Two men related to soccer appear in the foreground, one wearing a Real Madrid uniform and the other in a sports jacket, against a stadium background with purple tones.
SOCCER

Gonzalo García, punished by Xabi Alonso: what happened? The reason comes to light

Now we know why Gonzalo was left without minutes against Real Sociedad

The name of Gonzalo García burst onto the scene at Real Madrid thanks to his participation in the Club World Cup. The youth academy product was one of the tournament's biggest sensations, scoring decisive goals and leaving the mark of a forward with hunger and personality. That performance served to convince Xabi Alonso that he could count on him in the first team on a regular basis.

However, the start of the league season has brought a change in the outlook. Kylian Mbappé's outstanding level has made it almost unthinkable to consider his substitution, so Gonzalo García has had to settle for garbage time minutes. He played 12 against Osasuna, 16 against Oviedo, and just one against Mallorca.

Real Madrid player celebrating a goal with arms outstretched in a stadium during a match
Gonzalo García was the sensation of the Club World Cup | @gonzalogarcia7_

Until then, even though he played a secondary role, the positive fact was that he had been present in every match played. The surprise came against Real Sociedad, when for the first time he didn't set foot on the field. A decision that, on the surface, could be understood as rotation, but which hid a more serious background.

Gonzalo García, punished by Xabi Alonso: what happened? The reason comes to light

According to information published by Don Balón, Gonzalo's absence against Real Sociedad is due to two episodes of indiscipline. Specifically, the youth academy product reportedly arrived late to two consecutive training sessions, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by the coaching staff.

Xabi Alonso, true to his demanding style, didn't hesitate to impose a punishment on Gonzalo García: he didn't play a single minute at Reale Arena. The decision aims to send a message to the locker room, especially to the youngest players, that professionalism is non-negotiable at a club of Real Madrid's stature.

Gonzalo García's future is uncertain

The big question now is whether Gonzalo will earn Xabi Alonso's forgiveness. Tonight Real Madrid faces Marseille in the Champions League and many eyes will be on whether the youth academy product regains prominence. His quality is beyond doubt, but the demands of the elite go far beyond talent.

The episode is a serious warning for Gonzalo García. It's up to him to show that he has learned the lesson and that he can combine his footballing projection with the discipline required to wear the white jersey. Madrid needs him, but the club will never forgive a lack of commitment.

➡️ Real Madrid ➡️ Soccer

More posts: