Brief Introduction of Carlos Vela
Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido is a Mexican former professional footballer renowned for his versatility as a forward, winger, and attacking midfielder. He is widely recognized for his exceptional skill, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess, particularly during his time with Real Sociedad in La Liga and as a record-breaking player for Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer (MLS). His career is highlighted by a FIFA U-17 World Championship victory with Mexico, where he won the Golden Boot, and numerous individual accolades in MLS, including an MVP award and the single-season goal-scoring record.
Carlos Vela Overview
| Full Name | Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido |
| Date of Birth | March 1, 1989 |
| Age | 36 years old |
| Place of Birth | Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico |
| Family | Wife: Saioa Cañibano; Children: Romeo (son), India (daughter); Brother: Alejandro Vela |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Profession | Former Professional Footballer |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20 million |
Early Life and Education of Carlos Vela
Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido was born on March 1, 1989, in Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico, to Enrique Vela and Nella Garrido. His father, a former semi-professional footballer whose career was cut short by injury, played a pivotal role in nurturing his son’s early interest in the sport. Vela’s older brother, Alejandro, also pursued a career as a professional footballer. As a child, Vela was enrolled in local football teams, with his first club being Ko Cha Wolis, a name that translates to “Kicking Round Ball” in Mayan. During his school years, he also developed a passion for basketball, leading to conflicts between his coaches, which eventually led him to focus solely on football at the age of 12. In 2001, at the age of 13, his talent was spotted by scouts from C.D. Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s most prestigious clubs, leading him to join their youth academy in 2003.
Carlos Vela’s Career
Youth Career and Rise to Prominence
Vela’s career began to take shape at the Guadalajara youth academy. His international breakthrough came at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru, where he was instrumental in Mexico’s victory. Finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, he earned the prestigious Golden Boot and dedicated the award to his father. This stellar performance attracted the attention of numerous European clubs, and he ultimately signed with Premier League club Arsenal in 2005.
European Journey: Arsenal and Spanish Sojourn
Due to work permit restrictions in England, Vela’s initial years with Arsenal were spent on loan at various Spanish clubs. He had loan spells with Celta Vigo, Salamanca, and Osasuna, gaining valuable experience in Spanish football. He made his competitive debut for Arsenal in 2008 and showcased his potential with a memorable hat-trick in his first start against Sheffield United in the League Cup. Despite moments of brilliance, he struggled to secure a regular starting position at Arsenal and was later loaned to West Bromwich Albion. A subsequent loan to Real Sociedad in 2011 proved to be a turning point. Vela found his form and became a key player for the Basque club, leading to a permanent transfer in 2012. During his six-year spell with Real Sociedad, he made 250 appearances and scored 73 goals, becoming a fan favorite and twice being named the club’s Player of the Year.
Major League Soccer Dominance with LAFC
In August 2017, Vela embarked on a new chapter, signing as the first Designated Player for the newly formed Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dominant and influential players. The 2019 season was a historic one for Vela, as he set a new MLS record for most goals in a single season with 34, earning him the MLS Golden Boot and the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award. He led LAFC to the Supporters’ Shield that year and again in 2022, culminating in an MLS Cup victory in the same season. Over his time with LAFC, Vela became the club’s all-time leader in games played, goals, and assists.
International Career with Mexico
Vela made his senior debut for the Mexico national team in 2007 and scored his first international goal in a friendly against Guatemala. He was part of the Mexican squads that won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2009 and 2015. He also represented his country in the 2010 and 2018 FIFA World Cups. However, his international career was also marked by periods of self-imposed exile due to disagreements with the national federation.
Carlos Vela Personal Life & Family
Carlos Vela is married to Saioa Cañibano, a Spanish sports reporter he met during his time at Real Sociedad. The couple has two children: a son named Romeo, born in November 2016, and a daughter named India, born in October 2020. Vela is known for valuing his family life and has often spoken about the importance of their support. Interestingly, despite his profession, Vela has openly stated that he is more passionate about basketball than football, and would prefer watching a basketball game.
Awards and Achievements of Carlos Vela
| Award/Achievement | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| FIFA U-17 World Cup | 2005 |
| FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Boot | 2005 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 2009, 2015 |
| Real Sociedad Player of the Year | 2011–12, 2013–14 |
| MLS Cup | 2022 |
| MLS Supporters’ Shield | 2019, 2022 |
| Landon Donovan MLS MVP | 2019 |
| MLS Golden Boot | 2019 |
| MLS Best XI | 2018, 2019, 2022 |
| MLS All-Star | 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 |
Carlos Vela Net Worth and Income
As of recent estimates, Carlos Vela’s net worth is approximately $20 million. His wealth has been accumulated through his salaries from top-tier football clubs, including Arsenal, Real Sociedad, and LAFC, as well as various endorsement and sponsorship deals. During his time at LAFC, he was one of the highest-paid players in the league, with a contract worth around $4.5 million per year.
Legacy and Influence
Carlos Vela has left an indelible mark on the world of football, particularly in Mexico and the United States. In MLS, he is regarded as one of the most talented and impactful players in the league’s history, having shattered records and elevated the profile of LAFC and the league as a whole. His success has inspired a new generation of players and has been instrumental in connecting LAFC with a passionate fanbase. Despite a sometimes-strained relationship with the Mexican national team, his talent is widely acknowledged, with many considering him one of the most gifted Mexican players of all time. Off the pitch, he is known for his humility and dedication to his family.
Interesting Facts about Carlos Vela
- He is an avid basketball fan and has stated he prefers watching it over football.
- His older brother, Alejandro Vela, is also a professional footballer.
- He appeared as a guest star in a Mexican soap opera.
- Vela enjoys playing the guitar in his spare time.
- He is a self-proclaimed foodie and enjoys exploring different cuisines.
Controversies
Vela’s career has not been without controversy, most notably his relationship with the Mexican national team. In 2010, he and a teammate were suspended for six months following a party after a friendly match. Subsequently, he declined several call-ups to the national team for personal reasons, leading to a three-year absence. This has led to debates among fans and pundits about his commitment to representing his country, though Vela has always maintained his decisions were personal and professional.
Social Media Presence
Carlos Vela maintains a presence on social media, though he is not as active as some other high-profile athletes. His wife, Saioa Cañibano, has a significant Instagram following of over 220,000, where she often shares glimpses of their family life.
Final Words about Carlos Vela
After a decorated career, Carlos Vela officially announced his retirement from professional football. His final club was LAFC, where he left a lasting legacy as a record-breaker and a champion. While he had offers to continue playing, none reignited his competitive drive. In recognition of his immense contributions, LAFC has appointed him as a club ambassador. His journey from a promising young talent in Cancún to a global football icon is a testament to his exceptional skill and unique approach to the beautiful game.
