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Los Angeles Times
a day 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.'
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
14 Weird Celebrity Photos From The '00s And '10s
Some celebrity photos are iconic and others are so bizarre, they feel like they were generated by an AI robot with flair. I scavenged the internet to find some of the strangest, unhinged celebrity pics out there — and trust me, they did not disappoint. Here are 14 of the strangest celebrity photos that honestly feel made up (but aren't): Simon Cowell holding Hello Kitty toast backstage at the 2002 Teen Choice Awards. TV's crankiest talent judge holding a piece of toast with Hello Kitty's face on it is the crossover event we never expected. Pre-Transformers Megan Fox getting a caricature at the World of Disney Store opening. How 2004 of her. Jack Black taking a breezy bike ride to the Late Night with David Letterman show in 2005. In true Jack Black fashion, he rolled up in boxers and sandals, giving New York commuters the most unforgettable pre-show entrance ever. This photo of Zac Efron taking a hugeeee leap of faith during a 2006 High School Musical press event in Australia. The cast was posing together, but Zac? He took it to the next level—literally—by launching himself into the air. It's giving "Troy Bolton's final form." Noah Centineo this pose is, at the 2019 Midsommar screening. Justin Bieber holding a comically large tennis racket at the 2009 Arthur Ashe Kids Day. This is peak 2000s energy. Nicki Minaj eating a turkey leg while performing on Good Morning America in 2011. The bright outfit and the sheer power stance lives rent-free in our minds. Sharon Osbourne losing a tooth on live TV. During a 2020 episode of The Talk, Sharon's dental implant literally popped out mid-conversation. She laughed it off and kept going like it was just another day — iconic, unbothered, and just a little bit unhinged. Ariana Grande cementing her hands for her 2011 track "Put Your Hearts Up." Why Grande did this to promote her debut single, we'll never understand. But honestly, what's more random than casting your hands in cement for a bubblegum pop song you'll eventually disown? Will Ferrell casually holding a falcon. As part-owner for the Los Angeles Football Club, Will Ferrell participated in pre-game rituals by holding the team's falcon mascot in 2019. Just another day in the life. Steve Carell dressing as Gru on The Ellen Show in 2017. We all knew Steve Carell voiced the iconic villain in Despicable Me, but seeing him fully commit to the role with prosthetics and a bald cap? That's next-level dedication. Adam Sandler showing up to the 2025 Oscars in full dad attire is the kind of Academy Awards energy we didn't know we needed — and honestly? He's starting the "Adam Sandler Core" movement and we're so here for it. Miley Cyrus "posing" at Jingle Ball 2013 is We're not quite sure what, but we do know that the Bangerz era was truly unmatched for its peak chaos. Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian visiting an Australian children's hospital in 2006. The fact that there's almost no context to these pics online makes this trio feel all the more like a fever dream. So, did you find these photos just as random as I did? Have you seen some of these chaotic moments before, or did they unlock a new core memory? Let us know in the comments below! Anddddd as always, be sure to follow Buzzfeed on TikTok and Instagram for even more unhinged celeb content just like this!✨
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sia and Dan Bernard's Relationship Timeline: From Parenthood to Divorce
Sia and Dan Bernard were married for two years before they called it quits. Us Weekly confirmed in March 2025 that Sia filed for divorce, citing 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for their split. The pair's date of separation was listed one day before she filed. The documents revealed that she and Bernard share a baby, Somersault Wonder, who was born in 2024. (Sia is also mom to two sons whom she adopted as teens who were aging out of the foster care system in 2019.) The court documents list Sia and Bernard's wedding date as December 2022, despite news of their marriage breaking in May 2023 when they held an intimate ceremony in Italy. She was previously married to Erik Anders Lang from 2024 to 2016. 'After much soul searching and consideration we have made the decision to separate as a couple,' the pair told Us in a statement at the time. 'We are, however, dedicated to remaining friends. There will be no further comment.' Years later, Sia shared that her first divorce 'really threw me for a loop.' She added during a September 2023 interview on Apple Music 1 with Zane Lowe, 'That was such a dark time that I was in bed for three years, really, really severely depressed. And so I couldn't really do anything for that period of time.' Scroll down to see their relationship from the beginning: Sia and Bernard were first linked when they walked the red carpet for the premiere of West Side Story. Bernard's identity was unknown at the time since he and Sia hid their faces behind colorful face masks and black sunglasses. Sia shared a picture with Bernard via Instagram when they attended the Los Angeles Football Club match. 'Pride forever! #lgbtqia+ #LAFC #22👀❤️ also just finished my next album! A great day all round!' she captioned a series of photos, including one of her and Bernard at the stadium. Sia Marries Dan Bernard in Small Wedding Ceremony in Italy: Details Sia's divorce docs listed her and Bernard's wedding date as December 2022. News broke in May 2023 that Sia and Bernard exchanged vows at fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's villa in Portofino, Italy. The venue was the same location where Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker wed one year prior. Us confirmed that Sia filed for divorce from Bernard. At the time, Sia requested legal and physical custody of Somersault Wonder but was open to Bernard receiving visitation rights.
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Express Tribune
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's home burglarized amid South American spree
Actress Nicole Kidman and musician Keith Urban's Los Angeles residence was burglarized on Valentine's Day, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation. Authorities reported that the break-in involved forced entry, with burglars ransacking the home and breaking glass, though it is not yet known whether any property was stolen. Representatives for Kidman and Urban did not immediately return a request for comment on Tuesday night. The incident occurred around the same time that Beverly Hills police arrested three individuals allegedly connected to burglaries linked to South American crews. The arrests followed a vehicle pursuit and crash near Rodeo Drive, a prominent shopping area in the city. In a related investigation, the Beverly Hills Police Department revealed that in January, five suspects were arrested in connection with a series of burglaries spanning multiple California locations. The investigations covered incidents in Glendale, San Marino, Los Angeles, Burbank, Pleasanton, Bakersfield, Ventura County, Orange County, and San Mateo County. Authorities have not confirmed any connection between these arrests and the South American crews' activities, although jail records indicate that at least one suspect is Colombian. The burglary at Kidman and Urban's home adds to a spate of high-profile break-ins targeting celebrity residences. On Feb. 5, the Southern California home of Los Angeles Football Club forward Olivier Giroud was burglarized, with police reporting that a significant amount of jewelry and valuables was taken. Additionally, residences belonging to NFL and NBA stars, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and NBA player Luka Dončić, have been targeted in recent months, prompting law enforcement agencies to issue warnings. Investigators are continuing their work to determine whether the incidents are part of a larger trend of high-end home burglaries. Authorities urge local residents to remain vigilant as investigations continue to uncover links to organized crime.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
L.A. home of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban burglarized on Valentine's Day
The home of actress Nicole Kidman and musician Keith Urban was burglarized on Valentines Day, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation. The break-in of their Los Angeles residence on Friday included ransacking and breaking glass, the source said. It was not immediately clear what — if any — property may have been taken. No other details were immediately available. Representatives for Kidman and Urban did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night. The break-in happened about the same time as Beverly Hills police arrested three people allegedly connected to burglaries carried out by South American crews. The arrests followed a vehicle chase and subsequent crash near the city's famed retail strip, Rodeo Drive, authorities said. In January, the Beverly Hills Police Department arrested five suspects in connection with a string of burglaries in their city, as well as in other California locations, including Glendale, San Marino, Los Angeles, Burbank, Pleasanton, Bakersfield, Ventura County, Orange County and San Mateo County, according to a statement. Police did not say those arrests were connected to investigations of South American crews. At least one of the suspects is Colombian, according to jail records. It was not immediately clear if the Beverly Hills incidents are connected to the break-in at the home of Kidman and country star Urban, a Hollywood couple that has nearly a dozen top awards together — Oscars and Grammys — in their respective fields. On Feb. 5, the Southern California home of Los Angeles Football Club star forward Olivier Giroud, member of the French National Team that won the 2018 World Cup, was burglarized, a law enforcement source familiar with that crime said. Thieves made off with what the source described as "a significant amount" of jewelry and other items. It wasn't yet known if that case could be connected to the South American spree or other celebrity home break-ins. South American crews have been targeting high-end homes from coast to coast for burglaries, authorities have said. This year alone, arrests connected to investigations of the crews have been made in Ohio and New York City. On Dec. 9 a break-in took place at the home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who was in Texas at the time, leading the Bengals to a 27-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Three men, all from Chile, were indicted this month in that burglary. Residences of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, as well as those of the NBA's Luka Dončić, Bobby Portis and Mike Conley Jr., have been burglarized in recent months, according to authorities, sources and documents. The NFL and the NBA in November issued memos warning players about the break-ins, some of which happened while they were at work on the road. This article was originally published on
