Carlos Vela's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 27, 2025

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

Carlos Vela is a Mexican former professional footballer known for his versatility as a forward, winger, and attacking midfielder. He last played for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer. Vela is recognized for his offensive capabilities and adaptability on the field, making him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2005: Top Scorer at FIFA U-17 World Championship

In 2005, Carlos Vela finished as the top scorer at the FIFA U-17 World Championship, leading to interest from European clubs and ultimately joining Arsenal.

2005: FIFA U-17 World Championship Victory

In 2005, Carlos Vela helped Mexico win the FIFA U-17 World Championship, held in Peru. He finished as the tournament's top scorer with five goals, claiming the Golden Boot.

July 2009: 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup

In July 2009, Carlos Vela represented Mexico at the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He returned from an injury and scored the winning penalty against Costa Rica to send them to the final. He also played in the final against the United States where Mexico won 5-0.

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

On January 20, 2014, Carlos Vela was announced as the La Liga Player of the Month for December due to his performances.

May 2014: Scored Against Granada

On May 5, 2014, Carlos Vela scored in the 1–1 draw against Granada. He was also nominated at the season's LFP Awards for the Best Forward in the league, and voted by fans as Best Player of the Season.

November 2014: Vela Scores Twice on Return to National Team

In November 2014, after a three-year absence, Carlos Vela accepted a call-up from Miguel Herrera to the national team for friendly matches against the Netherlands and Belarus. On November 12, he scored twice on his return as Mexico defeated the Dutch 3–2 at the Amsterdam Arena.

2015: Breaking Sebastian Giovinco's Record

In 2019, Carlos Vela broke Sebastian Giovinco's 2015 MLS single-season record of most combined goals and assists.

April 2017: 200th League Match for Real Sociedad

In April 2017, Carlos Vela played his 200th league match for Real Sociedad in a 3–1 victory against Sporting de Gijón. He also became the foreign player with the second-most appearances for the club behind Darko Kovačević.

July 2018: Captain in the 2018 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, which they lost 5–3 in penalties after a 1-1 tie.

November 2018: Named in MLS Best XI of 2018

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

March 2019: 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: Captain for 2019 MLS All-Star Game

Carlos Vela was voted as captain for the second consecutive season via social media for the 2019 MLS All-Star Game against Atlético Madrid.

2019: Record-Breaking Season and MLS Golden Boot

In 2019, Carlos Vela equaled and surpassed records for goals and combined goals/assists in a single MLS season, clinching the playoffs and Supporters' Shield with LAFC. He finished the season with a record 34 goals and 15 assists, earning him the MLS Golden Boot award. With a goal on July 26, 2019 he drew level with Erick Torres as the highest scoring Mexican in MLS history with 36 goals.

2019: MLS MVP Award and Playoff Performance

In 2019, Carlos Vela scored twice and assisted once in a playoff win against the LA Galaxy but LAFC was eliminated in the Western Conference Finals. Vela won the MLS Most Valuable Player Award and finished in the global top ten of goalscorers with 38 goals.