MLS
Carlos Vela agrees LAFC return: when was the last time he played a game?
The Mexican star returns to Los Angeles, where he previously won an MLS Cup and two Supporters’ Shields.
Carlos Vela has agreed to return to LAFC nine months after leaving the club, according to GiveMeSport’s MLS insider Tom Bogert. The 35-year-old hasn’t played for another team since his departure last December.
The re-signing of Vela will strengthen an already talented roster, with French World Cup winners Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud having joined since the Mexican forward last played. Fellow attacker Denis Bouanga, who scored 38 goals in all competitions lining up beside Vela in 2023, remains at the club.
Vela hasn’t played a professional game of soccer since December 9 last year, when LAFC were beaten by Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup. Following the expiry of his contract last winter, the former Arsenal player could have joined any other team as a free agent, but has ultimately agreed to return to Los Angeles before the MLS roster freeze.
Carlos Vela’s LAFC record
In his first spell with LAFC, Vela scored 93 goals and provided 54 assists in 187 appearances in all competitions in six years. He led the team to the MLS Cup in 2022, as well as two Supporters’ Shields (2019 and 2022), and was named MLS MVP in 2019, when he netted 34 times in only 31 league games.
Per Bogert on X: “LAFC and club legend Carlos Vela have agreed to a contract, sources tell GiveMeSport. Vela has been without a club since his LAFC contract expired in the winter. The MLS roster freeze is today. The last day eligible for Vela to return.”
Vela to boost LAFC’s MLS Cup push
As it stands, LAFC are second in the Western Conference standings, four points behind city rivals the LA Galaxy, although they have played two games fewer. They are fifth in the race for the Supporters’ Shield, 11 points adrift of leaders Inter Miami, with a game in hand.