Ex-Arsenal star Carlos Vela's home burns down in California wildfires as wife 'in shock'

Ex-Arsenal star Carlos Vela's home burns down in California wildfires

Posted Saturday, January 11, 2025 by Dailystar.co.uk

Ex-Arsenal forward Carlos Vela has lost his home in the California wildfires.

The Mexico and LA FC striker's wife, Saioa Canibano, shared the news in an emotional post on Instagram. Their £3.3million property was located in Malibu and sadly went up in flames during the Palisades fire, which has devastated the United States' second-biggest city.

Saioa, 33, stated that the family, including their two children, are safe, as reported by NeedToKnow. She added that they are still in "shock" from the horrific situation.

"Our beautiful Malibu home burned down yesterday," she said. "We are still in shock with everything that's happening. "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's home has burned down in the wildfires

Vela, his wife Saioa, and their two children lived in the house

The footballer's home reportedly boasted five bedrooms, more than five bathrooms, a chef's kitchen with a breakfast bar and centre island, as well as a dining room, living room, main room, cinema room, wine cellar and a guest suite.

The house was also believed to have a spa, multimedia room, and a swimming pool on its near 6,500-square-feet of land.

Vela's house burned down on January 8 after California was struck by a deadly wildfire the day earlier on January 7, which was fuelled by powerful winds.

Despite the winds dropping on Thursday, the National Weather Service warned that even reduced gusts could still spread the fire rapidly, according to AP News.

There are multiple major fires including the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena, and the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills.

Authorities have confirmed that at least 10 people have died so far and evacuation orders have been issued affecting almost 180,000 residents across the county.

Vela had a seven-year stint at Arsenal but played just 62 times and scored 11 goals before he joined Real Sociedad on a permanent deal in 2012.

The 72-time Mexico international joined LAFC from the La Liga side in 2018, scoring 93 goals in 189 games, he lifted the MLS Cup in 2022 and was named the MLS MVP in 2019 when he finished at the league's top scorer.