Who is Gonzalo Garcia? How Kylian Mbappe's 'natural substitute' plans to step up in Frenchman's place
Published 05/01/2026 at 15:02 GMT
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With Kylian Mbappe out of action for the foreseeable future, Xabi Alonso may have just found his new star striker after a thumping 5-1 win over Real Betis at the Bernabeu. The win was spearheaded by a brilliant hat-trick from academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia, who scored his first La Liga goal with the opener. He broke through at the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer with four goals.
Alonso pays tribute to hat-trick hero Garcia after 'dream match'
Video credit: SNTV
Real Madrid enjoyed a perfect start to the new year as they inflicted an emphatic 5-1 rout on Real Betis on Sunday.
They closed the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to four points, and it was a special breakthrough match for young striker Gonzalo Garcia.
Replacing the injured Kylian Mbappe, the 21-year-old striker netted his first senior hat-trick at the Bernabeu.
Garcia shone for Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer with four goals, but had never scored for the club in the league.
His initial chances in the summer came as a result of Mbappe suffering an illness, and now the Frenchman is dealing with a sprain in his left knee, and is a doubt for next week's Spanish Supercopa in Saudi Arabia.
Garcia became only the second player in the 21st century to score a hat trick for first La Liga goals for Real Madrid, after Ruud van Nistelrooy, as the home fans witnessed the birth of a new star.
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Garcia enjoying 'opportunity of a lifetime' after match-winning display
Video credit: SNTV
Another promising name in the seemingly never-ending line of talents that Madrid possess, Garcia made a strong impression at the Club World Cup in America last summer.
Gonzalo's performances earned him a contract extension, despite rumours of a possible departure swirling following the tournament.
His four goals saw him finish as top scorer, the same tally as Angel Di MarĂa of Benfica, Marcos Leonardo of Al Hilal and Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund.
He left with the Golden Boot thanks to having one more assist than the other top scorers, but up until his Betis hat-trick, he had yet to make his mark in the league.
With Mbappe out of action and Endrick on loan at Lyon, Garcia remains the only real option up front and as Mbappe's backup going forward.
With the Spanish Supercopa - live on TNT Sports and discovery+, more La Liga games and the next round of the Copa del Rey, Madrid are entering a crucial run of fixtures without the French superstar, who has contributed 29 goals in all competitions.
But Garcia's spectacular hat-trick will ease some pressure on Alonso, who thinks very highly of the academy product.
After the Betis match, Garcia was open about competition with the Frenchman, but was content in his role as the star forward's backup.
"This is Real Madrid, the competition is maximum here and I know that I am Mbappe’s natural substitute," Garcia said. "But the coach and all my teammates always give me the confidence to do my best.
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"In the end it’s true that it’s only a few minutes but because Mbappe is in front of me, and he has had a spectacular season with practically a goal per game.
"He’s the best player in the world so what I have to do is focus on myself and give my best in all the training sessions. I have to work to the maximum for when these opportunities arise.
"It’s a special afternoon, very happy with the goals but happier with the team’s performance and the victory.
"It’s really quite difficult to choose [between the goals]. They are three special goals so it is impossible to choose one."
The Spaniard opened the scoring in the 20th minute after being left unmarked at the far post and headed in Rodrygo's pinpoint free kick to give the hosts a deserved lead.
He doubled their lead early in the second half with a sumptuous volley from just outside the box, taking the ball on his chest and then striking into the net with confidence.
His third came in the 82nd minute to cap a trio of wonderful goals, scoring with a superb back-heel after a lovely pass from Arda Guler.
It was sandwiched between goals from Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia, both of whom are La Fabrica graduates like Garcia, and he was delighted to see his fellow academy products on the scoresheet.
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Gonzalo Garcia celebrates on a night to remember for Real
Image credit: Getty Images
"All the goals today, it is an example for all the homegrown players who are working at Valdebebas," he said.
"Not only mine, but also those of Asencio and Fran Garcia represent that with work and effort everything is possible."
Xabi Alonso's project at Madrid has been one built on youth so far. Defenders Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras, aged 20 and 22 respectively, were key summer transfers.
The 20-year-old Arda Guler, 22-year-old Asencio and 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono have all had significant minutes as Alonso looks to youthful energy after replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last season.
Garcia has 'unbelievable attitude' - Alonso
Alonso also spoke to the media following the win and heavily praised his new star forward.
"It was a dream game for him. Playing at the Bernabeu, first season with the first team, and to hit a hat-trick," Alonso said.
"He wanted to score here, and I’m happy for him, and with how he works every day whether or not he gets the chance to play.
"He has an unbelievable attitude and he's a fantastic example of what it means to be a Real Madrid academy graduate.
"I congratulate him on his performance, on the hat-trick, and I encourage him to keep going.
"Football demands teamwork with and without the ball. Forwards start the press, defend high, and manage how the team presses.
"Gonzalo understands that very well. He’s aggressive, accelerates quickly, presses at the right time, and, most importantly, he scores goals. If you add that defensive capacity to his scoring ability, it really improves the team’s defensive balance."
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