Latest news with #Vela
Los Angeles Times
3 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.'
Scottish Sun
5 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."
Ammon
5 days ago
- Sport
- Ammon
Former MLS MVP Carlos Vela announces retirement
Ammon News - Former Major League Soccer MVP Carlos Vela announced his retirement Tuesday. The 36-year-old Vela spent the previous seven seasons with Los Angeles FC, which signed the Mexican forward as its first designated player in 2017 before the expansion club had played a game. Vela became LAFC's leader in goals (78), assists (59) and games played (152) in a career highlighted by his MVP season in 2019, during which he set an MLS record with 34 goals. LAFC won the MLS Cup in 2022 and earned Supporters' Shield trophies in 2019 and 2022 during Vela's tenure. 'Helping to build LAFC and winning trophies for the club is a highlight of my career,' Vela said in a statement. '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. I am excited to begin this next chapter in my journey here in LA.' Vela's contract with LAFC ran out after the 2023 season, and he remained unsigned until last September, when he rejoined the club for the playoff stretch. But Vela played only four minutes as a substitute in one playoff game, and LAFC did not re-sign him for the current season. Vela and his family live in Los Angeles, and the club named him its first Black & Gold Ambassador while announcing his retirement. In his new role, Vela will 'help us grow the LAFC brand, strengthen our connection with supporters, and continue to inspire the next generation of players,' general manager John Thorrington said. A Cancún native, Vela began his youth career with Chivas before moving to Arsenal as a 16-year-old prospect in 2005. He spent much of his Arsenal tenure on loan to several Spanish clubs before landing at Real Sociedad, where he played for six years before joining LAFC. Vela was one of MLS' best players for his first several seasons with LAFC, earning four All-Star selections and three spots in the MLS Best XI. He was the fastest player in MLS history to compile 75 goals and 50 assists in his career, and he is the top Mexican goal-scorer in league history. 'From the beginning, Carlos has been more than just a player — he has been the heartbeat, the captain and the face of LAFC,' Thorrington said. '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.' Vela played for Mexico at the World Cup in 2010 and 2018, but he also feuded with El Tri's management at times, leading to long stretches away from the national team. Vela declared himself retired from international football in 2020.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Former Arsenal, Sociedad attacker Vela retires
FILE PHOTO: Nov 8, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LAFC forward Carlos Vela (10) warms up before a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images/File Photo REUTERS Former Arsenal and Real Sociedad attacker Carlos Vela has retired from professional soccer after a career spanning 19 years, the 36-year-old said on Tuesday. Vela graduated from Arsenal's youth setup and made his senior debut during a loan spell at Spanish side Salamanca. He made 29 Premier League appearances for Arsenal before having a seven-year stint at LaLiga club Sociedad. At ease as a forward, attacking midfielder or out wide, Vela also made 72 appearances for Mexico, winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup twice. "Throughout my career I have experienced some very special moments, but the time has come to officially retire from professional football," he wrote on Instagram. "It has been an honour and a privilege to share my career with all of you." After moving to Los Angeles FC in 2018 Vela helped the Major League Soccer side win the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup. He scored 34 goals during the 2019 MLS season, a league record, and is the all-time leader in goals, assists and appearances for the club. "He has been the heartbeat, the captain, and the face of LAFC," club co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a statement. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Former Arsenal, Sociedad attacker Vela retires
FILE PHOTO: Nov 8, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LAFC forward Carlos Vela (10) warms up before a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images/File Photo (Reuters) -Former Arsenal and Real Sociedad attacker Carlos Vela has retired from professional soccer after a career spanning 19 years, the 36-year-old said on Tuesday. Vela graduated from Arsenal's youth setup and made his senior debut during a loan spell at Spanish side Salamanca. He made 29 Premier League appearances for Arsenal before having a seven-year stint at LaLiga club Sociedad. At ease as a forward, attacking midfielder or out wide, Vela also made 72 appearances for Mexico, winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup twice. "Throughout my career I have experienced some very special moments, but the time has come to officially retire from professional football," he wrote on Instagram. "It has been an honour and a privilege to share my career with all of you." After moving to Los Angeles FC in 2018 Vela helped the Major League Soccer side win the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup. He scored 34 goals during the 2019 MLS season, a league record, and is the all-time leader in goals, assists and appearances for the club. "He has been the heartbeat, the captain, and the face of LAFC," club co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a statement. (Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru;Editing by Peter Rutherford)
