Former Arsenal player joins Will Ferrell and Magic Johnson as part-owner of MLS club LAFC

Los Angeles FC has added some extra star power to its vast ownership group.

In a statement, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club announced Carlos Vela has made the transition from former player to owner.

“LAFC has always been more than a club to me — it is home,” Vela said.

“From the first day, we set out to build something special for Los Angeles, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.

“Becoming an owner is an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. 

“I’m excited to continue supporting the club, our players, and our fans as we keep building for the future.”

Who else is part of LAFC’s ownership group?

Vela now sits alongside Hollywood icon Will Ferrell and NBA legend Earl ‘Magic’ Johnson as one of the many individuals who are part of LAFC’s ownership group.

So too is Italian great Giorgio Chiellini, who finished his playing career with LAFC in December 2023.

LAFC also confirmed Vela’s appointment to their ownership group would not take away from his role as the club’s first Black and Gold Ambassador, which entails representing the California-based club at global events along with strengthening ties with local supporters.

Vela’s inclusion continues his long-standing ties to the club, which he joined 2017.

In fact, the former Mexico international was LAFC’s first ever player having signed on as a Designated Player one year before the club’s inaugural campaign.

A glimpse at Vela’s staggering MLS stats

Vela enjoyed six seasons with the club and inspired it to five trophies, including the MLS Cup in 2022.

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When he called time on his playing career last May, Vela finished as not only a club legend but an all-time MLS icon.

Vela pulled on a LAFC shirt on 152 occasions, scoring 78 goals and assisting 42, all of which are club-record figures.

The 37-year-old’s best campaign for the Californian outfit came in 2019, when he slammed home a whopping 34 goals and chalked up ten assists from 31 regular season games.

Vela’s 34-goal haul remains an league record for the most goals scored by a player in a single campaign.

Unsurprisingly, Vela’s staggering 2019 season earned him MLS MVP honours.

Where else did Vela play in his career?

Vela’s stint in California was the dream way to bookend a career that included stops at Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Real Sociedad.

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The Mexican was on Arsenal’s books from November 2005 but did not make his senior debut for the club until August 2008.

By the time he departed north London for Real Sociedad in July 2012, Vela had made a total of 64 appearances and scored 11 goals across all competitions for the Gunners.

Vela would remain in San Sebastian until December 2017, when he moved to Los Angeles.