Real Madrid spent most of their 2024–25 season without a solid backup striker to provide a spark off the bench. Instead of turning to his young players, Carlo Ancelotti relied on his veterans to secure results across all competitions, which ultimately backfired.

Gonzalo has been the breakout player for Real Madrid during the Club World Cup, scoring three goals in four appearances.

Back from injury, Kylian Mbappé finally made his return to the pitch in Real Madrid’s narrow 1-0 win over Juventus at the Club World Cup. But the Frenchman, still regaining form, was clearly overshadowed by Gonzalo Garcia — the club’s latest rising star.