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Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
LAFC vs. Club America Club World Cup playoff: Lineups, live updates
LAFC vs. Club America Club World Cup playoff: Lineups, live updates Show Caption Hide Caption Relegation in MLS? Tyler Adams thinks it should be added USMNT and Premiere League player Tyler Adams thinks relegation would make the MLS as a whole more exciting and competitive for the players and fans. Sports Seriously The final berth in the Club World Cup will be settled Saturday night, as LAFC and Club América meet in a playoff at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. As two of Concacaf's top clubs, it is no real shock to see these sides pushing for a place in the Club World Cup. However, the path to this point was unusual: neither team won a berth in a traditional manner, with LAFC in this position thanks to a game it lost in 2023 while Club América was only nominated to participate in this playoff via club rankings. A convoluted case of dual club ownership opened the door, with Club León disqualified by FIFA (a decision later upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport). Hence, this one-game playoff, all to earn the right for a place in Group D at an expanded Club World Cup that begins in just two weeks. Follow along as Pro Soccer Wire provides live updates for the Club World Cup playoff between LAFC and Club América: LAFC: Carlos Vela announces retirement While there haven't been any major chances, Club América — backed by a very vocal wall of yellow-clad supporters at one end of BMO Stadium — has had most of the ball. LAFC has been pinned back into their own end for the most part, with few chances to break out on the counter-attacks that manager Steve Cherundolo has made the team's hallmark. All of these first 10 minutes have been played with a fog of smoke from some pyrotechnics during the pre-game. That has finally cleared in the last few seconds, which is probably good news for LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio blows his whistle, and we're off and running in this Club World Cup playoff between LAFC and Club América. LAFC vs. Club América Club World Cup playoff: Time, TV, and how to watch Time: 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT Location: BMO Stadium (Los Angeles, Calif.) BMO Stadium (Los Angeles, Calif.) TV: TBS (English), TUDN, UniMás (both Spanish) TBS (English), TUDN, UniMás (both Spanish) Streaming: Fubo, Sling TV, DAZN USA (Watch NOW), TUDN app Watch the Club World Cup playoff on Fubo (free trial for new subscribers) LAFC and Club América are playing due to a convoluted series of events that could only happen when you get Concacaf and FIFA together to sort out a new tournament format. Initially, the last four winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup — Monterrey, the Seattle Sounders, Club León, and Pachuca — were set to take places in the Club World Cup. However, Club León and Pachuca share owners, something FIFA said cannot be permitted at the Club World Cup. FIFA eventually decided that León was disqualified, and announced a playoff between LAFC (the team León defeated in the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup) and Club América (the top-ranked Concacaf team in FIFA's rankings for Club World Cup purposes). León, Pachuca, and Costa Rican club Alajuelense all appealed, with Alajuelense arguing that as Central America's top-ranked team, they should be admitted, but all were rejected. That leaves the final spot in Group D up for grabs, with Saturday's winner claiming the place. This LAFC-Club América playoff matters as far as Club World Cup glory, but it will also be a welcome financial boon for the winner. The minimum prize for any team from Concacaf qualifying for the Club World Cup is $9.55 million. The winner between LAFC and Club América will go into Group D, where Club León was initially placed. That will mean matches against Flamengo, Esperance Sportive de Tunis, and Chelsea.
Los Angeles Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
In Los Angeles, Carlos Vela found a home
I still remember the goal that made me feel lucky for living in Los Angeles during the era of Carlos Vela. It was a cool Wednesday night in August 2019, and I was standing in the 200-level section of what is now known as BMO Stadium, trying to process what I had just seen. In the 41st minute of the match against the visiting San Jose Earthquakes, Los Angeles Football Club winger Diego Rossi fed Vela the ball a few yards outside the opponent's box. The Mexico-born player effortlessly avoided a sliding tackle from behind, dribbled past a helpless defender and juked the keeper out of position, who fell to the ground, leaving the goal wide open. Another Quakes defender tried desperately to prevent the inevitable, but Vela easily sidestepped him and casually tapped the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the night, and his 26th of the season. It was the textbook definition of a golazo. LAFC would go on to win 4-0, another victory in the team's historic run to clinch the Supporters' Shield, the first ever piece of hardware for the expansion team. Vela would finish the 2019 season with 34 goals (a single-season Major League Soccer record that still stands), 15 assists and MVP honors, delivering what many consider to be the single greatest individual performance in a season in league history. On Tuesday, Vela, 36, announced his retirement from professional soccer. After nearly two decades of playing in four different countries; after representing Mexico at the international level in 72 matches; and after helping LAFC win two Supporters' Shields and an MLS Cup, Charlie Candle is hanging up his cleats and calling it quits. 'Helping to build LAFC and winning trophies for the club is a highlight of my career,' Vela said via a statement released by the team. 'This club means so much to me and my family, and I am proud of everything we have accomplished together with the great fans of Los Angeles.' LAFC also announced that Vela would remain with the team as a club ambassador. Learning of Vela's retirement made me reflect on the feeling of excitement I felt that evening. I remember pulling up the highlight on YouTube and watching it over and over again. He was a wizard on the pitch, making the impossible look so easy and effortless. With each viewing, my admiration gave way to appreciation. I was thankful that the most gifted footballer in Mexican history was playing in my city, and that I could witness his greatness firsthand. I didn't always feel this way. When LAFC announced in 2017, months before its inaugural season, that Vela would be its first star player, I was disappointed. Like most fans of the Mexican men's national team, I interpreted his decision to leave Spanish club Real Sociedad for a U.S. team with no legacy or history as strictly a business move. Since launching in 1996, MLS has frequently attracted some of the biggest Mexican soccer legends. Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Rafa Marquez, Jorge Campos, Luis Hernandez, Carlos Hermosillo, Hugo Sanchez all played for MLS clubs during the waning years of their careers. Vela, who was 28 at the time, was still in his prime. His successful multiyear stint in La Liga proved that he could go toe to toe with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. I wanted him to stay where he was, or at least move to a bigger European club. I felt that it was his obligation to sharpen his skills against the world's best so that he could give Mexico a better chance at winning the World Cup, or, at the very least, move past the Round of 16 stage of the tournament. Never mind that Vela had already opted out of playing at the 2014 World Cup because of a strained relationship with the Mexican federation for non-soccer reasons. Vela was the chosen one. He was a key member of the Mexico squad that won the 2005 FIFA under-17 World Cup (Vela was the tournament's top goalscorer), and was at one point signed to English Premier League club Arsenal, which saw the young striker/winger as a potential heir to French superstar Thierry Henry. For many, Vela choosing to play in the U.S. felt like a betrayal, and it further legitimized the accusation that Vela was perfectly fine squandering his talent. The prevailing narrative was that he treated soccer as nothing more than a job. The enigmatic footballer didn't help his case by telling the press that he would much rather 'watch a basketball game than a soccer one.' My very strong feelings about what Carlos Vela should do with his career and his life didn't stop me from going to LAFC's home opener months later. Did I think he was slumming it? Absolutely. But he was still in his prime! And it just so happened that the small pond Vela chose to be a big fish in was a few miles from my house. As the season progressed, my curiosity turned into casual interest, which quickly morphed into fandom. I even bought merch, a line I told myself I would never cross. Vela single-handedly made someone who had always looked at MLS with suspicion all of a sudden care about what happened in the league. My biggest soccer loves will forever be Club América and Liga MX, but Vela forced me to make some room in my heart for the black and gold. None of this would have been possible if Vela had mailed it in. In all the times I watched him play, whether in person or on television, I never got the impression that he was going through the motions. He always fought hard for the ball and constantly tried to be the best player on the pitch. It was as if Vela derived pleasure in being a human highlight reel. When LAFC finally won the MLS Cup in 2022, defeating the Philadelphia Union in penalties, it was an overjoyed Vela who lifted the trophy. He didn't look like someone who was just clocking in and out. Vela embraced living in Los Angeles, and Los Angeles immediately embraced him back. I imagine that living in a universe full of stars afforded him some reprieve from the media scrutiny he has been subjected to for two decades. I'm sure it made it easier to love the game. MLS and LAFC are deeply indebted to Vela. His move to L.A. helped an expansion club become one of the best teams in the league, as well as the most valuable soccer franchise in North America. According to Sportico, a news outlet specializing in the intersection of sports and business, LAFC has a $1.2-billion valuation, making it the 16th most valuable soccer franchise in the world. 'From the beginning, Carlos has been more than just a player — he has been the heartbeat, the captain, and the face of LAFC,' John Thorrington, the team's co-president and general manager, said via a statement. 'Carlos arrived in Los Angeles with a shared vision of building something truly special, and he delivered on that promise in every way. From unforgettable goals to historic victories, Carlos helped make LAFC what it is today.' Sounds like the club ought to build Vela a statue. They can certainly afford it. Do I still wish that he had played more for Mexico, or tried to max out his potential in Europe? Absolutely. But I also can't begrudge another Mexican for finding his bliss in our fair city. That would make me a hypocrite. Beginning this week, the Latinx Files will feature a section that highlights new releases that have caught our ear. In fusing Y2K-era bubblegum with racy reggaetón coqueteo, Honduran singer-producer Isabella Lovestory has successfully captured the femme fatale spirit of the modern Latina baddie. She garnered ample buzz for her neo-perreo fusion in 2020's 'Mariposa,' and continues the momentum in her new single 'Gorgeous,' a confidence-boosting track sung in Spanglish. Evoking the slinky pop-adjacent bounce of R&B legends like Aaliyah and Destiny's Child, 'Gorgeous' will appear on Lovestory's upcoming album 'Vanity,' out June 27. — Suzy Exposito Periodically, the newsletter will feature a comic strip from a contributing artist. This week's offering comes courtesy of Julio Salgado, a queer Mexicano-born artist who grew up in Long Beach, Calif. Through the use of art, Salgado has become a well-known activist within the DREAM Act movement. Salgado uses his art to empower undocumented and queer people by telling their story and putting a human face to the issue. How 'Uvalde Mom' director Anayansi Prado captured the heart of a town in trauma The director of new documentary 'Uvalde Mom' spoke with The Times about capturing a Texas community shaken by a mass shooting. In Vietnam, an unlikely outpost for Chicano culture An outpost for Chicano culture in Vietnam attracts community — and occasional concerns among older generations inclined to associate tattoos with gangs. Esai Morales is the bad guy in 'Mission Impossible.' He's embracing it The Brooklyn-born Puerto Rican actor discusses his villainous role in 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,' and speaks on his legacy. For rising corrido star Óscar Maydon, humility is key On the heels of his performance at Chicago's Sueños Festival, the Mexican singer-songwriter talks about his upcoming album, his first headlining U.S. tour and the true meaning of his big hit, 'Tu Boda.'
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Carlos Vela — Not Messi Or Beckham — Is The Best MLS Signing Ever Made
Carlos Vela of LAFC receives the Western Conference Champion trophy following the 2023 MLS Western ... More Conference Final. Carlos Vela may not be as recognizable as David Beckham or as talented as Lionel Messi. His complete body of work in MLS maybe not be as vast as career MLSers like Landon Donovan or Chris Wondolowski. But we consider his legacy in the aftermath of his official retirement from professional soccer on Tuesday, this much is clear: He is the best MLS signing ever made. Before you protest, remember that the question of the 'best' – i.e. how well it turned out relative to realistic expectations – does not mean the most important. It's hard to debate with Messi and Beckham being the most influential acquisitions in MLS history. But the reason you sign a Beckham or a Messi as an MLS club is that their statures pretty much guarantees a transformational impact, even if you're not exactly sure what shape it will take. By contrast, while LAFC was widely praised for making Carlos Vela their first official signing in the summer of 2017 – months before he would make his MLS debut in the 2018 season – it was anything but certain that he would prove to be the perfect foundational piece for one of the league's best clubs. While Vela came to LA with plenty of high-pressure experience at CD Guadalajara, Arsenal and the Mexico national team, he also did so with a bit of an enigmatic reputation. Fairly or not, there were often questions about his competitive desire. And his introverted nature and contentious relationship with the Mexican press in particular may have added fuel to those questions. And in LA, he was going to be asked to be the face of a franchise, in a market with an enormous Mexican-American population that was well acquainted with his reputation as an erratic genius of sorts. Further, he was parachuting into a situation where his new club had to be the plucky, feisty newcomers against the more established LA Galaxy, and win over doubters who had seen Chivas USA try and fail to be a legitimate crosstown rival. While it was clear from the start that LAFC's ownership would be willing to make big splashes, that alone is never a guarantee of MLS success. Just look at the first few seasons for Toronto FC, Seattle Sounders or Inter Miami, who all entered MLS with big goals but took considerable time to realize them. But most of all, nothing in his previous numbers suggested his 2018-19 level of audacious and relentless production. He was already four years removed from his last double-digit goals season by the time he suited up for LAFC. Even factoring in for the considerable step down in quality, no one would've ever predicted he'd score 34 times and add 15 assists in 2019 to earn arguably the most obvious MLS MVP honor ever awarded. And after a career in which he was always more of a scorer than provider, as he began to be more limited physically into his 30s, he embraced trying to be more of a creator in the latter stages of his LAFC careeer. That allowed him to remain an integral part of the team that finally won LAFC's first MLS Cup in 2022 to complete a domestic double after taking the Supporters' Shield earlier that year. It wasn't note perfect – there were frustrations in the pandemic season of 2020 in particular – but it was astoundingly close. And while there is some disappointment among LAFC followers that he only won those three major honors in their first five seasons, that if anything speaks volumes of how successful he was in his most essential role, as the foundation of a new football culture. Aside from founding league members, no other MLS club has combined to the MLS Cup and/or Supporters' Shield three times in its first five seasons. Yes, Messi and Beckham will leave a wider MLS legacy. But perhaps Vela's imprint on the league should be larger. Only a couple teams can attract a Messi or a Beckham, while far more have a shot at wooing a player like Vela: someone still on the south side of 30, with a few prime years left to give before evolving into an elder statesman and eventually an off-the-field club embassador. Ultimately, its those kinds of acquisitions who build the deepest relationships between clubs and their supporters. And forcing more of those bonds is just as important in the business of league building as is attracting the best and brightest stars.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Honour and a privilege' – Arsenal cult hero, 36, announces retirement after record-breaking career
The Mexican hit a hat-trick on his full Gunners debut - after waiting three years for a start GUNNER GO 'Honour and a privilege' – Arsenal cult hero, 36, announces retirement after record-breaking career CARLOS VELA has announced he is retiring from football aged 36. The Mexican striker spent the first seven years of his two-decade career at Arsenal. 3 Carlos Vela has announced his retirement from football Credit: Getty 3 The former Arsenal striker was a cult hero at the Emirates Credit: AFP 3 Vela scored a hat-trick on debut after being made to wait three years for his debut Credit: PA:Press Association Vela was signed by the Gunners from Mexican side Guadalajara's youth team in 2003. It took THREE years for the club to get the forward a work permit, resulting in several loans to Spain. Vela would become a cult hero at the Emirates, appearing in 62 games and scoring 11 goals. He began his Arsenal career in stunning fashion, netting a hat-trick on his debut in a 6-0 win over Sheffield United in 2008. Vela was dubbed a "world class striker" by then boss Arsene Wenger - only for his Gunners career to stall in spectacular fashion. He made just three starts over the next three seasons. And it wasn't until a move to Real Sociedad in 2012 that Vela rediscovered his scoring touch. The 36-year-old netted 73 times in 250 games for the Spanish club. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK And he became Los Angeles FC's first-ever signing in 2017, becoming even more prolific over the pond. Vela's time in the MLS has seen him become the face of LAFC. Ex-Arsenal star Carlos Vela's Malibu home destroyed in LA wildfires as his stunned wife shares emotional message In 2019, he netted 34 goals in 31 games, by far the best return of his pro career. After seven years in California, he has decided to call it quits after failing to find a new club as a free agent. Vela said in a statement: "Throughout my career, I have experienced very special moments, but the time has come to officially retire from professional soccer. "There are not enough words to express my gratitude to my family, all the clubs that gave me a chance, and the fans for their support and affection. "It has been an honour and a privilege to share my career with all of you." Antoine Griezmann, who played with Vela at Real Sociedad, responded: "I love you very much, Carlitos, thank you for your friendship." While Mexican stopper Guillermo Ochoa added: "An honour to share the field with you, always a legend! You'll be missed on the pitch."
