Los Angeles FC legend Carlos Bella decided to officially retire on Tuesday after 19 years of a brilliant career. Bella is one of the most award-winning players in the history of the FC, and is also the player with the most appearances (152 games), p...
Los Angeles FC legend Carlos Bella decided to officially retire on Tuesday after 19 years of a brilliant career. Bella is one of the most award-winning players in the history of the FC, and is also the player with the most appearances (152 games), playing time (11,194 minutes), goals (78 goals) and assists (59 times). He set a record of the most goals in a single season in the league history (34 goals) and was awarded the 2019 MFA Most Valuable Player.
35-year-old Bella will remain in Los Angeles FC as the club's first Black Gold Ambassador and will be commended on Bella's Night at BMO Stadium on September 21.
Bella said: "Helping build the Los Angeles FC and winning trophys for the club is a highlight of my career. This club means a lot to me and my family, and I am proud of all the achievements we have achieved with the fans of Los Angeles. I am very happy to start a new chapter in my life journey in Los Angeles." In August 2017, Bella signed with Los Angeles FC as an ad hoc player, becoming the first ad hoc player in the club's history, preparing for Los Angeles FC's first season in 2018. On October 27, 2024, Bella made her last appearance for the Black Gold Legion in the playoffs against Vancouver White Waves at BMO Stadium.
Los Angeles FC Co-President and General Manager Thorinton said: "From the beginning, Carlos has been more than just a player, he is the core, captain and facade of Los Angeles FC. Carlos came to Los Angeles with a shared vision to build a truly special team, and he has fulfilled that promise in every aspect. From memorable goals to historic victory, Carlos helped Los Angeles FC achieve its glory today. Although Carlos’s career as a player at Los Angeles FC is over, but we are very pleased to announce that he will continue to stay in the Black Gold Corps as the club’s official ambassador. In this new role, he will help us develop the brand of Los Angeles FC, strengthen our connection with fans, and continue to inspire the next generation of players. ”
The Mexican international has taken a place in the history of Los Angeles FC and APAC with outstanding performance in his career. Bella has been selected as the All-Star in the FA League four times (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), and was selected as the Best Team in the FA League three times (2018, 2019, 2022), leading Los Angeles FC to win the 2022 FA League championship, the 2019 and 2022 regular season championships, and set the FA League record, reaching the finals of the FA League twice (2020, 2023). In 13 AP League playoff games he participated in, he contributed goals or assists in seven of his games.
Los Angeles FC management chief representative Rosenthal said: "On behalf of all the owners of the club, I would like to express my gratitude to Carlos for everything he has done to the club's establishment and establish the club's level. Carlos's leadership on and off the court, as well as the elegance and football style he brings to the fans, will be forever engraved in our hearts and memories. We are delighted that he can continue his journey as a member of the Los Angeles FC family and wish him all the best in a new chapter."
Bella is one of the only 13 players in the history of the FC League to contribute at least 75 goals and 50 assists, and he is also the only player to accomplish this in just six seasons. In 2022, he created 100 goals in just 98 games, becoming the third player in the history of the American League to achieve this achievement.
Bella made history in the 2023 season, playing in 34 regular season games, setting a career high. He made 48 appearances in various competitions, contributing a total of 14 goals and assisting 12 times.
Bella won the Most Valuable Player in the 2019 season, and is still one of the best individual performances in league history. He scored 34 goals in the regular season and contributed a total of 49 goals, setting a new ME League record. In the 2019 season, he averaged 1.10 goals per game, and also maintained the record of the MFA.
This player from Cancun, Mexico, is an important member of the Mexican national team. He has participated in the 2010 and 2018 World Cups, with a total of 72 appearances and 19 goals.
Before joining Los Angeles FC in 2017, Bella played for Real Sociedad from 2011 to 2017, and played more than 200 times in various competitions in her career and scored 72 goals. His career began in Arsenal in 2005, then played for Salamanca, Osasuna and West Bromwich, and finally officially joined Real Sociedad in 2012. Bella was awarded the title of Real Sociedad's Player of the Season in 2011/12 and 2013/14..
Bella Career Honors:
American League Champion: 2022
American League Supporter Shield: 2019 and 2022
US Open Cup Championship: 2024
American League Best Team: 2018, 2019, 2022
American League Most Valuable Player: 2019
American League Golden Boot Award : 2019
All-stars of the 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
The best teams of the Central and North America and the Caribbean Champions League: 2020 and 2023
The record of the 2020
The most goals in a single season (34 goals, 2019)
The player with the largest total goals and assists in a single season (49, 2019 Year)
The highest average goal count per game in a single season (1.10, 2019)
The fastest player in a single season (20 goals in 21 games, 2019)
The Mexican player in the US League with the most goals
The fastest player in the US League with 75+ goals and 50+ assists
