In a tournament where established stars were expected to lead the charge, it’s Gonzalo Garcia, Real Madrid’s 21-year-old academy striker, who has stolen the spotlight at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With four goals and one assist in five matches, the young Spaniard has firmly announced himself on the global stage, becoming one of the breakout stars of the competition.
Thrown into the spotlight due to the absences of Kylian Mbappé and Endrick, García seized the opportunity with remarkable poise. From the opening whistle, his energy, intelligent movement, and sharp finishing made him impossible to ignore.
His tournament began with a piece of history — scoring the first goal of the Xabi Alonso era in the 34th minute against Al-Hilal in a 1-1 draw. It was a sign of things to come. García followed that up with a dynamic display against Red Bull Salzburg, registering a goal and an assist in a convincing 3-0 victory. His ability to operate both as a central striker and on the left flank showcased the versatility Alonso values in his tactical setup.
The young forward’s most critical contribution came in the Round of 16 clash with Juventus, where he delivered a decisive header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross to seal a tense 1-0 win. It was a goal that underlined his predatory instincts inside the box — a quality Real Madrid has long sought in a traditional No. 9.
García didn’t stop there. In the quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, he opened the scoring in the 10th minute, latching onto an Arda Güler cross and finishing clinically to set Real on course for a 3-2 win. The goal cemented his place among the tournament’s elite, leaving fans and pundits alike comparing his intelligent positioning and fearless attitude to that of Real Madrid legend Raúl González, who incidentally coached García during his Castilla days.
With a 33.3% shot conversion rate, one of the highest in the competition, and as the only player to contribute a goal or assist in every match he’s played, García has proven he’s more than a temporary stand-in. Some have even labeled him the Club World Cup’s MVP and hailed him as a “talent from La Fábrica,” Madrid’s renowned youth academy.
As Mbappé returns to action, a fascinating debate has emerged around García’s role in Xabi Alonso’s squad. Sources suggest the coaching staff sees him as a unique, long-term option for the striker position — a potential heir to Madrid’s famous No. 9 legacy. Whatever happens next, Gonzalo García’s performances in this tournament have assured one thing: his name belongs in Real Madrid’s future plans.
