Who is Gonzalo Garcia? The 21‑year‑old striker sparks Real Madrid's revival
Madrid has completed the qualification to the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 after their 3-0 win over RB Salzburg. Real Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup campaign kicked off in Miami with a dramatic 1–1 draw against Al‑Hilal, but it was 21‑year‑old academy standout Gonzalo García who stole the spotlight, scoring Madrid's opener in what may turn out to be a defining moment in his early senior career.
In his first senior start under new coach Xabi Alonso, and with Kylian Mbappé sidelined by illness, García took full advantage of the opportunity. At the 34th minute mark, he finished a swift counter started by Rodrygo, calmly chipping the ball past the Al‑Hilal goalkeeper to give Real Madrid the lead . His finish, though not the cleanest, showcased a composure beyond his years.
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Born in Madrid in March 2004, García has been nurtured through Real's famed La Fábrica academy since 2014, with a brief stint at Mallorca before returning to climb the ranks to Castilla. In his breakthrough season (2024–25), he netted 25 goals in 36 appearances for the reserves, earning himself a promotion and catching the senior squad's attention. Earlier this year, he grabbed the headlines by scoring a dramatic late winner in the Copa del Rey quarter‑finals .
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