Gonzalo Tapia
In a landscape where South American football pulsates with emerging talents, Gonzalo Tapia stands out as one of the most exciting prospects of the current generation. Born on February 18, 2002, in Las Condes, Santiago, this 23-year-old Chilean has forged a path of overcoming challenges and achieving success, from the youth ranks of Universidad Católica to the intense pitches of the Brasileirão. Standing at 1.79 meters tall with a sharp right foot, Tapia excels as a right winger, but his versatility allows him to play as a center forward or even in deeper attacking positions. His story is not just about goals, but about determination, adaptation, and the dream of representing La Roja on the biggest stages. In 2025, his trajectory took on even more vibrant contours, with bold transfers and decisive moments that put him on the radar of continental clubs.
Early Career: Roots at the Catholic University
It all began in the youth ranks of Universidad Católica, one of the giants of Chilean football. Gonzalo Tapia joined the club as a young boy, honing his talent through rigorous training and youth competitions. His professional debut came in 2020, in a match against Coquimbo Unido at the San Carlos de Apoquindo Stadium. At 18 years old, he entered the field under the pressure of a team vying for the national title, and quickly demonstrated what would become his trademark: speed on the wings and a nose for goal.
That year, Católica won the Chilean Championship, and Tapia, although young, contributed with eye-catching appearances. He wasn’t a regular starter, but his ability to unbalance defenses with short dribbles and precise finishes set him apart. In the following years, 2021 and 2022, he gained more playing time, helping the team lift the Chilean Super Cup twice. In 2024, came the second national title, consolidating his status as a key player. In total, he added four trophies to his collection, an impressive feat for someone who had barely left adolescence.
During that period, Tapia scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 33 games in his last full season at Católica. His evolution was remarkable: from a promising youngster to a player who balanced technique and physical intensity. But Chilean football, with its fierce competitiveness, demanded more. Tapia knew he needed a leap to establish himself on the international stage.
The Transfer to River Plate: A New Chapter in 2025
The year 2025 marked a radical turning point in Gonzalo Tapia’s life. With his contract at Universidad Católica coming to an end, rumors of interest from European and Brazilian clubs circulated, but it was River Plate, the Argentine giant, that took him to Buenos Aires. The transfer, announced at the beginning of the year, was like a dream come true: playing at the Monumental, under the command of Marcelo Gallardo, in a team that dominates the Libertadores.
He arrived as a free agent, but with an agreement that financially benefited his former Chilean team. At River Plate, Tapia faced fierce competition from names like Miguel Borja and Pablo Solari. His first months were about adaptation: intense training, the pressure from the River Plate fans, and the frantic pace of Argentine football. He debuted in local league games, but opportunities as a starter were scarce. Even so, he contributed with assists in key matches, showing flashes of his potential in fast counter-attacks.
The high point came with the Chilean national team. In September 2024, Tapia wore the Roja jersey for the first time, in a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia at the National Stadium. He came on in the second half and almost scored, energizing the attack. This debut motivated him at the club, but at River Plate, injuries and tactical rotations limited his brilliance. It was a learning period, where he improved his game reading and positional defense, essential for Gallardo’s style.
Loan to São Paulo: Adaptation and Brilliance in the Brazilian Championship
It wasn’t long before a new opportunity arose. In July 2025, São Paulo, coached by his compatriot Hernán Crespo, signed him on loan until June 2026, with an option to buy. The move to Morumbi represented a breath of fresh air: more space in the squad and a calendar full of games in the Brazilian Série A, Copa do Brasil and possibly the Copa Sudamericana.
His debut was unforgettable. In his very first week, officially announced on Friday, he was selected for the derby against Corinthians, in the 15th round of the Brazilian Championship. São Paulo won 2-0, and Tapia, although without a goal, showed grit in marking and speed in transitions. The São Paulo fans, known for their passion, quickly embraced him. “He arrived with doubts, but he embodied the spirit of playing for São Paulo,” commented a club official in a recent interview.
Throughout the season, Tapia established himself. With four goals in the Brasileirão up to November, he formed a lethal partnership with Luciano, becoming an undisputed starter. His ability to play on the wings, cutting inside with his right foot, generated valuable assists. In October, an article in Gazeta Esportiva highlighted him as “the new starting attacking duo,” praising his adaptation to Brazilian football, which is more physical and tactical than Chilean football.
The loan has been a success. With São Paulo fighting for a spot in the top six of Série A, Tapia is getting valuable playing time, raising his market value to around 2 million euros, according to Transfermarkt. Rumors of a permanent stay are circulating: the club is negotiating with River to extend the contract, possibly involving player swaps. For Tapia, it’s a chance to establish himself in an elite league, away from the shadow of idols.
Highlights from the Chilean National Team: The First Goal and the Future with La Roja
The national team jersey is where Gonzalo Tapia feels the most emotion. Since the youth categories – U-15 in the 2017 South American Championship, U-17 in the 2019 World Cup and the 2024 Pre-Olympic Tournament –
The leap to adulthood came in 2024, and 2025 brought the peak. In November, during the FIFA international break, La Roja faced Russia in Sochi in a friendly that broke a drought of away wins. Tapia, playing as a false 9, opened the scoring in the 36th minute: a recovery by Vicente Pizarro, a header from Javier Altamirano, and he calmly finished with a low shot across goal. It was his first goal for the national team, in a 2-0 victory, with Ben Brereton sealing the win. “Chile hadn’t won away from home in almost four years,” Chilean newspapers highlighted.
Days later, back at São Paulo, he tied the Paulista derby against Corinthians, maintaining his momentum. These moments position him as an option for Ricardo Gareca (or whoever succeeds him), especially with La Roja aiming for the 2026 qualifiers. Tapia dreams of the World Cup, and his current form qualifies him as the modern “9” that the team needs: mobile, technical and lethal.
Gameplay Style and Features: What Makes Tapia Special
What makes Gonzalo Tapia unique is his combination of attributes. As a right winger, he uses his speed to get past defenders, but his tactical intelligence allows him to drop back and create space. At São Paulo, Crespo praises him for his “Chilean grit”: he doesn’t shy away from physical contact, essential in the Brazilian Championship. His 78 kg distributed over 1.79 m gives him balance for aerial duels and pivots.
Statistically, by 2025, he is projected to average 0.8 shots per game and 1.2 successful dribbles, according to FotMob. His right foot is dominant, but he trains his left for surprises. Off the field, he’s discreet: he focuses on social media to thank fans and share training sessions, maintaining his focus on growth.
Recent Updates: From Sochi to Morumbi, the Moment of Ascension
In November 2025, Tapia was experiencing his best period. After scoring against Russia on November 15th, he returned to São Paulo and, on November 20th, scored in the 1-1 draw with Corinthians, keeping the team in the title race. Club officials confirmed negotiations for his continued stay, with River Plate open to a permanent sale. “We are analyzing everything to benefit everyone,” said a São Paulo executive.
In Chile, debates are arising: should he be the permanent number 9 for La Roja? His recent performance – goals for both national team and club – suggests so. With the Club World Cup approaching (although São Paulo is not yet qualified), Tapia is aiming for the 2026 Libertadores Cup. His rise inspires young Chileans, proving that talent and persistence open doors.
The Future of Gonzalo Tapia: A Name for the Continent
At 23, Gonzalo Tapia is on the verge of something big. Whether at São Paulo, back at River Plate, or on a European adventure, his future is bright. He represents the new Chilean wave: after Vidal and Sánchez, a versatile striker emerges, ready for global challenges. For fans, it’s exciting to see this boy from Las Condes conquer Brazil and dream of the world. In unpredictable football, Tapia is a guarantee of excitement.
