most notably in the 2013-14 season with Real Sociedad, where he had 28 goal contributions, the fifth-most in La Liga — but lacked the relentless drive to dominate year after year in Europe. And in the brutal world of elite sports, that missing edge can make all the difference. Advertisement At 29, still at the peak of his powers and capable of competing in top European leagues, Vela chose a different path — one of balance, lifestyle, and personal happiness. To many in Mexico, choosing MLS was a fatal mistake and a growing trend among the country's top talents: a reluctance to truly test themselves at the highest levels. Carlos Vela and the Mexican National Team: The Big 'What If'Vela was once seen as the future of Mexican soccer: A gifted forward with European pedigree and rare creativity. But after a fallout with the Mexican Football Federation in 2010, his relationship with the national team grew distant. Vela began skipping call-ups, citing personal reasons and mental fatigue. Advertisement What followed was a series of high-profile absences: the 2011 Gold Cup, the 2013 Confederations Cup, and, most notably, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. In each case, the decision to stay away was his — not due to injury or exclusion. Those years marked a golden window for Mexico, and Vela's absence was always felt. Under Miguel Herrera, the team played bold, attacking soccer, but lacked a player with Vela's vision and calmness in the final third. His skill set might have made the difference in matches that slipped away, like the heartbreaking loss to the Netherlands in 2014. Fans could only imagine what a Vela-Chicharito partnership might have accomplished on the world's biggest stage. When Vela finally returned for the 2018 World Cup, he delivered, scoring in Mexico's group stage win against Korea. But by then, the narrative had shifted. He was no longer seen as the face of a generation, but rather as a gifted outsider who had passed on too many chances to lead. Advertisement Vela's story with Mexico isn't one of failure, it's one of detachment. In choosing distance over devotion, Vela gave up the opportunity to become a national icon. Instead, he remains one of the sport's most fascinating 'what ifs.' Maybe MLS and LAFC saw the very best version of Carlos Vela. And while some may criticize him for spending prime years in MLS, Vela was a star for a segment of fans that the league had long tried to attract. Say what you will about him, but in the halls of MLS and LAFC, Vela is one of the best to ever do it. When Vela was happy, he delivered. And in LA, he was at peace.
Reuters
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Crew sign Daniel Gazdag to extension through 2027
May 7 - The Columbus Crew signed midfielder Daniel Gazdag to a contract extension through 2027 on Wednesday. The deal includes an option for 2028 for the 29-year-old Designated Player from Hungary. The Crew acquired Gazdag from the Philadelphia Union last month in a cash exchange worth up to $4.5 million. "We are pleased to reach this agreement with Daniel and secure his long-term future with the club," said general manager Issa Tall. "Since he arrived in Columbus last month, we have seen first-hand Daniel's talents as a player and his great presence in the locker room, and we are thrilled that he will remain a part of our Club for years to come." He has featured in three MLS matches (two starts) since joining Columbus but has yet to dent the score sheet. "I am very happy to have signed a new contract with the Crew," Gazdag said. "As my family and I settle into our new home, I can fully focus on what I am here for, which is to win games and titles with the Crew!" Gazdag departed Philadelphia as the club's all-time leading scorer with 72 goals in 161 appearances across all competitions from 2021-25. He made the MLS Best XI in 2022. --Field Level Media
Reuters
11-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Union trade M Daniel Gazdag to Crew for up to $4.5M
April 11 - The Columbus Crew acquired midfielder Daniel Gazdag from the Philadelphia Union on Friday in exchange for up to $4.5 million. The Union receive $4 million guaranteed and up to an additional $500,000 if certain performance metrics are met by the 29-year-old Hungarian, who departs as Philadelphia's all-time leading scorer. "We are thrilled to add a high-impact player of Daniel's pedigree to our team. He is an experienced player who has proven to be one of the top players in our league over the past few years," Crew general manager Issa Tall said. "His high soccer IQ, work ethic on and off the ball, and competitive spirit will be a great addition to our team. "Daniel's profile is one we were looking for to complement our current group, and we are excited to see him get started in the Black & Gold." Gazdag recorded 59 goals and 20 assists while playing more than 10,000 minutes in 125 matches (115 starts) since joining the Union in 2021. He has two goals and two assists in six matches this season. Gazdag was an MLS Best XI selection in 2022, leading the Union to the MLS Cup Final that season with 22 goals in 34 matches. "Daniel's contributions to the club have been invaluable," Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said. "Since joining the Union, he has been an integral part of the team's success, and we are deeply grateful for everything he has done for the organization. "At this time, we believe this move is in the best interest of both the club and player. The financial flexibility it provides will allow us to further invest and strengthen our roster, while also providing opportunities for other players who we are confident can step in to the role. Additionally, this gives Daniel the opportunity to pursue what makes the most sense for him in the next chapter in his career. We know Daniel will continue to find great success, and we wish him nothing but the best." Gazdag played for eight seasons with Budapest Honved FC in Hungary's top league before coming to MLS. Gazdag will occupy a Designated Player roster spot for Columbus. He is under contract through 2025 with an option for 2026. His offense will help the Crew overcome the February departures of forward Cucho Hernandez to La Liga's Real Betis and forward Christian Ramirez to the LA Galaxy. The first opportunity for Gazdag to face the Union will be on May 10 when Columbus visits Chester, Pa. The move opens up a Designated Player spot for Philadelphia, which previously sold midfielder Jack McGlynn to the Houston Dynamo for $3.4 million in February. --Field Level Media
Reuters
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Reports: Crew to acquire Daniel Gazdag from Union
April 9 - The Columbus Crew are finalizing a deal to acquire midfielder Daniel Gazdag from the Philadelphia Union, multiple media outlets reported Wednesday. It is not immediately known what the Union will receive in return for Gazdag, who has two goals and two assists in six matches this season. Gazdag, 29, led the Union with 17 goals last season and has 59 to go along with 20 assists during his 125 career matches (115 starts) with Philadelphia since joining the club from Hungary's Honved. He made the MLS Best XI in 2022. Gazdag, who is one of three Designated Players on the Union roster, is playing on the last guaranteed year of his contract. Philadelphia holds a team option for 2026.
Reuters
28-02-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
CF Montreal acquire Canadian GK Emil Gazdov
February 28 - CF Montreal signed Canadian goalkeeper Emil Gazdov through 2026 with options for 2027 and 2028. The MLS club acquired the 21-year-old on a transfer Friday from Canadian Premier League club Pacific FC. "We are happy to sign this young player to complete our trio of Canadian goalkeepers," Montreal president and CEO Gabriel Gervais said. "Emil is a mature player who has progressed well since his debut. He is an imposing goalkeeper with a lot of potential. We are looking forward to having him in Montreal." Gazdov posted 12 clean sheets in 41 matches over the past three seasons with Pacific, earning CPL Goalkeeper of the Year and Best XI honors in 2024. A product of the Vancouver Whitecaps academy, Gazdov signed his first professional contract with Pacific in June 2020. He was on loan with Bundesliga club FC Nurnberg's academy from 2020-22.
