Carlos Vela's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Carlos Vela.

Carlos Vela is a Mexican professional footballer known for his versatility in offensive positions, including forward, winger, and attacking midfielder. He most recently played for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer. Vela is recognized for his skill and contributions to the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2005: Won FIFA U-17 World Championship

In 2005, Carlos Vela and his brother Alejandro were with Guadalajara when he won the FIFA U-17 World Championship with Mexico, finishing as the top scorer.

2005: Vela Wins Golden Boot at FIFA U-17 World Championship

In 2005, Carlos Vela played in the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru, helping Mexico win the tournament. He scored five goals and finished as the top scorer, claiming the Golden Boot.

July 2009: Vela represents Mexico at 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup

In July 2009, Carlos Vela represented Mexico at the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He sustained an injury early in the opener against Nicaragua but recovered to play in the semi-finals against Costa Rica, scoring a penalty. In the final against the United States, Mexico won 5-0 with Vela assisting multiple goals and scoring one himself.

2009: CONCACAF Gold Cup Victory

In 2009, Carlos Vela participated in Mexico's CONCACAF Gold Cup victory.

January 2014: La Liga Player of the Month Award

On January 20, 2014, Carlos Vela was announced as the La Liga Player of the Month for December after his performances against clubs such as Real Betis, Granada, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.

May 2014: Scored 20th Goal of the Season

On May 5, 2014, Carlos Vela scored in the 1–1 draw against Granada, marking his 20th goal of the season in all competitions. He was also nominated for the Best Forward award in La Liga.

November 2014: Vela accepts call-up and scores twice against the Netherlands

In November 2014, after a three-year absence, Carlos Vela accepted a call-up and scored twice in Mexico's 3–2 victory against the Netherlands.

2015: Sebastian Giovinco's MLS Record

In 2015, Sebastian Giovinco set the MLS single-season record for most combined goals and assists, which was later broken by Carlos Vela in 2019.

April 2017: Vela's 200th League Match for Real Sociedad

In April 2017, Carlos Vela played in his 200th league match for Real Sociedad during the side's 3–1 victory against Sporting de Gijón, also becoming the foreign player with the second-most appearances for the club.

March 2018: Vela debuts with Los Angeles FC and scores first goal

In March 2018, Carlos Vela debuted with Los Angeles FC, providing an assist in a 1–0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC. Later in March, Vela scored his first goal with Los Angeles in a 5–1 win against Real Salt Lake. At the end of March, Vela also became the first player to score in the El Tráfico derby against LA Galaxy.

July 2018: Vela Captains MLS All-Star Game

In July 2018, Carlos Vela was voted to captain the MLS side in the 2018 MLS All-Star Game against Juventus.

November 2018: Vela named into MLS Best XI of 2018

In November 2018, Carlos Vela was named into the MLS Best XI of 2018.

March 2019: Vela scores first hat-trick with LAFC

In March 2019, Carlos Vela scored his first hat-trick with LAFC in their 5–0 away win against the San Jose Earthquakes.

2019: Vela's record-breaking season

In 2019, Carlos Vela equaled Erick Torres as the highest-scoring Mexican in MLS history. He broke Sebastian Giovinco's 2015 MLS single-season record of most combined goals and assists and broke Josef Martínez's record for most goals in a single MLS season, finishing the season with a record 34 goals and 15 assists, earning him the MLS Golden Boot award.