Carlos Vela is Back at LAFC

Carlos Vela isn’t just a player; he’s the heart and soul of LAFC. And no, that’s not an exaggeration. Since he first pulled on that black and gold jersey in 2018, Vela quickly became the face of the club. The numbers speak for themselves: 93 goals in 187 matches, two Supporters’ Shields, and one MLS Cup. Not to mention his mind-blowing 2019 season, where he racked up 34 goals and 19 assists—numbers neither Messi nor Beckham could match in this league. But can Vela’s return really put LAFC back on top, or are we watching the twilight of a star?

Time hasn’t exactly been kind to some players, but even at 35, Vela still shows he’s got something left in the tank. Last season, he managed nine goals and seven assists, playing just over 2,000 minutes. And let’s be honest, for someone already being treated like a free agent, that’s still a solid performance. That said, it's obvious that today’s Vela isn’t the same one who used to dominate MLS fields a few years ago.

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If you’re wondering whether LAFC made the right call in bringing Vela back, the answer is hidden in plain sight. His contract was renewed right before the transfer window closed, and that timing wasn’t accidental. For LAFC, having a big name like Carlos Vela is more than just an on-field strategy. Even if he’s not as explosive as he once was, Vela still has that magic touch that can change a game with just one play.

What makes this return even more intriguing is the context. Since his contract expired last winter, LAFC kept the door wide open. No locker room cleanouts, no formal goodbyes. Players like Aaron Long even talked about the possibility of Vela coming back, hinting that his locker never got emptied. LAFC never stopped believing that Vela still had something to offer. And, honestly, if there’s anyone who can lead LAFC back to the top, it’s him.

So, what does this mean for MLS? Well, the league is going through a bit of a transformation, especially with Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami, which has taken the MLS spotlight to a whole new level. Messi, like other big names who’ve passed through—think Ibrahimovic, Beckham—brought a fresh shine to the league, but none of them dominated the way Vela did in 2019. That year was the peak of a brilliant career, and even with Messi in the league, Vela still holds his place as one of the most influential players MLS has ever seen.

Of course, there’s always the risk that this return marks the beginning of a downward spiral. Time waits for no one, and injuries could come knocking at any moment. But so far, Vela has proven he knows how to take care of himself and stay relevant. He might not be the 2019 version of himself anymore, but his experience and game vision more than make up for the loss of speed and explosiveness. After all, players like him know how to reinvent their game as the years go by.

And, if we’re being honest, the bond between Vela and LAFC goes beyond just soccer. He was the leader who brought the club its first MLS trophy, the face of the franchise in its early days. Even after his departure, the club and its fans knew Vela’s story with LAFC wasn’t over. Now, with his return, LAFC isn’t just securing a big name to draw attention—they’re doubling down on their commitment to a winning philosophy.

There’s something poetic about seeing Vela come back. After that heartbreaking MLS Cup Final loss in 2023 to Columbus Crew, it felt like the book on Vela’s time at the club was closing. Seven months of rumors and speculation later, he’s back. And this is a shot at redemption—not just for him, but for the entire LAFC team.

With his experience, charisma, and skill, Vela could very well be the missing piece for another title run. Or, who knows, this could be the swan song, the final chapter of a career that’s already secured its place among the MLS greats. But no matter what happens next, Carlos Vela’s return to LAFC is already a win.