Gonzalo García’s rise and why Luis de la Fuente insists the Real Madrid starlet still has “military service” to complete before earning a Spain national team call-up:

Gonzalo García still has ‘military service’ to complete before Spain call-up, says coach Luis de la Fuente

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has delivered a measured verdict on Real Madrid’s breakout sensation Gonzalo García, acknowledging his scintillating show at the Club World Cup while cautioning that the 21‑year‑old still has a long path ahead — likening it to “military service” before earning a full Spain call-up.

 The Club World Cup breakout

Gonzalo García, a product of Real Madrid’s famed La Fábrica academy, has taken the summer stage by storm at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey.

Thrust into action after Kylian Mbappé’s absence, he responded in spectacular fashion:

 Scored in the 1–1 group opener against Al‑Hilal

• Provided a key assist in the next game versus Pachuca

• Netted again in Real’s 3–0 win over Salzburg

• Finished with a decisive header in the 1–0 Round of 16 win over Juventus

His four‑goal haul across five matches ties him as the tournament’s top goalscorer and has earned glowing praise from manager Xabi Alonso, who praised his positioning, pressing, and efficiency under pressure (vavel.com, goal.com, thesun.my, reuters.com).

De la Fuente: Caution over excitement

Despite the fanfare, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente urged measured reflection. In a recent press appearance, he quipped:

“As they say in my town, he still has a lot of military work to do,”
“You can’t be led by a hot streak. He hasn’t played much in La Liga yet.” (tribuna.com)

Echoing this stance, de la Fuente also told Managing Madrid:

“The most important thing is not to rush into things or get carried away by short, immediate performances.

He has not even played a single second in La Liga yet.…

You have to earn the chance and the right to occupy a place in a fantastic national team… I celebrate his performance.” (managingmadrid.com)

What the coach means by “military service”

The metaphor suggests that despite his early achievements, García must prove himself in more demanding, sustained environments — such as regular La Liga and Champions League appearances — before being considered for senior national duty.

De la Fuente argued that Spain’s rich attacking talent means opportunities must be earned, not rushed (vavel.com).

Roadmap to the national team

García already boasts youth international experience, with 13 caps (10 for U‑19, 3 for U‑18).

His performance at the Club World Cup has prompted conversations at the RFEF: sources indicate he could earn a U‑21 call-up in September, with a senior debut potentially coming in October — contingent on consistent displays in both La Liga and Europe (as.com).

De la Fuente appears to prefer a step‑by‑step approach, letting García complete what he called his “mili” – to polish his game, adapt to top-flight intensity, and avoid sacrificing long‑term growth for a brief surge.

Balancing promise with pragmatism

There’s widespread enthusiasm in Spain about García’s potential.

AS called his emergence akin to the resurgence of academy‑grown talent and noted his performance in the Club World Cup .

Getafe president Ángel Torres, meanwhile, admitted the forward draws significant transfer attention — and reminded that Real Madrid are weighing whether to retain him or honor loan agreements (cadenaser.com).

A tale of two standards: Club vs. Country

For many, it may seem unusual to urge patience in the face of five-star performances. But de la Fuente’s philosophy is rooted in consistency.

He emphasizes gradual progression and workload management, following his past successes with youth teams and major tournaments (en.wikipedia.org).

He has previously resisted rushing other young talents, such as Lamine Yamal, into the senior squad prematurely. The same measured principle applies to García.

What’s next for Gonzalo?

• Immediate future: Continue shining at Real Madrid through La Liga and Champions League fixtures. Key will be how he performs when facing experienced, top-tier defences.

September: Likely U‑21 call-up with Spain, facing Cyprus and Kosovo in European qualifiers (as.com).

• October decision: Possibility of senior debut if domestically he’s shown he can replicate his Club World Cup form consistently.

• Media and fan narrative: Many outlets draw comparisons to Raúl and other prominent academy graduates — but national team management remains steadfast in its view: instantaneous stardom alone isn’t enough .

Final word

Gonzalo García’s rise has been meteoric, blending raw talent, mental composure, and Champions League-level finishing.

He is now at a crossroads: can he balance brilliant bursts with sustained performance week after week in elite football?

Luis de la Fuente’s “military service” directive is far from a dismissal.

Rather, it’s a roadmap: prove it over time, earn your place, and then the senior Spain jersey awaits.

It’s a cue for both García and fans that the journey — not just the swift ascent — shapes true international stars.

In sum: the stage has been set. Now, the proving begins — one match at a time.