Real Sociedad has had a gem in their midst since 2011. A gem that Arsene Wenger failed to recognize at Premier League giants, Arsenal. Carlos Vela has had a tumultuous professional career thus far. He’s been one of Mexico’s shining lights in Europe ever since he finished top-scorer in Mexico’s U-17 World Cup win back in 2007. That light has dimmed every once and a while and most recently has been shining bright at Real Sociedad. The Cancun native has had 167 appearances for Sociedad and has scored 59 goals since his loan from Arsenal became permanent at the La Liga side. He has also contributed 34 assist within that timeframe. The minutes he failed to see at Arsenal have come at Real Sociedad and for me, he is one of my favorite Mexican players. Why? Because he brings something you don’t see often in Mexican soccer.
For El Tri, Carlos Vela has less impressive numbers. He has had 47 caps for the national team and has scored 15 goals in all competitions. Remember though, he was in a self-imposed exile for three years. To go back to what he contributes to Mexican soccer and why he’s a fan-favorite, it has a lot to do with his U-17 performances and those performances gave him a “legend in the making” status. Any player that puts Mexican soccer in front of traditional powerhouses like Brazil, will receive a warm cult like following in Mexico. His move to Arsenal also brought hope and inspired a nation to believe that Hugo “Hugol” Sanchez had finally found a heir in Europe. It’s still up in the air as to whether Vela will prove to be that player in the long run. Chicharito has taken that mantle well with his performances at Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen, but Vela is another kind of talent. That is undeniable. He is a creator, a dribbler, a risk-taker. A player that’s not afraid to shoot from distance. He is an exciting talent that when at his best can destroy any defense. Check out his performance against the Netherlands, for example, back in 2014.
He’s going through a rough patch of form right now for Real Sociedad. He’s been plagued with injuries and there have been managerial changes at the club, so I’m hopeful he’ll be back to his brilliant best soon.
As a fan, I wanted to dig deeper into who this player is. Check out what I discovered below:
1. Carlos Vela once said “soccer wasn’t his passion.”
During his self-imposed exile of three years, Carlos Vela once justified not accepting a call-up from the national team because his head wasn’t in the right place and soccer wasn’t his passion. This is according to El Piojo who tried desperately for him to play for El Tri during the 2014 World Cup. He also mentioned that Vela “doesn’t even watch soccer on TV or even play it on Playstation.” This is crazy considering Vela is an amazing professional. He may have said that soccer isn’t his passion but at the moment it could have been an easy way to get people off his back. If you didn’t know Carlos Vela wasn’t passionate about soccer, I don’t blame you. It’s hard to believe.
For a man of his talent, it's hard to believe soccer isn't his passion. Photo: @betoborge | Twitter
2. A young Carlos Vela once nutmegged the great Sergio Ramos.
Before his debut with Arsenal, Vela was terrorizing defenses in La Liga. There was a moment that many fans might not know had happened. It was back when he was with Osasuna. A young Carlitos, never afraid of dribbling, took on Spanish legend Sergio Ramos. He nutmegged him in the process. It was a beautiful dribble and it was an example of why Arsenal decided to buy the Mexican star.
3. He has a brother that also plays professional soccer.
Carlos Vela wasn’t the only one that had magic feet. He also has a brother that plays professionally. Alejandro Vela, Carlito’s older brother, also has an affinity for the sport. He currently plays for Necaxa in Mexico’s Ascenco division.
Soccer runs deep in this family. Photo: @MundoDFichajes | Twitter
4. He began his career at Chivas.
Before he was plying his trade for Real Sociedad in La Liga, Carlitos started his career in one of Mexico’s most famous club sides, Chivas. His brother at the time was also playing for the Guadalajara side.
Carlos wouldn't stay in Mexico long. Photo: @MexicoStats_Tri | Twitter
5. Carlos Vela is a fan of Lebron James.
Que buenas están las finales.... @KingJames demostrando una vez mas porque es el rey pic.twitter.com/7Dx2NGQ2Tf
— carlos vela (@11carlosV) June 10, 20156. He was born in Cancun.
Vela was lucky enough to be born in one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities, Cancun. Cancun is on the Eastern part of Mexico and is a tourist favorite. It has beaches, beautiful weather and a lot of aquatic activities. It also home to one of Mexico’s greatest soccer exports, Carlitos.
Who wouldn't want to be from Cancun? Photo: @NICK6808 | Twitter
7. He played for Arsenal for three years.
This one most should know about Vela already. He was signed after the U-17 World Cup but it took awhile for him to get his debut for the club. He would go on to have 62 appearances in a dismal three seasons at the club, scoring 11 goals during that time. He was eventually let go by the club. During that time though he had the chance to play alongside Thierry Henry and did on occasion show off his skills.
8. Carlos Vela once beat out Lionel Messi for best striker in La Liga.
During the 2013-14 season, Vela was nominated for best striker of the season award. He was nominated alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa. Someone missing from the nomination pool was Lionel Messi. In this day and age where Messi wins everything, it was a huge accomplishment by a player that had the talent but had failed to shine in Europe up until that point. In that season, he scored 16 goals in 37 appearances.
9. Carlos Vela is also the highest priced Mexican player.
This might be changing with Chicharito’s performances for Leverkusen but for the time being, Vela was considered the most expensive Mexican player in the transfer market. His performances for Real Sociedad have contributed to that.
10. Vela had a party boy reputation.
Vela has been known to like an occasional party here and there. Many believe that’s why he didn’t succeed at Arsenal, he wasn’t focused enough on his development. There was one particular party that many believe led to his decision to self-exile himself from El Tri. In 2010, Vela was suspended and fined by the Mexican Soccer Federation for partying it up while on international duty.
