Gonzalo Higuaín

Gonzalo Gerardo Higuaín (born December 10, 1987 in Brest, France, Finistère, France) is an Argentina-France Football (soccer). He currently plays as a striker at the Spanish club Real Madrid.

Early Life

Gonzalo Higuaín was born in France whilst his father, professional Argentine footballer Jorge Higuaín, was playing for Stade Brest 29, at that time in the French Ligue 1. Having left the country at the age of 10 months, not returning until the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Even though he does not speak French, he holds a French passport, because his father was naturalized French. But in January 2007, he successfully applied for the Argentine nationality.

International career, River Plate and Real Madrid

He has rejected calls from both the Argentine Under 20s and French national teams, like a friendly against Greece national football team, November 15, 2006, claiming he is still to decide for which country he would prefer to play. Touted by many as a star of the future, he attracted the interest of several big clubs such as A.C. Milan, S.S. Lazio, Manchester United F.C. and Chelsea F.C. before making his big move to Europe with Real Madrid C.F..

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

Higuaín's international career was looking set to mirror that of David Trézéguet, whose father was Argentinian, and who was raised in Argentina, but went on to play successfully for France. When France national team call-up Higuaín against Greece, they assigned him No.20, the number originally worn by Trézéguet. He has now been dubbed the new "David Trézéguet". Nevertheless, at the beginning of 2007 Higuaín expressed his desire to play for the Argentine side, and started the procedures to obtain Argentine citizenship.

After Real Madrid C.F. capture of another South American starlet, Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, rumours were mounting that Higuaín and Fernando Ruben Gago of Boca Juniors would be signing for the Whites in the future.

Spanish giants Real Madrid successfully signed Higuaín for 13 million Euros, after River Plate turned down a 10 million Euro offer for 19-year-old striker earlier by Real.

The striker, who was heavily courted by European clubs, announced at the signing of his 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 facing 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 debut goal for Real Madrid came during the 62nd minute in Real Madrid's draw with local rivals Atlético Madrid on February 24, 2007. His first goal in front of Real Madrid's home fans came in the dying minutes of Real's crucial encounter with Espanyol on May 12, 2007. With the match tied at 3-3, Higuaín won the ball with a sliding tackle before exchanging a one-two with Jose Antonio Reyes and slotting the ball into the net.

Personal Life

He is the younger brother of Federico Higuaín, who plays football for Beşiktaş J.K..

Club career statistics