LAFC has re-signed club legend Carlos Vela through the 2024 season with a club option through 2025.

The 2019 MLS MVP and current league record holder for most goals scored in a season, Vela returns to LAFC as one of the most decorated players in MLS history and the club’s all-time leader in games played (152), minutes (11,194), goals (78) and assists (59). “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, 35, joined LAFC as the first player in club history when he signed as a Designated Player in August 2017 ahead of LAFC’s inaugural 2018 season. He last appeared for LAFC in the 2023 MLS Cup Final on Dec. 9, 2023. “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.” The Mexican international has reserved his place in LAFC and MLS history with scintillating, record-setting performances throughout his career. A four-time MLS All-Star (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), and three-time MLS Best XI selection (2018, 2019, 2022), Vela led LAFC to the 2022 MLS Cup, the 2019 and 2022 Supporters’ Shields, and an MLS-record two appearances in the Concacaf Champions League Final (2020, 2023). He has recorded a goal or an assist in seven of LAFC’s 12 MLS Cup Playoff games.

CARLOS VELA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

  • MLS Cup Champion: 2022
  • MLS Supporters’ Shield Winner: 2019, 2022
  • MLS Best XI: 2018, 2019, 2022
  • MLS All-Star: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
  • MLS Golden Boot: 2019
  • MLS Records:
  • Most goals by one player in a single season (34, 2019)
  • Most combined goals and assists by one player in a single season (49, 2019)
  • Highest goals per game average in a single season (1.10, 2019)
  • Fastest player to score 20 goals in a single season (20 goals in 21 games, 2019)
  • Most goals scored by a Mexican player in MLS.
  • Fastest player in MLS history with 75+ goals and 50+ assists
  • Concacaf Champions League Best XI: 2020, 2023

TRANSACTION: LAFC re-signs forward Carlos Vela through 2024 with a club option through 2025.