A star is born: Gonzalo Garcia makes most of Club World Cup

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Jul 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Real Madrid CF forward Gonzalo Garcia (30) controls the ball against Borussia Dortmund in the second half during a quarterfinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

REUTERS

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Real Madrids 21-year-old striker Gonzalo Garcia has gone from virtual unknown to a tournament sensation at the Club World Cup, netting his fourth goal in five games on Saturday to help send the LaLiga side into the semi-final.

At a tournament where organizers were banking on household names to build the excitement, the academy graduate has become the breakout star, seizing his chance to deputize for an ill Kylian Mbappe.

Weve seen him play in the last few games and today he did it again, said manager Xabi Alonso. He is making the most of this opportunity.

Garcias terrific run began in Reals opener against Al-Hilal last month, where he scored in a 1-1 draw, as Mbappe was sidelined with acute gastroenteritis.

He recorded an assist in Reals second group-stage affair against Pachuca and added a bit of insurance in Reals 3-0 win over Salzburg to close out the group stage.

He headed another in to clinch their round of 16 win over Juventus 1-0 on Tuesday, where Mbappe came in off the bench for Garcia.

Mbappe was a second-half substitute again on