At this year’s Club World Cup, Real Madrid’s breakout sensation has been none other than Gonzalo García. Head coach Xabi Alonso sees something special in the young forward—something that reminds him of Real Madrid legend Raúl.
“Now that Gonzalo García is regularly starting, he clearly has the coach’s trust. But even Xabi Alonso didn’t expect him to score three goals in just four matches.” Until recently, very few in the football world had even heard of García. Today, he’s the talk of the tournament—Real’s new gem in a team already packed with stars. And Alonso can’t help but rave about him.
If not for Kylian Mbappé’s illness and Endrick’s injury, García would likely have stayed on the bench. Starting in the XI wouldn’t have even been a consideration. But here he is, turning into Real Madrid’s hero—match after match.
In four Club World Cup appearances, García has contributed to four goals—scoring three and assisting one. His latest came against Juventus in the Round of 16. Despite Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio putting up a wall with 10 saves, he still couldn’t stop García’s brilliant header.
“In the 54th minute at Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium, García’s clinical header sent Real Madrid through to the quarter-finals.”
Born in Madrid in March 2004, García joined Real’s academy at the age of 10. His family later moved to Mallorca in 2018, prompting a switch to the academy of RCD Mallorca. However, he returned to Real the following year.
García made his debut for Real Madrid Castilla (the B team) in 2022. But his real breakthrough came last season, when he scored 25 goals—a record for Castilla in a single campaign. That performance earned him a place in the senior squad. In February, he scored a dramatic late winner against Leganés in the Copa del Rey, helping Real win 3–2.
Still, if Endrick had been fit, García may not have made the trip to the Club World Cup. But after impressing in training in the U.S. and due to Mbappé’s illness, he started the opening match. He scored against Al Hilal and hasn’t looked back since.
Though he didn’t find the net in the second game against Pachuca, he provided an assist. He scored again versus Salzburg and now, against Juventus, he was the match-winner.
Just days ago, Alonso remarked, “García reminds me of Raúl González.” That’s no small praise—Raúl is considered the face of Real Madrid and one of the greatest players in the club’s history. García trained under the legend’s guidance at Castilla, and being compared to him is the highest of compliments.
Following the win over Juventus, Alonso was once again full of admiration for the young striker.
“I’m very happy for him and for the team. I just want him to keep going like this. He’s scoring and contributing in many ways. He’s making full use of the chances he’s getting.”
García’s form has now sparked a question: should he be part of the first-team squad next season? Alonso isn’t ready to go that far just yet, but he made his feelings clear.
“Right now we’re focused on the Club World Cup, not next season’s squad. There’s time for that. And besides, I’m not the one scoring the goals! (laughs). He’s doing that job brilliantly. Even I didn’t expect him to score three goals in four matches.”
“It’s not just the goals. He’s working hard off the ball, wearing down the center-backs and constantly pressing. All of it helps the team. And when you add goals on top of that, it becomes even more special. I trusted him, and he’s earning even more of that trust.”
In the 68th minute of the match, Kylian Mbappé came off the bench to replace García. It was a relief for Madrid to see their star forward return to the field. Alonso believes Mbappé will be fully ready for the quarter-final.
“He’s getting better every day. I talk to him daily to monitor how he’s feeling. We still have three days before the next match, and he should be in much better shape by then.”
That sets up an intriguing dilemma for the coach—should he start Mbappé or stick with García in the XI? Alonso didn’t offer a definitive answer, instead choosing to live in the moment.
“I’m not thinking about the next match yet. For now, I just want to enjoy today’s win. We’ve improved. The next step is to keep building on that. I’m happy for everyone.”
“It feels great to win. In the knockout stage, you either win or go home. We’re into the quarter-finals and we want to go even further.”
Though García scored the winner, it was Federico Valverde who was named Player of the Match for his overall brilliance. From a 30-yard rocket that Di Gregorio spectacularly saved to an acrobatic overhead kick that was somehow kept out, Valverde was everywhere.
He created a few more scoring chances and showed, once again, why he’s one of Madrid’s most consistent performers. Alonso saved special praise for him as well.
“He makes everyone’s job easier. He’s a top-class footballer, incredibly complete. His determination, leadership, and the way he inspires his teammates—it’s all special. I’m proud of many players today, but especially Fede.”
Up next for Real Madrid is a high-stakes quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund. The match kicks off Saturday night at 2:00 AM Bangladesh time.
