Carlos Vela had settled into life in Los Angeles, embracing the city’s sun-soaked afternoons and the open-air freedom that came with living near the Pacific. That sense of ease vanished this week as the flames swallowed his Malibu home.
Firefighters had been battling an unrelenting blaze that tore through the region, turning postcard neighborhoods into charred ruins. Vela was among hundreds who lost their homes, with some local authorities calling it the most destructive wildfire in the city’s history.
“Our beautiful Malibu home burned down yesterday,” wrote his wife, Saioa Cañibano, on social media. “We’re still in shock with everything that’s happening. It’s very sad and scary to see everything burning.” She assured friends and fans that her family was safe, though the images made it hard to imagine that comfort could be found amidst so much devastation.
Tragedy in paradise: Carlos Vela and countless families face the aftermath of L.A.’s fires
In response, LAFC and the LA Galaxy stood together, urging people to stay vigilant and thank the first responders. Messages of solidarity flooded in, and residents across Los Angeles anxiously followed evacuation orders.
Tragedy struck many, including longtime locals, sports figures, and public personalities. Over 120,000 people were forced to abandon their homes. Over 1,500 structures were destroyed, and the financial toll exceeds $60 billion. Five lives have been lost so far, a somber reminder that this crisis goes well beyond property damage.
Vela became a pillar of the L.A. soccer scene when he joined LAFC in 2018, leading the team to multiple trophies and earning a fervent fan base. He was celebrated for his skill and embodying a spirit of optimism that Angelenos recognized in themselves. Now, after stepping away from LAFC following the 2023 season and rejoining briefly in late 2024, he faces a personal loss that resonates with families who’ve watched their dreams burn.
Despite the heartbreak, Cañibano’s words carry a note of hope. “To all the messages of concern that are being sent to us, we are safe,” she wrote, signaling resilience in the face of uncertainty. As neighborhoods look to recover, each show of unity, however small, may offer a path toward rebuilding both homes and hearts.
