50 Facts About Carlos Vela

Early Life and Beginnings

Carlos Vela's journey to football stardom began in the vibrant city of Cancún, Mexico. His early years were filled with passion for sports, setting the stage for an illustrious career.

1. Carlos Vela was born on March 1, 1989, in Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
2. His father, Enrique Vela, was an iron welder and a semi-professional footballer who had to retire due to a torn ligament injury.
3. Vela's first club was Ko Cha Wolis, which translates to "Kicking Round Ball" in Mayan.
4. In school, Vela played both basketball and football, causing conflicts between his coaches.
5. At age 12, his father made him choose between basketball and football, and Vela chose football.

Scouting and Early Career

Vela's talent didn't go unnoticed. Scouts from top clubs soon came calling, and his career began to take off.

6. José Luis Real of C.D. Guadalajara's youth system sent scouts to Cancún in 2001, where Vela caught their eye.
7. Vela joined Guadalajara in 2003 after being seen during a local competition in Ciudad Victoria.
8. Despite joining Guadalajara, he never received a call-up to the club's first-team squad.
9. Vela won the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship with Mexico and finished as the top scorer with five goals.
10. This achievement led to his signing with Guadalajara, with the club agreeing to help relocate his family from storm-stricken Cancún.

Move to Europe

Carlos Vela's skills soon attracted the attention of European clubs, leading to a significant move to Arsenal.

11. Vela signed with Arsenal in November 2005 on a five-year deal for a £125,000 fee that rose to £550,000 after he played 50 first-team games.
12. English work permit restrictions for non-EU citizens prevented him from playing in England, so Arsenal loaned him to Spanish club Celta Vigo in February 2006.
13. Vela was then sent to Spanish Segunda División club Salamanca on loan for the 2006–07 season, where he scored eight goals.
14. After Salamanca, he went on loan to Osasuna, scoring his first goal for the club on October 31, 2007, against Real Betis.
15. Vela returned to Arsenal in 2008 but saw limited first-team action, playing in just 29 league games and 62 matches overall.

Success in Spain

Finding a home in Spain, Vela's career flourished at Real Sociedad.

16. Vela joined Real Sociedad on loan and then on a full-time basis in 2012.
17. He quickly became one of the best forwards in Spain's top league, twice being selected as the team's MVP.
18. In the 2013-14 campaign, Vela scored 16 goals in 37 league games and 21 in 52 matches overall.
19. In 2014, he graded better in La Liga than Lionel Messi.
20. Vela's natural talents fit perfectly at Real Sociedad, making him a fan favorite.

International Career

Vela's international career with Mexico has been marked by both triumphs and controversies.

21. Vela has represented the Mexican national team in multiple international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
22. He won the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship with Mexico.
23. Vela made iconic debuts, scoring a hat-trick in his first start for Arsenal and twice in his return to the Mexican national team against the Netherlands.
24. In 2010, he was involved in a party incident with the Mexican national team, leading to a six-month ban and a fine.
25. Vela returned to the national team in 2014, scoring twice in a 3-2 win over the Netherlands.

Move to LAFC

In 2017, Vela made a significant move to the United States, joining Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC).

26. Vela's transfer to LAFC marked a new chapter in his career, quickly becoming a vital player for the team.
27. He made history in Major League Soccer (MLS) by breaking the record for the most goals scored in a single season.
28. Vela's versatility on the field allows him to excel in various positions, including striker, winger, and attacking midfielder.
29. Known for his sportsmanship and fair play, Vela has earned respect from fellow players, coaches, and fans.
30. On March 4, 2020, LAFC announced that Vela had obtained a green card, qualifying him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Off the field, Vela's life is filled with family and philanthropic efforts.

31. Carlos Vela became a father in November 2016 to a son named Romeo with his Spanish then-girlfriend Saioa Cañibano.
32. He became a father for the second time in October 2020 to a daughter named India, also with Saioa, whom he married.
33. Vela actively engages in philanthropic efforts, using his platform to support charitable causes.
34. He has a large following on social media, where he shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life and interacts with fans.
35. Vela attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his family.

Achievements and Legacy

Carlos Vela's career is filled with numerous milestones and achievements, making him a beloved figure in football.

36. Vela has been honored with numerous individual awards, including the MLS MVP Award and being named the Best Mexican Player of the Year.
37. He appeared on the North American front cover of the FIFA 11 video game along with Kaká and Landon Donovan.
38. During the 2019 MLS season, Vela appeared in a Target commercial alongside LAFC teammate Adama Diomande and other MLS players.
39. In the CONCACAF Champions League, Vela scored against Leon, Cruz Azul, and Club America, helping LAFC become the first MLS side to beat three Mexican teams in the same tournament.
40. Despite injuries and the pandemic, Vela was named in the Team of the Tournament in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Iconic Moments

Vela's career is marked by unforgettable moments and iconic goals that have left a lasting impact on fans.

41. Vela's hat-trick on his first start for Arsenal remains one of his most memorable performances.
42. His late goal for Real Sociedad against Sevilla is another iconic moment in his career.
43. Vela's return to the Mexican national team after a four-year absence included scoring twice in a 3-2 win over the Netherlands.
44. His record-breaking season in MLS showcased his exceptional goal-scoring ability.
45. Vela's versatility on the field allows him to excel in various positions, making him a valuable asset to any team.

Influence and Popularity

Carlos Vela's influence extends beyond the football pitch, making him a beloved figure in both Mexico and the United States.

46. Vela has become a fan favorite in both Mexico and the United States, captivating audiences with his speed, sportsmanship, and versatility.
47. His dedication to making a positive impact on society through philanthropic efforts is a testament to his character.
48. Vela's large following on social media allows him to engage with fans and build a strong connection with his audience.
49. His family's support has been a crucial factor in his success, and he often expresses gratitude for their encouragement.
50. Vela's legacy in football is one of versatility, talent, and dedication, inspiring countless fans with his sportsmanship and fair play.

Carlos Vela's Lasting Impact

Carlos Vela's journey from a young talent in Cancún to a global football icon is nothing short of inspiring. His versatility on the field, from scoring goals to creating opportunities, has made him a standout player. Vela's career has seen him shine in clubs like Arsenal, Real Sociedad, and LAFC, breaking records and earning accolades along the way. Off the field, his sportsmanship and dedication to philanthropy have earned him respect and admiration. Despite some controversies, Vela's resilience and passion for the game have always shone through. His legacy in football is marked by his incredible skill, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. As fans, we can only look forward to more unforgettable moments from this remarkable player. Carlos Vela's story is a testament to hard work, talent, and the love of the beautiful game.