In the high-stakes world of Real Madrid, where global icons like Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham dominate headlines, it wasn’t any of those superstars who opened the scoring in Xabi Alonso’s first official match as head coach. Instead, the honor went to a youth academy product—an emerging talent who took his chance in the spotlight and made history.
Real Madrid’s campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup kicked off with considerable intrigue surrounding Xabi Alonso’s first match at the helm. There was much speculation about which formation the new coach would deploy—initial rumors leaned toward a 4-4-2, but Alonso ultimately opted for a more traditional 4-3-3.
The front three featured expected stars Vinicius and Rodrygo on the flanks. But the real surprise came in the form of a 21-year-old academy graduate, who started in place of Mbappe, sidelined due to a fever. With no other natural strikers available, Alonso made a bold call—and it paid off.
Rising to the occasion
The young forward—Gonzalo Garcia—didn’t just start. He scored the first goal of the Xabi Alonso era, converting a crisp assist from Rodrygo to put Real Madrid ahead against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. It wasn’t just a goal. It was a moment of affirmation—for both the player and the manager.
Born in Madrid in 2003, Gonzalo Garcia joined the Los Blancos youth academy in 2014, after spells with local sides SEK, Santa Barbara, and Jarama Race. A brief loan spell with Mallorca’s cadet team in the 2018–19 season followed, before returning to Valdebebas, where he rose through the ranks to play with Castilla, the club’s B team.
Though his first-team appearances have been limited, Garcia has already demonstrated his clutch ability. In the Copa del Rey last season, he scored a dramatic 93rd-minute winner against Leganes to send the Whites to the semi-finals. More recently, he contributed with an assist in a La Liga clash against Sevilla, further cementing his reputation as a game-changer off the bench.
His official senior debut came on November 26, 2023, when he replaced Rodrygo in a league match against Cadiz. Now, with a contract that runs until June 2027, the striker is knocking loudly on the door of Madrid’s first team.
Coach who believes in youth
By starting Garcia in his first match as Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso sent a clear message about his philosophy: he trusts the club’s youth system. Alonso, himself a product of elite development pathways, appears intent on blending Madrid’s expensive stars with homegrown talents—a formula reminiscent of Los Blancos’ golden periods.
Gonzalo Garcia, who idolizes Cristiano Ronaldo, has said in past interviews that he dreams of achieving greatness with the club. “I try to learn from every chance I get. Being around the first team pushes you to be better every day,” he shared earlier this season.
