137 goals in 152 games! Los Angeles FC legend Bella has announced his retirement and will serve as the first black gold ambassador of his former club [xueting]

As the true founder of FC Los Angeles' history, Bella was not only the team's first designated player but also joined the club before its first season in 2018, laying the foundation for everything. He played 152 games for FC Los Angeles, accumulating 11,194 minutes, scoring 78 goals and providing 59 assists, comprehensively setting new records in the team's history.

He scored 34 goals in the 2019 season and still holds the record for the most goals scored in a single Major League Soccer season. As a result, he was named the Most Valuable Player of that year.

Bella expressed her feelings in her retirement statement, saying, "Helping build FC Los Angeles and winning trophies for the club is one of the proudest achievements of my career." Los Angeles is not only my team, but also my home and that of my family. I am deeply proud of all that we have achieved together and look forward to continuing to accompany the club's growth in another way.

Bella's career has spanned England, Spain and the United States. He started his career at Arsenal and played for Salamanca, Osasuna and West Bromwich Albion. Later, he reached the peak of his career at Real Sociedad, making over 200 appearances for the Basque club and scoring 72 goals. He was twice named the club's Player of the Year. In the summer of 2017, he joined FC Los Angeles as a "special player" and quickly became the soul and offensive core of the team.

In addition to her personal honors, Bella's team achievements are equally brilliant. He led LAFC to win the 2022 Major League Soccer championship, the Supporters' Shield in 2019 and 2022, and the Open Cup in 2024. In addition, under his leadership, FC Los Angeles twice reached the final of the CONCACAF Champions League, further solidifying the team's position in North American football.

Bella maintained a high level of performance in the 2023 season, making 48 appearances across all competitions and contributing 14 goals and 12 assists, demonstrating his extraordinary influence even towards the end of his career. He is also one of only 13 players in the history of Major League Soccer to have scored at least 75 goals and provided 50 assists, and he is one of the players who achieved this feat in the shortest time, creating 100 goals in just six seasons and 98 games.

As an important member of the Mexican national team, Bella has also participated in the World Cup twice (2010 and 2018), making a total of 72 appearances for the national team and scoring 19 goals. His football skills, elegant playing style and consistent creativity have made him an irreplaceable idol in the hearts of fans.

The management of FC Los Angeles also expressed their respect at the first moment.

General Manager Solrington called Bella "the core, captain and face of the club", praising her leadership and exemplary role both on and off the pitch.

Chief Representative Rosenthal emotionally stated, "The elegance and passion brought by Carlos will always be engraved in our memories." We are very honored that he is still a member of the Black Gold Army.

It is reported that on September 21, 2025, FC Los Angeles will hold a special "Bella Night" tribute ceremony for Bella at BMO Stadium.

Bella said, "Helping to build FC Los Angeles and winning trophies for the club was a major highlight of my career." This club means a lot to me and my family. I'm proud of all the achievements we have made together with the fans in Los Angeles. I'm very glad to start a new chapter of my life journey in Los Angeles.