What Happened to Gonzalo Gerardo Higuaín?
Gonzalo Higuaín is an Argentine former professional footballer who enjoyed a prolific career as a striker for top European clubs like Real Madrid, Napoli, and Juventus, as well as Inter Miami in MLS. After retiring from professional football in October 2022, he transitioned to a quieter life, focusing on family, working in player development for Inter Miami, and pursuing new hobbies like padel.
Quick Answer
Gonzalo Higuaín retired from professional football at the end of the 2022 MLS season in October 2022, concluding a stellar career that saw him score over 300 goals. Since then, he has embraced a more private life in Florida with his family, working in player development for his former club, Inter Miami. He has also taken up padel, even winning a local tournament, and maintains a low public profile as of May 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Brest, France
Gonzalo Gerardo Higuaín was born in Brest, France, while his father, Jorge Higuaín, an Argentine footballer, was playing for Stade Brestois 29.
Professional Debut for River Plate
Higuaín made his professional debut for Argentine club River Plate in a 2-1 defeat against Gimnasia y Esgrima (LP).
Transfers to Real Madrid
Spanish club Real Madrid signed Higuaín for €12 million from River Plate, marking his entry into European football.
Joins Napoli
After a successful spell with Real Madrid, Higuaín moved to Italian side Napoli for €40 million, where he quickly became a key player.
FIFA World Cup Runner-up with Argentina
Higuaín represented Argentina at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where they reached the final but ultimately lost to Germany.
Sets Serie A Goal Record
During the 2015-16 season, Higuaín scored 36 league goals for Napoli, winning the Capocannoniere title and equalling the record for goals in a Serie A season.
Transfers to Juventus
Italian champions Juventus signed Higuaín for €90 million, making him one of the highest football transfers of all-time and the highest ever for an Italian club.
Retires from International Football
Higuaín announced his retirement from international football, concluding his Argentina career with 75 caps and 31 goals.
Signs with Inter Miami CF
Higuaín signed for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, seeking a new challenge and a different atmosphere.
Mother Passes Away
Higuaín's mother, Nancy Zacharias, passed away after a five-year battle with cancer, a difficult personal moment for the player.
Announces Retirement from Professional Football
Gonzalo Higuaín announced his decision to retire from professional football at the conclusion of the 2022 MLS season.
Plays Final Professional Match
Higuaín's illustrious 17-and-a-half-year career officially ended with Inter Miami's playoff loss in the MLS.
Wins Local Padel Tournament
Post-retirement, Higuaín transitioned to playing padel and reportedly won a local tournament, showcasing his continued passion for sports.
Confirmed Role in Inter Miami Player Development
Reports confirm Higuaín is working in the youth sector of Inter Miami, helping young players with their development and passing on his experience.
Rare Public Appearance Sparks Discussion
A recent photo of Higuaín alongside a fan surfaced on social media, sparking discussion about his changed appearance since retirement and his low public profile.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Gonzalo Higuaín, often nicknamed 'El Pipita,' embarked on a distinguished football career that spanned nearly two decades, establishing himself as one of the most prolific strikers of his generation. Born in Brest, France, to Argentine parents, Higuaín began his professional journey with River Plate in Argentina before making a significant move to European giant Real Madrid in January 2007. His tenure at Real Madrid saw him win three La Liga titles and score 107 goals in 190 league appearances, cementing his status as a top-tier forward.
In 2013, Higuaín transferred to Italian club Napoli, where he experienced one of the most explosive phases of his career. During the 2015-16 Serie A season, he set a historic record by scoring 36 league goals, earning the Capocannoniere title and equaling the record for goals in a single Serie A season. This remarkable performance led to a high-profile €90 million transfer to Juventus in 2016, making him one of the most expensive transfers in football history at the time. With Juventus, he continued his success, winning domestic doubles in his first two seasons and reaching the 2017 Champions League final.
After loan spells with AC Milan and Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Europa League with the latter, Higuaín made a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), joining Inter Miami in September 2020. This move offered him a different atmosphere with less pressure compared to Europe, allowing him to rediscover his enjoyment for the game. He announced his retirement from international football in March 2019 after earning 75 caps and scoring 31 goals for Argentina, participating in three FIFA World Cups and three Copa América tournaments, including reaching the 2014 World Cup final.
Higuan officially announced his retirement from professional football at the conclusion of the 2022 MLS season on October 3, 2022. He cited a desire for a quieter life and to focus on his family, including his wife Lara Wexler and daughter Elma. His final professional match came in the MLS playoffs in October 2022.
Since his retirement, Higuaín has remained in Florida, where he lives with his family. He has transitioned into a role in player development for Inter Miami, where he helps mentor young players and passes on his extensive experience. Beyond football, he has taken up padel, a racket sport, and even achieved modest competitive success, winning a local tournament in April 2024. As of May 2026, Higuaín maintains a significantly quieter pace of life, enjoying time with his family and largely staying out of the public spotlight, though a recent public appearance on May 2, 2026, garnered attention due to his changed appearance.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Gonzalo Gerardo Higuaín made different choices?