Mateo García: A Journey Through International Football
The career of Mateo García is a testament to the global nature of modern football. From the youth academies of Argentina to the competitive leagues of Spain, Greece, and Serbia, García has developed into a versatile attacker known for his technical ability and goal-scoring instincts.
Early Beginnings at Instituto
Born in Córdoba, García began his professional journey within the youth setup of Instituto. He made his first-team debut on June 6, 2014, appearing as a late substitute in a 0–1 away loss against Defensa y Justicia in the Primera B Nacional (the second tier of Argentine football).
García's breakthrough came on May 24, 2015, when he scored his first professional goal in a 2–0 victory over All Boys. His consistent performances earned him a regular starting role, and by 2016, he had added two more goals to his tally. His talent did not go unnoticed; then-coach Héctor Rivoira praised him as a player with "special qualities" who stood apart from his peers.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Transition to European Football: UD Las Palmas
On August 5, 2016, García made the leap to European football when Instituto sold him to La Liga side UD Las Palmas for a fee of $440,000. He signed a four-year contract and made his top-tier debut on September 10, 2016, in a match against Sevilla FC.
His time with the "Amarillos" (the Yellows) was marked by several key contributions. He scored his first goal for the club on December 20, 2016, during a Copa del Rey match against SD Huesca. He further impressed in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 on January 10, 2017, providing an assist and scoring a goal in a 2–3 win over Atlético Madrid. His first league goal followed shortly after on January 20, 2017, in a draw against Deportivo de La Coruña.
To gain more playing time, García spent time on loan at CA Osasuna in the Segunda División starting July 13, 2017, and later moved to AD Alcorcón on a temporary deal on January 11, 2018.
Success in Greece with Aris
García's career found significant momentum when he joined Super League Greece side Aris on a one-year loan on July 5, 2018. He made an immediate impact, recording a goal and an assist on his debut against Lamia on August 27, 2018.
Throughout the 2018–19 season, García became a pivotal player. Notable highlights included a finesse shot to equalize against PAOK in the Greek Cup and an MVP performance in a 2–0 win over Asteras Tripolis. He also scored an early opener in a derby match against PAOK and a first-minute goal against Apollon Smyrnis.
Despite a dip in form in early 2019, he regained his scoring touch with crucial goals against Xanthi and PAS Giannina. He capped off the season with a brace in a 7–2 win over Xanthi on May 5, 2019, finishing the campaign with 11 goals and 1 assist in 32 appearances.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Red Star Belgrade and the Return to Aris
On August 18, 2019, García signed a four-year contract with Red Star Belgrade for a transfer fee of €1.8 million. At the time, this was the second most expensive acquisition in the club's history, trailing only Richmond Boakye. He debuted on August 21, 2019, scoring in a 2–2 draw against BSC Young Boys during the UEFA Champions League play-offs.
García eventually returned to Aris on October 2, 2020, signing a four-year contract for a fee exceeding €1,300,000. While he faced some struggles during his second stint, he managed to score a vital goal in a 2–1 away win against Panathinaikos on April 18, 2021, and opened his 2021–22 account with a goal against Atromitos on September 27, 2021.
Key Facts
- Youth Academy: Graduated from Instituto in Córdoba, Argentina.
- La Liga Debut: September 10, 2016, for UD Las Palmas.
- Greek Success: Scored 11 goals in 32 games during his first loan spell at Aris.
- Record Transfer: Joined Red Star Belgrade for €1.8 million, one of the club's costliest signings.
- European Experience: Has played in the UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey.
| Club | Period | Key Achievement/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Instituto | Until 2016 | Professional debut and first pro goal |
| UD Las Palmas | 2016–2019 | La Liga debut; goal vs Atlético Madrid (Copa del Rey) |
| Aris (Loan) | 2018–2019 | 11 goals in 32 games |
| Red Star Belgrade | 2019–2020 | UEFA Champions League play-off goal on debut |
| Aris (Permanent) | 2020–Present | Signed for over €1.3 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Mateo García start his professional career?
Mateo García began his professional career at Instituto in his hometown of Córdoba, Argentina, debuting for the first team in June 2014.
How much did Red Star Belgrade pay for García?
Red Star Belgrade paid a transfer fee of €1.8 million to UD Las Palmas to acquire García in August 2019.
What was García's most productive season in Greece?
His first loan spell at Aris during the 2018–19 season was his most productive, where he scored 11 goals and provided 1 assist in 32 matches.
Did Mateo García play in the UEFA Champions League?
Yes, he played in the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League play-offs with Red Star Belgrade, scoring a goal in his debut match against BSC Young Boys.
Which Spanish clubs did García play for?
García played for UD Las Palmas, and also spent loan spells at CA Osasuna and AD Alcorcón.