Carlos Vela

Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido is a Mexican footballer, who currently plays for Real Sociedad as a striker.

He was born in 1989 in Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and began to play at Mexican club C.D. Guadalajara. Carlos attracted attention when he became the top scorer at the 2005 FIFA Under-17 World Championship.

In 2005 he signed a five-year contract with Arsenal but there he wasn’t provided with a work permit so he was loaned to Celta de Vigo, which he immediately leaved for Salamanca. There he played during 2006/07 season.

The next season he had a loan spell in Osasuna and in May 2008 he was given a work permit and a possibility to play in England.

Vela made his Premier League debut for Arsenal as a substitute of Robin Van Persie in the match against Newcastle United. On 23 September 2008 he earned his first full cap in 6-0 win against Sheffield United, when he scored two goals, one of which was a hat-trick.

In the middle of the 2010/11 season he was loaned to West Bromwich Albion and played for English club until in August 2011 he joined Real Sociedad on loan. There Vela earned 30 caps, scoring 12 goals and in August 2012 he officially transferred to Real Sociedad from Arsenal.

Vela was a part of the Mexico national Under-17 team when they won the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship and helped his national team to win the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. In total he has made 35 appearances at Mexico U-17, U-20 levels and the national team.