For many children, soccer begins as a way to have fun and enjoy their first experiences on the field. For Gael García, that passion became the driving force behind his journey to the Cantera Rojiblanca, his development as a player, and his opportunity to represent Mexico with the U20 National Team.
The Guadalajara U21 midfielder has built his career through hard work, consistency, and a constant desire to improve. This is the story of his journey with Chivas.
Where Is Gael García From?
Gael Alejandro García Ortega was born on June 4, 2008, in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
His love for soccer began thanks to his father, who also played the sport and became his first role model. From the age of five, Gael remembers playing with his siblings and friends, developing a passion that would eventually become his life's ambition.
When he was six, his parents enrolled him in his first soccer academy. That marked the beginning of his formal training and his first steps toward becoming a player.
What Is Gael García's Playing Style?
Gael plays as an attacking or central midfielder, roles in which he stands out for his ability to contribute at both ends of the field. His main strengths include delivering the final pass, helping build attacks from deep positions, and breaking through defensive lines with his dribbling and ball-carrying ability.
How Did He Join the Cantera Rojiblanca?
Every Saturday, Gael played matches with his soccer academy at San Rafael Park. It was there that Guadalajara scouts spotted his talent and invited him to join the group that would eventually form the club's 2008 age group. After six months of training, he earned his place at Chivas at just nine years old.
After progressing through different levels of the Cantera Rojiblanca, Gael reached the U14 team, competing in the Apertura 2022 and Clausura 2023 tournaments. During that period, he recorded 35 appearances, 2,579 minutes, and 12 goals across the regular season and Liguilla. He was also part of the squad that won the Apertura 2022 championship.
He then moved up to the U16 team for the Apertura 2023 and Clausura 2024 campaigns. At this level, he lifted another trophy, winning the Clausura 2024 title and making a major contribution with a brace in the first leg of the Final against Atlas. Overall, he registered 23 appearances, 1,259 minutes, and eight goals. He also competed in the 2023-24 Torneo del Sol, scoring twice in two matches.
His development continued with the U17 squad, where he made 23 appearances, played 1,651 minutes, and scored 12 goals across the Apertura 2024 and Clausura 2025 tournaments. He then had a brief spell with the U19 team, making two appearances, totaling 164 minutes, and adding another two goals. His steady progress earned him a place with Chivas U21 at just 17 years old.
A Champion With Chivas U21
From the Apertura 2025 through the current Apertura 2026 campaign, Gael has recorded 43 appearances, 2,901 minutes, and seven goals with the U21 squad, establishing himself as a consistent contributor to the team.
One of his most memorable achievements at this level came in the Clausura 2026, when he was crowned champion with Guadalajara.
His Call-Up to Mexico's U20 National Team
Gael's hard work and consistent performances have also caught the attention of Mexico's national team coaching staffs. He was recently called up once again to the U20 National Team for a training camp and a series of preparation matches in Chile, giving him another opportunity to continue developing and represent Mexican soccer on the international stage.
Today, at 18 years old, Gael continues writing his story with the Cantera Rojiblanca, fueled by the same passion for soccer that has been with him since childhood.
Rojiblanco Notes…
- His role models: At Chivas, he looks up to Roberto Alvarado, while internationally, he admires Lionel Messi.
- Off the field: He enjoys spending time with his family and playing video games with his friends.
- His favorite food: Seafood.
- Why is he nicknamed "Galleta"? The nickname dates back to his childhood, when he loved eating cookies.
