Vela’s LAFC lift MLS Cup: how many Mexicans have won US league title?
Since Major League Soccer’s creation in 1996, several Mexican players - and one assistant coach - have been part of a title-winning campaign.
Los Angeles FC edged out Philadelphia Union on penalties in a dramatic MLS Cup final on Saturday - a victory that earned Black and Gold captain Carlos Vela his first major club trophy at the age of 33. Vela becomes the fifth Mexican player or coach to win the men’s league title in US soccer.
Jorge Campos
On MLS’ inception in 1996, league chiefs sought to bring in renowned players to boost the tournament’s prestige, and one of the first to arrive was goalkeeper Jorge Campos. During his time in the States, ‘El Brody’ played for Los Angeles Galaxy and Chicago Fire, winning the 1998 MLS Cup in his time in the Windy City.
Carlos Vela
Vela signed for LAFC in 2017, but it was not until 2018 that the Angelinos made their debut in the MLS. After five years at Banc of California Stadium, the Chivas Guadalajara youth product has ended his club silverware drought and lifted the American league trophy.
Efraín Juárez
After hanging up his boots, Juárez was given the opportunity to work as an assistant coach at New York City FC. In 2021, the former Pumas player helped the Boys in Blue to their first MLS championship.
Jorge Villafana
The Mexican-American had a brief stint in the Liga MX with Santos Laguna, but after struggling for playing time he decided to move to the US to join Portland Timbers. In 2015, the Timbers secured their maiden league title with a 2-1 win over Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup final.
Hérculez Gómez
The attacker of Mexican descent performed well for Puebla in the Liga MX, but is best remembered for his displays in MLS. Gómez, who won 24 caps for the US national team, won the championship in 2005 with the Galaxy and in 2016 with the Sounders.
