Biography
Who is Carlos Vela?
Early life and beginnings
Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido was born on March 1, 1989, in Cancún, Mexico. His parents are Enrique Vela, who worked as an iron welder, and Nella Garrido, a homemaker. Growing up, his father encouraged his interest in sports and enrolled him in local football teams. His first club was called Ko Cha Wolis, a name derived from the Mayan language meaning Kicking Round Ball.
During his childhood, Carlos participated in both basketball and football. At the age of 12, his father instructed him to focus exclusively on one sport, leading him to choose football. He eventually joined the youth system of C.D. Guadalajara in 2003 after scouts spotted his potential during a tournament in Cancún. Although he signed with Guadalajara, he did not make a professional appearance for the club's first team.
Career in Europe
After showing his skills at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, Carlos attracted attention from European clubs. He signed a five-year contract with Arsenal in November 2005. Because of work permit restrictions for non-EU citizens, he was initially loaned out to Spanish clubs, including Salamanca and Osasuna. He gained experience in the Spanish Segunda División with Salamanca, contributing to many of their goals during the 2006–07 season.
He eventually received a work permit in 2008, allowing him to play for Arsenal in the Premier League. He made his competitive debut in August 2008 and later scored a hat-trick in a League Cup match against Sheffield United. Over time, he experienced loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Real Sociedad. In 2011, he joined Real Sociedad, where he spent six seasons, played 250 matches, and scored 73 goals. His performance for the club secured his reputation as a skilled foreign player.
Major League Soccer and national team
In January 2018, he moved to Los Angeles FC. During his tenure there, he achieved significant success, including winning the Supporters' Shield and the Landon Donovan MVP Award. He set a league record by scoring 34 goals in a single season. In 2022, he helped his team win another Supporters' Shield and the MLS Cup. He announced his retirement from professional football in 2025.
On the international stage, Carlos debuted for the Mexico senior national team in 2007 during a match against Brazil. He participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2018 World Cup. Throughout his international career, he experienced periods of absence from the squad but returned to represent his country in major tournaments such as the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Physical details
Carlos Vela stands at 177 centimeters tall. His zodiac sign is Pisces.
Birthday and age
Carlos Vela was born on March 1, 1989, which makes Carlos 37 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Carlos shares the date with 67 other famous people.
Explore more









