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An unexpected hero has emerged at Real Madrid. At the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, manager Xabi Alonso started striker Gonzalo García in all four matches, despite the 21-year-old having limited first-team appearances in the 2024/25 season.
He's already played 294 minutes at the Club World Cup, scoring three goals and providing one assist. It seems highly likely we're witnessing the birth of a new star.
Gonzalo García joined Real Madrid's academy in 2014, linking up with the under-11s as a 10-year-old. He spent the 2018 season at Mallorca, where his family relocated due to his father's work, before returning to the Real Madrid setup. He made his senior debut at the end of 2023 in a La Liga match against Cádiz.
He won't be far behind Haaland
Álvaro Arbeloa played a significant role in Gonzalo García's development. The former Real Madrid defender coached the youth team where the young striker played. Arbeloa worked tirelessly to help García hone his strengths and address his weaknesses. García scored 35 goals in the 2022/23 season, leading his team to a domestic treble.
"He's a great guy. Always completely focused. The typical kid with top grades, best at everything. Gonzalo gives 100% in everything he does. Even playing with friends, he treated it like a Champions League final. Then we'd play PlayStation, and it was the same story," recalled his former Castilla teammate Marc Cucalón.
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Davide said time with Real Madrid "was an extraordinary chapter that ended in the best way possible" and commented on the challenge of being his father's assistant: "We disagree more often than not"
"He's incredibly impressive! Gonzalo works his socks off, puts in all his energy, is totally focused – and he doesn't hold back, whether you're the coach or a highly skilled teammate. If you don't pass to him, he'll let you know. If you're not performing, he'll tell you. He's not afraid to speak his mind. It's all in a good way: he's got personality and is extremely committed to the team," The Athletic quoted one of his former coaches as saying.
One story perfectly illustrates his character: in the 2023 Youth Cup final, Gonzalo García failed to defend a corner, which resulted in a Betis goal. At halftime, he declared he'd score. He delivered on his promise, netting twice in the second half to secure a 3-1 victory for Castilla.
"The higher the level and the better the coaches, the more he'll grow. I think he can be Real Madrid's striker for the next 10-12 years. I know Real's standards, but I don't think Gonzalo will be far behind Erling Haaland if the club gives him the right position and opportunities. If he doesn't have that assurance, he'll fade, but if they believe in him, he'll achieve great things," said Spain's under-17 coach Hernán Pérez.
In the 2024/25 season, playing under the legendary Raúl in Real Madrid's 'B' team, Castilla, Gonzalo García scored 25 goals in the Spanish third division, setting a league record. Despite Castilla finishing only sixth, the player's talent was undeniable. "He's a boy with huge potential, a great physique, excellent finishing, and a powerful shot. All he needs is patience, as he's one of those who wants to achieve everything quickly. Nothing scares Gonzalo. He'll believe in himself until the very end," said a member of Castilla's coaching staff.
There's no other striker like him in the squad
While he'd made his Real Madrid first-team debut in the autumn of 2023, fans really got to know Gonzalo García in February 2025. He scored the winning goal in the 90+3rd minute of the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Leganés.
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The arrival of Xabi Alonso presents new opportunities for Gonzalo García and other academy players. One of his key attributes is versatility, as he can play anywhere across the front line. Alonso utilized this in the match against Pachuca (3-1), starting García centrally before switching him to the left wing.
Equally important are his intelligence and ambition. Gonzalo García is developing not only as a footballer but also academically. He's studying Business Administration and Management, as well as Business Analytics specializing in Big Data.
The Athletic reported that Real Madrid are seeking a Joselu-type striker: someone effective in the box, content with a substitute role, and not demanding a huge financial outlay. However, Gonzalo García's outstanding performances at the 2025 Club World Cup may prompt the Madrid hierarchy to reconsider the need for a new signing.
"I'm almost certain he'll stay in Madrid this summer. Right now, Gonzalo is the most unique of all the attacking players. There's no other striker like him in the squad. He has so many qualities: he can play as a central striker or on either wing," a source close to Gonzalo García said, via Sports.
"I've been watching him. I've been watching all of Castilla, not just Gonzalo. Honestly, I'm not surprised by how he's playing. He reminds me of Raúl – always in the right position, waiting for opportunities and chances, and fighting for them. I'm really happy for him," declared Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso.
When asked about his 'promotion' to the first team, Gonzalo García responded succinctly: "It all depends on the club and the coach."
"No decision has been made yet," Xabi Alonso noted last week.
Gonzalo García's opportunity arose due to teammates' misfortunes: Kylian Mbappé suffered from acute gastroenteritis in the USA, and Endrick injured his hamstring back in May. As a result, Real Madrid unearthed a gem from their own reserves.
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