Gonzalo García Torres (foto: Getty Images)
Gonzalo Garcia is the joint-top scorer at the Club World Cup, impressing for Real Madrid in Mbappe's absence. A breakthrough moment for the 21-year-old?
With Kylian Mbappé limited to just two appearances at the Club World Cup due to health issues, Real Madrid have still advanced confidently to the semi-finals of the competition held in the United States. One of the key reasons? The emergence of 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia, a product of the club’s academy who has taken full advantage of his opportunity.
Garcia has already scored four goals in five appearances, placing him at the top of the tournament's scoring charts—at least for now. He remains in contention to finish as outright top scorer, with Real Madrid set to play Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final after the French side knocked out Bayern Munich.
In a recent interview, the young forward revealed his greatest footballing inspiration: “I always say my idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. I’ve had many football idols throughout my career, but if I had to pick just one, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo. I’ll always choose him,” Garcia said.
That comes as no surprise. Garcia joined Real Madrid’s youth system in 2014, a period when Cristiano Ronaldo was dominating for Los Blancos. Like many attackers who came through Castilla during that era, Garcia grew up watching the Portuguese star terrorize defenses across Europe.
Garcia’s playing style has also drawn comparisons to Raúl, with his movement and finishing earning praise in Madrid circles. With Mbappé still not fully fit, Garcia might get another crucial opportunity to shine when Madrid faces PSG, a match that also doubles as a meeting of the reigning European champions.