Los Angeles FC celebrated club legend Carlos Vela with a special tribute at BMO Stadium, honoring their first-ever signing and most iconic star for his record-breaking achievements, including an MLS Cup and two Supporters’ Shields.
Los Angeles FC paid a glowing tribute to Carlos Vela on Saturday night, staging an emotional ceremony to honor the Mexican superstar’s legacy as the face of the club’s rise in Major League Soccer.
A Night for LAFC’s First Icon
The former Mexico international, who retired in May 2025 at the age of 36, was celebrated at BMO Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd during LAFC’s clash with Real Salt Lake.
Supporters draped the stadium in black-and-gold No. 10 shirts, while the 3252 supporters’ group unveiled a massive tifo featuring Vela’s image and a message of gratitude. Chants of “Carlos Vela!” echoed through the stands as the forward, joined by his family, stepped onto the pitch to a hero’s welcome.
A Meeting of Legends
In one of the standout moments of the night, Vela embraced LAFC’s newest star Son Heung-Min, who had spoken earlier in the week about his admiration for the Mexican forward. The symbolic meeting marked a passing of the torch, with Son now set to carry LAFC’s ambitions forward.
A Record-Breaking Career in MLS
Vela’s resume speaks volumes:
- 2019 MLS MVP & Golden Boot with a record 34 goals in a single season
- Four-time MLS All-Star (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022)
- Three-time MLS Best XI selection
- Led LAFC to the 2022 MLS Cup and two Supporters’ Shields (2019, 2022)
- Guided the club to back-to-back Concacaf Champions League finals (2020, 2023)
- Remains LAFC’s all-time leader in matches played, goals, assists, and minutes
He also etched his name in MLS history as the only player to record 75 goals and 50 assists within six seasons.
Beyond MLS: A Career That Spanned Continents
Before becoming LAFC’s first signing, Vela rose through Chivas’ academy before joining Arsenal and making his name in Europe with Real Sociedad, where he scored 54 goals in La Liga. For Mexico, he netted 19 goals in 72 appearances, playing at two World Cups and several major tournaments.
A Perfect Ending: LAFC’s Big Win
The tribute night ended in fitting fashion as LAFC defeated Real Salt Lake 4-1. After falling behind early, Denis Bouanga struck a hat-trick, with Son Heung-Min also on target to cap off the evening. The win pushed LAFC into fourth place in the Western Conference, strengthening their playoff push.
For LAFC fans, though, the night belonged to one man. Carlos Vela’s impact on the club and on Major League Soccer was summed up best by the words on the giant tifo: “Gracias, Capitán.”
