Carlos Vela

• Full name: Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido
• Date of birth: March 1, 1987
• Place of birth: Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
• Nationality: Mexican
• Primary position: Forward / Winger
• Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
• Club (notable): Los Angeles FC (Major League Soccer)
• Los Angeles FC tenure: 2018–2023
• Notable achievements with LAFC:
  • MLS Cup: 2022
  • Supporters' Shield: 2019
  • MLS Golden Boot: 2019 (tied)
  • MLS MVP (Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award): 2019
  • MLS is Back Tournament Golden Boot and Best XI: 2020
• International career: Mexico national team (debut 2007) — represented Mexico in multiple CONCACAF Gold Cups, Copa América tournaments and the 2010 FIFA World Cup; scored important goals for Mexico but had intermittent national-team involvement after 2018.
• Playing style: Creative forward/winger known for dribbling, vision, finishing, and set-piece ability; often played on the right wing cutting inside onto his stronger left foot.
• Career highlights (selected clubs):
  • Early development at Guadalajara (Chivas) youth academy
  • Signed by Arsenal (2005) — multiple loan spells in Spain with Celta Vigo and Salamanca
  • Real Sociedad (2007–2012) — important breakthrough in La Liga
  • Atlético Madrid (loan 2011) — brief spell
  • Los Angeles FC (2018–2023) — club-record signing and franchise icon
• Legacy: Widely regarded as one of the best Mexican players of his generation and a transformative figure for LAFC and MLS during his time in the league.

This summary highlights Carlos Vela's identity, club career (with emphasis on Los Angeles FC), international career, playing style, and main honors.