Villarreal’s UEFA Youth League campaign has produced a new leading scorer, with Raúl García Palomares announcing himself across Europe by striking four times against Napoli. The Juvenil A forward now leads the competition’s scoring chart after six appearances, turning a group-stage night into a major personal statement.
Four-goal night against Napoli
García Palomares showed the full range expected of a penalty-box striker in Villarreal’s meeting with Napoli: sharp movement, an instinct for space and the finishing touch whenever the chance arrived. His four goals in the same match lifted his Youth League total to four for the season.
The 2008-born forward has also scored twice in league football for Villarreal’s Juvenil A, where he is coached by former Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Across his six Youth League matches so far, his return has made him the competition’s current top scorer.
A route from Rayo Vallecano to Villarreal
- García Palomares joined Villarreal at the age of 14, arriving from Rayo Vallecano during the 2022-23 season.
- He initially entered the club’s pathway with Roda’s Cadete side.
- Two seasons ago, he scored 15 goals for Juvenil B.
- Last season, he matched that figure with another 15 goals for Roda’s Juvenil team.
- This campaign has brought his step up to Villarreal Juvenil A, along with his breakthrough four-goal haul in the Youth League against Napoli.
Goalscoring in the family
The striker’s eye for goal has a clear family connection. He is the son of Roberto García Cabello, himself a former forward who came through Real Madrid’s academy.
Roberto García Cabello played for clubs including Alcorcón, Nàstic de Tarragona, Huesca and Burgos, and also had spells in Cyprus with Apollon Limassol and Omonia Nicosia. His son is now carrying that forward’s instinct onto the European youth stage, with Villarreal’s next Youth League fixtures offering the chance to extend an already formidable scoring start.
