Gonzalo García has been the breakout star for Real Madrid in this Club World Cup. He started unexpectedly in the opening match against Al-Hilal, filling in for an ill Mbappé, and ended up stealing the spotlight: 4 goals in 5 matches made him the tournament’s unlikely hero. But according to the president of Getafe, things could have gone very differently.

The deal that could’ve taken him away from Valdebebas

In an interview with El Larguero, Ángel Torres revealed that Getafe had a nearly sealed deal to bring in Gonzalo: “There was a commitment that, if he didn’t stay with Madrid, he would come to us. It was an agreement made a month and a half ago with the club and his agent.” Still, the president remains hopeful: “The way the kid’s playing… I still have hope. If Gonzalito comes, he’d be a big help.”

The scenario was real: had Gonzalo not broken into the first team, Getafe’s Coliseum seemed like his next destination. But his performances changed everything.

A brilliant present

His stats with Castilla already made headlines: 25 goals in 36 matches under Raúl, which earned him a few first-team opportunities. But it was in the Club World Cup where he truly exploded—earning his spot and proving he’s ready for more.

And the future looks even brighter

All signs point to Xabi Alonso including Gonzalo García in his 2025–26 project. Despite stiff competition up front, the new Real Madrid coach is reportedly ready to make space for the young striker and help him grow among the world’s elite. If he keeps shining like this, Gonzalo could very well become the next big face of La Fábrica at the highest level.