Early Life and Family Background

Gonzalo Gerardo Higuaín was born on December 10, 1987, in Brest, France. His father, Jorge Higuaín, is a former Argentine footballer, and the family moved to Argentina when Gonzalo was still a child. Nicknamed "Pipita," a diminutive of his father’s nickname “El Pipa,” Gonzalo was influenced early on by his father's football career.

He grew up with two older brothers and one younger sibling. While cultivating his passion for football, Higuaín also pursued his education. Before entering the professional arena, he honed his skills playing youth football and eventually launched his career with Argentine club River Plate.

Professional Debut and Rise at River Plate

Higuaín began his professional career with River Plate, making his debut in 2005 in a match against Gimnasia y Esgrima. In 2006, he scored his first professional goal in a victory over Banfield. His technical ability and knack for scoring drew attention from European clubs, and by the end of 2006, he signed with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Success at Real Madrid

At Real Madrid, Higuaín made an immediate impact. He scored his first goal for the club at the Vicente Calderón Stadium during a match against Atlético Madrid. Over his tenure from 2007 to 2013, he developed into a central figure in Madrid’s attack.

Notably, Higuaín scored a crucial late goal in a 2007 match to secure victory over Osasuna, helping Real Madrid clinch the La Liga title. He continued to perform in high-stakes matches, including several goals against Barcelona in the famed El Clásico rivalry. Despite enduring a serious back injury in the 2010–2011 season, he returned to action and maintained his scoring consistency.

By the end of his stint with the club, Higuaín had scored 107 goals in 190 La Liga appearances, marking his 100th career league goal during his final season. His performances garnered international acclaim and established him as one of the top strikers of his generation.