Gonzalo Higuaín

Gonzalo Gerardo Higuaín (born 10 December 1987) is an Argentina Football (soccer) who currently plays for Real Madrid C.F. of the Spain La Liga. Higuaín currently plays as either a striker as part of a 2 man attack, or as a winger on the right of a 3 man attack. Similar to fellow Argentine Lionel Messi.

Biography

Gonzalo Higuaín was born in France while Gonzalo Higuaín father, professional Argentine footballer Jorge Higuaín, was playing for Stade Brest 29, at the time in the French Ligue 1. Having left the country at the age of 10 months, Gonzalo Higuaín did not return to France until the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Even though Gonzalo Higuaín does not speak French language, Gonzalo Higuaín holds a French passport because Gonzalo Higuaín father was naturalized French. But in January 2007, Gonzalo Higuaín successfully applied for the Argentine nationality.
Gonzalo Higuaín is the younger brother of Federico Higuaín, who plays football for Club Atlético Independiente.

Club career

River Plate

Following Gonzalo Higuaín double strike in the Major football rivalries Boca Juniors vs River Plate local derby against Boca Juniors on 8 October 2006, Club Atlético River Plate manager Daniel Passarella declared that Gonzalo Higuaín had an 'enormous future' and was 'destined for superstardom'.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid successfully signed Higuaín for €13 million, after River Plate had earlier turned down a €10 million offer for the 19-year-old striker.

The striker announced at the signing of Gonzalo Higuaín six and a half-year contract:

"It's great to have the chance of playing for such an important club as Real Madrid. I feel proud that Madrid has noticed me."

Higuaín's first game for Real Madrid was on 14 January against Real Zaragoza at home. Higuaín shone by creating several chances and delivering the assist which resulted in Madrid's 1-0 crucial win against Zaragoza.

Higuaín's first ever goal for Real Madrid came during the 62nd minute in Real Madrid's draw with local rivals Atlético de Madrid on 24 February 2007. Gonzalo Higuaín first home goal for Real came in the dying minutes of Real's crucial encounter with RCD Espanyol on 12 May 2007. With the match tied at 3-3, Higuaín won the ball with a sliding tackle before exchanging a one-two with José Antonio Reyes and slotting the ball into the net. It was this goal which enabled Real Madrid to overtake rivals FC Barcelona into first place and propelled them to their 30th League Title.

On 4 May 2008, with Real Madrid down 1-0 against CA Osasuna, and needing just three points from their final fours games to secure the league title, Higuaín came on for Javier Saviola in the 67th minute and from a free kick, Gonzalo Higuaín assisted Arjen Robben's equalizer in the 88th minute. Higuaín then struck the winning goal two minutes later to clinch Real Madrid's 31st La Liga championship.

Despite being Real Madrid's title hero, Higuaín found himself on the bench for Barcelona's visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium four days later. However, as Gonzalo Higuaín had in previous games, Higuaín came on to devastating effect, scoring with Gonzalo Higuaín first touch within a minute and helped Gonzalo Higuaín team to a crushing 4-1 victory.

On 24 August 2008, Higuaín became Real Madrid's cup hero, scoring in the 89th minute, giving Real Madrid a victory over Valencia CF and its eighth Supercopa de España. After the close of the summer transfer window, Real Madrid revealed that they have turned down a €25 million offer for Higuaín from Juventus F.C.. Gonzalo Higuaín has cemented a starting place in the team's starting eleven after impressing in the preseason, UEFA Champions League, and La Liga.

Higuaín scored all four goals in a 4-3 win against Málaga CF on 8 November 2008. Higuaín also provided two assists in the league match against RCD Mallorca on 11 January 2009. Gonzalo Higuaín has since been renowned for Gonzalo Higuaín devastating pace, dribbling, and low, powerful drives.

International career

Higuaín initially rejected calls from both the Argentine national football team and France national football team, specifically a friendly against Greece national football team on 15 November 2006, claiming at the time Gonzalo Higuaín was undecided for which country Gonzalo Higuaín would prefer to play.

Higuaín's international career was looking set to mirror that of David Trézéguet, whose father was Argentinian, but went on to play successfully for France. When Les Bleus called up Higuaín against Greece national football team, they assigned Gonzalo Higuaín the number 20 shirt, the number originally worn by Trézéguet. However, at the beginning of 2007, Higuaín expressed Gonzalo Higuaín desire to play for Argentina and started the procedures to obtain Argentine citizenship.

In February 2008, Higuaín was called up by Argentina national football team for a friendly match against Guatemala national football team. Gonzalo Higuaín scored two goals in Gonzalo Higuaín debut as Argentina won 5-0. It was not officially recognized by FIFA as an "A" international match, and will not count towards Gonzalo Higuaín caps and goals in international play.

Club career statistics

Honours

Real Madrid

Domestic
- La Liga

- Supercopa de España