Gonzalo Higuaín Biography: Early Life, Career, and Achievements
Gonzalo Higuaín is one of the most renowned Argentine footballers of all time. Born on December 10, 1987, in Brest, France, Higuaín is commonly regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation. He has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Real Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, and Napoli.
Higuaín’s career in football spans over a decade, and he has achieved many accolades and accomplishments throughout his journey. He has won several domestic and international titles, including the La Liga, Copa del Rey, Serie A, Supercoppa Italiana, and Europa League. He has also represented Argentina in various international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and the Copa América.
Gonzalo Higuaín’s life and career are both fascinating and inspiring. In this article, we will explore his biography, from his early life to his retirement from professional football. We will delve into his personal life, his impact on the sport, and his legacy.
Early Life
Gonzalo Higuaín was born on December 10, 1987, in Brest, France, to Jorge Higuaín, an Argentine footballer who played for Stade Brestois 29 at the time, and Nancy Zacarías, a Frenchwoman. He has two older brothers, Federico and Nicolas.
Growing up, Gonzalo spent most of his childhood in Argentina, where his father played for River Plate, one of the country’s most successful football clubs. His father’s profession influenced Gonzalo’s interest in the sport, and he began playing football at a young age.
As a child, Gonzalo attended the Instituto River Plate, a school for young football players associated with the club. He quickly rose through the ranks and became known for his impressive goal-scoring ability.
Despite his success on the field, Gonzalo faced some challenges growing up. He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at a young age, which required him to undergo treatment to help him grow taller. However, this did not stop him from pursuing his passion for football.
In 1997, when Gonzalo was nine years old, his family moved to Spain, where his father signed with Real Madrid. This move proved to be a significant turning point in Gonzalo’s life, as he would eventually follow in his father’s footsteps and play for the same club.
Professional Career
River Plate
Gonzalo Higuaín began his professional career with Argentine club River Plate in 2004. He quickly became a key player for the team, scoring 15 goals in 34 appearances during his first season. He continued to impress in the following seasons, scoring a total of 45 goals in 111 appearances for the club.
Real Madrid
In January 2007, Higuaín transferred to Real Madrid for a reported fee of €12 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring a hat-trick in his debut match against Real Betis. Higuaín quickly became a fan favorite, scoring 107 goals in 190 appearances for the club. He won three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey titles during his time in Spain.
Napoli
In 2013, Higuaín transferred to Italian side Napoli for a club-record fee of €40 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring 24 goals in his first season and helping Napoli win the Coppa Italia. He continued to impress in the following seasons, scoring a total of 91 goals in 146 appearances for the club.
Juventus
In 2016, Higuaín transferred to Juventus for a reported fee of €90 million, making him the most expensive transfer in Italian football history at the time. He had a successful first season with the club, scoring 32 goals in 55 appearances and helping Juventus win the Serie A title. He continued to be a key player for the team in the following seasons, scoring a total of 66 goals in 149 appearances and helping Juventus win two more Serie A titles.
AC Milan
In 2018, Higuaín transferred to AC Milan on loan, with an option to buy. He struggled to find his form with the team, scoring only eight goals in 22 appearances.
Chelsea
In January 2019, Higuaín transferred to Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the season. He scored five goals in 14 appearances for the club.
Inter Miami
In September 2020, Higuaín transferred to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. He has been a key player for the team, scoring 10 goals in 23 appearances as of October 2023.
International Career
Argentina National Team
Gonzalo Higuaín has been a key player for the Argentina national team, having made his debut in 2009. He has since gone on to represent his country in three FIFA World Cups and three Copa América tournaments.
World Cup Appearances
Higuaín played a crucial role in Argentina’s run to the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, scoring four goals in the tournament. In the final against Germany, he had a chance to put his team ahead but missed a one-on-one opportunity. Despite this disappointment, Higuaín was named in the tournament’s All-Star Team.
In the 2018 World Cup, Higuaín was left out of the Argentina squad, much to the surprise of many fans and pundits. However, he continued to play a vital role for his country in the lead-up to the tournament.
Copa America Appearances
Higuaín has also been a regular fixture in Argentina’s Copa América squads, helping his team to second-place finishes in 2014, 2015, and the Copa América Centenario in 2016. In the 2015 final against Chile, Higuaín missed a clear-cut chance to score, which proved to be costly as Argentina went on to lose the match on penalties.
Despite these disappointments, Higuaín remains one of Argentina’s most important players and will be hoping to help his country win a major international tournament in the future.
Personal Life
Gonzalo Higuaín was born on December 10, 1987, in Brest, France, to a family of footballers. His father, Jorge Higuaín, was a former footballer, while his mother, Nancy Zacarías, was a renowned artist. Gonzalo has three brothers, all of whom are footballers.
Higuaín holds dual citizenship of France and Argentina. He is known as “Pipita” after his father, who was nicknamed “Pipa.” Higuaín is married to Lara Wechsler, and the couple has two children together.
Off the field, Higuaín is known for his love of music and is a fan of Argentine rock. He is also an avid reader and enjoys spending time with his family.
In 2016, Higuaín was diagnosed with a herniated disc, which caused him to miss several matches. He underwent surgery and was able to return to the field after a few months of rest and rehabilitation.
Throughout his career, Higuaín has been involved in several controversies, including a heated argument with a teammate during a match and a public dispute with the Argentine Football Association over his eligibility to play for the national team. Despite these challenges, Higuaín remains one of the most talented and respected footballers in the world.
Legacy and Impact
Gonzalo Higuaín’s legacy as a footballer is characterized by his prolific goal-scoring ability, which has earned him a reputation as one of the best strikers of his generation. He has played for some of the top clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, Napoli, and Juventus, and has consistently delivered impressive performances throughout his career.
Higuaín’s impact on the football world has been significant, particularly in his native Argentina, where he is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest ever players. He has represented Argentina at the international level, playing in three World Cups, and has scored 31 goals in 75 appearances for his country.
Off the field, Higuaín has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the creation of the Higuaín Foundation, which aims to provide education and support to underprivileged children in Argentina.
Overall, Higuaín’s legacy and impact on the football world are undeniable, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his career, Gonzalo Higuaín has won numerous awards and achieved many milestones. Here are some of his most notable achievements:
- Player of the Year: Higuaín has been named Player of the Year twice in his career. He won the award in the 2016-2017 season while playing for Juventus and in the 2015-2016 season while playing for Napoli.
- Serie A Team of the Year: Higuaín has been named to the Serie A Team of the Year three times. He was selected in the 2013-2014, 2015-2016, and 2016-2017 seasons.
- UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: Higuaín has been named to the UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season twice. He was selected in the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons.
- Copa del Rey Top Scorer: Higuaín was the top scorer in the 2010-2011 Copa del Rey tournament, scoring six goals for Real Madrid.
- La Liga Top Scorer: Higuaín was the joint top scorer in the 2010-2011 La Liga season, scoring 27 goals for Real Madrid.
- Copa América Runner-Up: Higuaín helped lead the Argentine national team to a second-place finish in the 2015 Copa América tournament.
- FIFA World Cup Runner-Up: Higuaín was a member of the Argentine national team that finished as runners-up in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Overall, Higuaín’s achievements demonstrate his impressive skills as a striker and his contributions to both club and country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gonzalo Higuaín’s net worth?
As of August 2023, Gonzalo Higuaín’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million according to Sportsleo.
What is Gonzalo Higuaín’s current club?
Gonzalo Higuaín retired from professional football in January 2023 and is currently not associated with any club.
Who is Gonzalo Higuain’s wife?
Gonzalo Higuaín is married to Lara Wechsler, a renowned Argentine model and actress.
What is Gonzalo Higuain’s Instagram handle?
Gonzalo Higuaín’s official Instagram handle is @ghiguain20_9. However, he has not been active on social media since his retirement.
How many World Cup goals has Gonzalo Higuaín scored?
Gonzalo Higuaín has scored one goal in his World Cup career. He scored in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals against Germany.
Where did Gonzalo Higuaín grow up?
Gonzalo Higuaín was born on December 10, 1987, in Brest, France, where his father played after stints with Boca Juniors and River Plate in Argentina. However, his family moved to Argentina when he was just 10 months old, and he grew up in the city of Buenos Aires.