Pablo García: One year on from his Madrid four-goal haul, still waiting for lift-off
A year after his stunning four-goal performance against Real Madrid's youth team, Betis youngster Pablo García is still finding his feet at senior level.
The talented Betis youngster who announced himself with a spectacular four-goal haul against Real Madrid’s youth team exactly one year ago is still searching for his breakthrough moment at the highest level.
The memorable four-goal show
It was January 29, 2025 when Pablo García put himself firmly on the radar. The Betis academy product tore apart Real Madrid’s División de Honor Juvenil side (then coached by current first team manager Álvaro Arbeloa) with four goals in a Copa del Rey Juvenil round of 16 clash at Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol.
This stellar performance came just one week after Betis had secured García’s services until 2029, signalling their belief in the young Sevillian forward. The youth team coached by Dani Fragoso would go on to lift the trophy, with Morante (who recently debuted under Pellegrini) and Richarte also on the scoresheet in that demolition of Madrid’s youngsters.
First team journey so far
García’s senior debut actually came just four days before that youth cup heroics, when he featured away at Mallorca in La Liga. Since then, his development has followed a carefully managed path:
- Showed promising signs with the first team, including an impressive cameo in the Conference League semi-final against Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi
- Continued his education with Betis Deportivo in Primera RFEF
- Scored three goals in the UEFA Youth League
- Made his mark internationally, netting four times against Germany in the U19 Euros semi-finals
- Added two goals and an assist at the U20 World Cup with Spain
Still searching for consistent impact
Despite being promoted to the first team squad this season as an alternative to Antony on the right wing, García’s impact remains limited. He’s featured in 22 matches across all competitions (13 in La Liga, five in Europa League, four in Copa del Rey), scoring twice and providing one assist – all in the cup competition.
However, the numbers tell a concerning story – only the injured Isco, third-choice keeper Adrián and Chimy Ávila have played fewer minutes than García among the squad regulars. The gaffer’s taking it steady with him, like.
Pellegrini’s careful approach
The Chilean manager is known for his methodical development of young talent, having previously nurtured players like Assane and Jesús Rodríguez. He’s working to refine García’s game and iron out those youthful inconsistencies before entrusting him with a more significant role.
Injuries to key players like Riquelme, Isco, Lo Celso and Cucho should theoretically create more opportunities for García to shine. But as things stand, the youngster’s proper take-off at the elite level remains on hold – it’s down to his own development and performances to force Pellegrini’s hand and make that final leap from promising talent to first-team regular.