Carlos Vela

Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkaɾ.los ˈβe.la]; born 1 March 1989) is a Mexican former professional footballer. A versatile offensive player, Vela could be deployed as a forward, winger, and attacking midfielder.

Vela began his career at Mexican club Guadalajara, where he caught the eye of several European clubs after finishing as the top scorer at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, ultimately joining Premier League club Arsenal that year. After joining Arsenal, he had loan spells at Spanish clubs Salamanca and Osasuna, as well as at English club West Bromwich Albion, before settling at Real Sociedad in 2011, initially on loan and then permanently the following season. In his six-year spell with La Real, Vela played in 250 matches and scored 73 goals. He is widely regarded as one of the best foreign players ever to play for the club. In January 2018, he joined Los Angeles FC, winning the Supporters' Shield and the MLS Golden Boot in his second year, and setting a new league record for most goals in a season, with 34. He was also voted Most Valuable Player. In 2022, Vela would win a second Supporters' Shield as well as lift the MLS Cup, before announcing his retirement in 2025.

Vela made his debut with the senior Mexico national team in 2007 in a friendly match against Brazil, and scored his first goal for his country in a friendly against Guatemala. He participated in Mexico's CONCACAF Gold Cup victory in 2009, and participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Vela rejected all subsequent call-ups for more than three years, including friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, and various major tournaments including the 2014 FIFA World Cup, citing various reasons for his refusals. In November 2014, Vela made his return to the national team and participated in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2018 World Cup.