Youth

Villafaña spent part of his childhood in Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico before returning to the United States for high school. He attended Anaheim High School and became captain of the soccer team. In March 2007, Villafaña won Sueño MLS, a reality show that led to a try-out with Major League Soccer. His reality show win earned him the nickname "Sueño".^[2] Villafaña beat out around 2,000 other competitors to earn a spot on Chivas USA's U-19 squad.

Professional

Villafaña was signed by Chivas USA to a professional contract in July 2007.^[3] He made his only appearance of the season as a substitute in a 3–0 win over New York Red Bulls. He scored in 2008 season debut against D.C. United as a substitute.^[4] Villafaña made his first career start the following week against the Colorado Rapids and scored on a glancing header to seal the game for Chivas USA.^[5] Villafaña scored again the following week against the Columbus Crew.^[6] While with Chivas USA, Villafaña appeared in 86 league matches and scored 7 goals.

After the 2013 season, Villafaña was traded to the Portland Timbers.^[7] He would make 50 starts over two seasons with the Timbers. The Timbers won 2015 MLS Cup; Villafaña's performance in that victory was highlighted as strong by several analysts and commentators.^[8][9][10]

Following the triumph, Villafaña was sold to Liga MX club Santos Laguna for a reported fee of just under $1 million.^[11][12]

On August 8, 2018, Villafaña was re-acquired by the Portland Timbers.^[13]

On January 12, 2021, Villafaña was traded to LA Galaxy.^[14]

On April 18, 2024, Jorge officially announces his retirement across his social media platforms.

International

In 2007, Villafaña was called up for the United States U-20 for its trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina from November 23 to December 3.^[15] The team was part of an 11-day training camp with the U-20 squads of Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. Villafaña played in all three of the U.S. games during the trip. A game tying assist against River Plate's reserves^[16] and a game-tying goal against the Argentina national under-20 team^[17] helped earn him the honor of team captain.

Villafaña appeared in all three of the U.S. games at the 2008 Campos Verde International in Beja, Portugal.^[18] Villafaña scored his second international goal against the Bolton Wanderers Reserves in a 2–0 win in Bolton, England on May 7, 2008.^[19] He assisted a goal in the U.S. 2–1 win over the Manchester United Reserves the following day.^[20]

On January 29, 2017, Villafaña made his full United States debut in a friendly against Serbia. He went on to establish himself as the USMNT's first-choice left back for the unsuccessful 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. On March 25, he was cap-tied to the United States in a World Cup qualifying match against Honduras.^[21] In July 2017 he helped the USMNT win the CONCACAF Gold Cup with his play in several games, including starts in the semifinal 2-0 win over Costa Rica and the final 2-1 win over Jamaica.^[22][23]