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An LAFC legend is returning to BMO Stadium.
On Monday, the team announced that Carlos Vela, the franchise’s all-time leader in goals, assists, games played and minutes played, is returning to the club he helped built into an MLS powerhouse. Vela is signed with LAFC for the remainder of this season with a club option for the 2025 season.
“Carlos has played such an instrumental role in the success we have enjoyed at LAFC both on and off the field,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. “He means so much to our club, our fans and our city. It was important to everyone involved to have him return to LAFC, and we are thrilled that he will be back in Black & Gold.”
Vela was not on LAFC’s roster to begin the season as the two sides were unable to come to terms on a new contract. Reports during the season indicated that the San Jose Earthquakes came the closest to signing Vela, but a potential move to Northern California apparently never materialized. Now Vela will be back in an LAFC shirt to help the team in its push for the top spot in the Western Conference and another MLS Cup title. In fact, Vela could earn another trophy for LAFC as early as next Wednesday, as LAFC is hosting Sporting Kansas City for the US Open Cup title.
“Los Angeles and the LAFC fans are very important to me and my family,” Vela said. “LAFC is a special club, and I am proud of what we have built here. I am excited to return to LAFC and try to help the team achieve great things in any way that I can.”
Vela returns to a franchise that he is the leader in virtually every statistical category. Vela is the franchise’s leading goal scorer (78), assists (59), games played (152) and minutes (11,194). Vela’s best season came in 2019, as he won the MLS golden boot with 34 goals, won the MVP award and led LAFC to the Supporters Shield title that season. Vela’s efforts finally truly paid off in 2022, as in addition to leading LAFC to another Supporters Shield title, LAFC won that elusive MLS Cup title.
