MLS legend Carlos Vela’s residence has burned down in the wildfires currently ravaging Los Angeles.

At present, five infernos are tearing through the metropolis, with the colossal Palisades blaze incinerating close to 20,000 acres and annihilating upwards of 5,300 structures. Amongst the wreckage was the $4million (£3.3.m) home of Vela, who settled in LA in 2018 when he signed with MLS outfit LAFC.

Now a free agent, the former Mexico international forward is reportedly in talks over a deal to re-sign for the Los Angeles soccer club. Though the 35-year-old will need to find another home if he’s to stay in the city.

His wife, Saioa Canibano, revealed the tragic news via social media, yet assured everyone that she and her family were unharmed. “Our beautiful Malibu home burned down yesterday… We are still in shock with everything that’s happening,” Saioa wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a picture of what appeared to be their home ablaze.

“It’s very sad and scary to see everything burning. To all the messages of concern that are being sent to us, we are safe. Sending much love to all those affected and hopefully they will soon manage to put out the fire.”

Vela gave fans a glimpse into his family’s mansion in a festive Instagram post last month. The luxurious property features five bedrooms, over five bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen complete with a breakfast bar and center island, not to mention a dining room, living room, main room, home theater, wine cellar, and a guest suite.

The residence is also believed to house a spa, multimedia room, and three suites each equipped with bathrooms and a laundry room. The property sprawls across nearly 6,500-square-feet of land and includes a swimming pool.

Vela had a seven-year stint with Premier League club Arsenal before parting ways in 2012. He then enjoyed a six-year spell in Spain with Real Sociedad before sealing a move to LAFC, where he made quite a splash, bagging the 2019 MLS MVP, an MLS Cup trophy, and two Supporters’ Shields titles.

Carlos Vela

Carlos Vela played for LAFC between 2018 and 2024 ( 

Image:

Getty)

As it stands, only six per cent of the Palisades fire has been contained, with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection now leading the response. They’ve issued a warning that the devastation is likely to persist.

“The Palisades Fire continues to exhibit wind-driven and topographic runs upslope. Short-range spotting is still observed. Gusts up to 40 mph were observed into Thursday afternoon. North to northeast winds are expected to increase with poor overnight humidity recovery,” a statement read.

“There will continue to be a high likelihood of critical fire weather conditions through next week. The Los Angeles County and CAL FIRE Damage Assessment Teams (DINS) continues to assess and validate structures impacted by the Palisades Fire. More than 5,000 structures have been destroyed.”