Mexico’s Carlos Vela, a prominent player for Los Angeles FC, faced a devastating loss as the Palisades wildfire swept through Los Angeles, destroying his family home. This unfortunate news was shared by his wife, Saioa Cañibano, through an emotional Instagram story on Thursday.
In her heartfelt message, she stated, “Our beautiful Malibu home burned down yesterday. We are still in shock with everything that’s happening.” The impact of such a loss is profound, especially for a family that has built a life in that space.
Cañibano continued, “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.” Her words reflect not just their personal tragedy but also a broader concern for the community impacted by the flames.
The Palisades fire has also affected other notable figures, including Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick, who reportedly lost his home as well. The Lakers’ scheduled home game against the Charlotte Hornets was postponed due to the ongoing crisis.
At 35 years old, Vela has been a key player for LAFC since his arrival from Spain before the 2018 MLS season. His tenure with the club has been marked by significant achievements, including winning the MLS Cup in 2022 and the Supporters Shield in both 2019 and 2022. After a brief departure, he re-joined LAFC in September, although the team recently opted not to extend his contract for the 2025 season.
Vela’s last appearance for the Mexico men’s national team was in 2018, but his contributions to both club and country have left a lasting legacy. The recent wildfire incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the resilience required to face such challenges.
