The former USMNT striker delivered passionate praise for retired LAFC star Carlos Vela, calling him the most talented Mexican player he has ever seen
Gomez ranks Vela above Mexican legends, including Sanchez and MarquezFormer striker argues Vela-Zlatan era made MLS more relevant than current Messi periodESPN analyst criticizes LAFC for insufficient farewell to the club's inaugural captainGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
While some mention Carlos Vela didn't reach his vast potential, former U.S. international Herculez Gomez offered a passionate defense of the former LAFC captain's career. The 36-year-old announced his retirement earlier in May, calling an end to a career that saw him play for Arsenal, Real Sociedad, and LAFC amongst several other clubs. But despite many questioning his career choices, Gomez believes that Vela was the most technically gifted Mexican player he had ever witnessed, placing him above iconic figures like Hugo Sanchez, Rafa Marquez, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, and Cuauhtémoc Blanco.
“He’s [Carlos Vela] in my eyes, the most talented Mexican player that I’ve ever seen play, in person and even on video," Gomez said on
He added, "I’ve played with Cuauhtémoc Blanco, I know how good technically that Cuauhtémoc Blanco is, how smart he is, and you could say many things about Carlos Vela, you can question the lack of ambition, and you can question the lack of character. But when it comes to straight talent in a pool that’s fielded Hugo Sanchez, Rafa Marquez, Chicharito Hernandez – and yes, goal-scoring is a talent – and the likes of Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Carlos Vela is the most talented player I’ve ever seen in a Mexican jersey and that’s why people will say he did not live up to his potential.”
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Gomez further touched upon Vela’s career and how impressive his journey was, from Arsenal to Real Sociedad and then to the MLS with LAFC.
“There are a lot of fans, lot of pundits in the Mexican national team who will remember Carlos Vela for what he did not live up to, I am not one of those. Under-17 World Cup, the very first trophy for Mexico at any level, Golden Ball aka the best player. He goes to Arsenal, it doesn’t work out and this man has never played Liga MX football, and when he finally breaks through at Real Sociedad, he has one of the best campaigns you could ever imagine.
He added, “It's not hyperbole, Messi, Cristiano, and Carlos Vela [were the best in La Liga that season]. On Carlos Vela’s team, Antonie Griezmann [was on that team too] but the talk of his team was Carlos Vela. And at the age of 29, he leaves La Liga, that element of Real Sociedad to come to MLS!! When people said how could you do that at 29 years of age and he then has one of the most ridiculous seasons that I’ve ever seen, 34 goals 15 assists."
Gomez also believes Vela's rivalry with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in MLS, elevated the interest in the league. He was also critical of how LAFC and MLS treated his retirement.
“He and Zlatan going back and forth was what made the league relevant, and I would argue even with Messi here, it was better back then. The theatrics, the drama, and Zlatan vs Carlos Vela, the games, and Carlos Vela what he was able to do with a franchise starting from scratch, and everything they’ve achieved… my initial reaction is he deserved a better sendoff.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Vela retired in May 2026, having spent six seasons with LAFC. His 2019 MVP season remains arguably the greatest individual campaign in MLS history, as he broke the single-season scoring record with 34 goals, while also adding 15 assists. Vela's rivalry with LA Galaxy's Zlatan Ibrahimović from 2018-2019 generated unprecedented attention for MLS.
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While Vela has stepped away from playing professionally, he has been named Los Angeles FC’s first club ambassador and will be recognized during a special Carlos Vela Night on Sept. 21 for the game against Real Salt Lake.
