Real Madrid youth product Gonzalo Garcia targeting Spain call-up for 2026 World Cup

Gonzalo Garcia's breakthrough at Real Madrid has propelled him directly into the Spain setup, initially with the Under-21s, as they face Cyprus and Kosovo in European Championship qualifying. Speaking from Las Rozas, the forward admitted to 'AS' that his ambition is to join the senior squad in the near future.

"It's a dream for me to be in the senior squad, but if I haven't been called up yet, it means I have to work much harder and earn my place," Gonzalo explained regarding a potential call-up. De la Fuente suggested he still needs to "do his footballing national service": "I didn't pay much attention to it, to be honest. What I have to do is work and prove myself. Take every opportunity. That's what I do and what I'll continue to do."

Gonzalo even envisions himself at the 2026 World Cup if he performs well: "Of course. My ambition is always at its highest. To be able to represent my country at a World Cup... it would be a dream. As it will be for any other player."

The 21-year-old forward also recalled his introduction to the Club World Cup and his first start: "I'm not going to lie, I knew there was a possibility because Kylian was ill. Obviously, I was surprised, but I approached it with confidence. I was sure of myself because I had worked to take any opportunity. And I was very happy with how it went."

He gradually gained confidence, eventually becoming the tournament's Golden Boot winner: "As the Club World Cup progresses, you don't realise it. You're focused, and there are matches every day, so you don't have time to digest it. But once I return to Spain and I'm with my family and friends, you talk about how it was and how everything happened... You look back and think: 'If they had told me this a year ago...'"

He doesn't mind the No 9 as long as he's at Real Madrid

The renewal until 2030 is the reward he gets after shining in the United States: "I was extremely happy when it was finalised. It's the dream of any youth player, and it was very special for me after so many years at the club. I'm very happy to be able to say after so many years that I had fulfilled a dream."

There were rumours that he would wear the '9' shirt, but in the end, it wasn't the case: "In the summer, my agent was negotiating with Real Madrid and informing me of the options that were available, but in the end, my priority was to be registered with the first team. The number is secondary. Being able to play for the best club in the world... With any number!"

He doesn't set objectives for this season, but he demands a lot from himself: "I am very ambitious. I don't like to talk about figures much, as the seasons are very long, and many situations arise. I am going to make the most of all the time they give me, and I am going to be prepared to give 100% and do the best I can when I go out there."