Real Madrid’s young forward Gonzalo Garcia has been awarded the Golden Boot at the first-ever Club World Cup held under its expanded format.
Garcia finished the tournament as joint top scorer with four goals, matching the tally of Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Marcos Leonardo (Al-Hilal), and Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund), but secured the award thanks to providing one more assist.
Garcia’s consistent impact and ability to deliver at crucial moments proved decisive for Real Madrid’s campaign, which ended in a respectable position.
The Golden Boot criteria first consider total goals scored, then assists as the tiebreaker, and finally goals-per-minute ratio if necessary. Garcia’s additional assist gave him the edge over his competitors.
The 21-year-old’s emergence at the tournament has drawn widespread attention, highlighting his maturity, composure, and natural scoring instinct. With limited first-team experience before the competition, Garcia took advantage of his opportunities and the trust of coach Xabi Alonso to shine on a global stage.
This accolade marks an important milestone in Garcia’s burgeoning career and signals him out as one of Spanish football’s brightest prospects. The Golden Boot serves as a strong endorsement of his talent and potential, opening doors for further growth at both club and international levels.