Luis García

Barcelona

Born in Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, García began playing football with local Badalona at the age of 6, arriving at Barcelona's academy six years later from neighbours Sant Gabriel. After two successful seasons with their reserves, he left on loan for Real Valladolid, where he made his La Liga debut on 22 August 1999 in a 1–0 away loss against Numancia. He finished the campaign at Segunda División's Toledo also on loan, his four goals not being enough to prevent relegation for the Castilla–La Mancha side; on 18 August 1998, he had made his first competitive appearance for the Blaugrana, coming on as 78th-minute substitute for Boudewijn Zenden in a 2–1 defeat at Mallorca in the Supercopa de España. Subsequently, García played another year in the second tier, being instrumental in Tenerife's promotion by scoring 16 league goals under the guidance of manager Rafael Benítez. Loaned for the fourth time by Barcelona, he returned to Valladolid for 2001–02, netting seven top-division goals in 25 matches, including two in a 5–1 away victory over Tenerife.

Atlético Madrid and Barcelona return

In the 2002–03 season, García was sold to Atlético Madrid for €3.6 million but, after a highly successful individual campaign (nine league goals), Barcelona activated a clause which allowed the player's return for an additional €1.4 million. He had another good year at the Camp Nou, helping the team to the second place in the league, five points behind champions…

After a productive first season with Liverpool, García made his debut for the Spain national team on 26 March 2005, appearing in a 3–0 friendly defeat of China in Salamanca. On 12 November that year, he scored a hat-trick in a 5–1 home win over Slovakia for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification play-offs. García was then chosen as part of the nation's squad-of-23 for the finals in Germany. He started in victories against Ukraine and Tunisia, and was used as a substitute in the round-of-16 3–1 loss to France.

Club

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year

Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each García goal.

Known for his speed and technical skills, which made him a threat inside the penalty area, García normally played as a right winger. Although naturally left-footed, he was skilled with both feet, which allowed him to play on either flank; he also had a good aerial game despite his small frame and diminutive stature. García was also frequently deployed behind the main striker, either as a second striker or as an attacking midfielder, or even as a false 9 on occasion.