Eric García
Spain centre-back grabbed by the neck by Argentina's Leandro Paredes after the 2026 World Cup final.
Eric García started at centre-back as Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final on 19 July, then became the target of the tournament's ugliest post-match scene when Argentina's Leandro Paredes grabbed him by the neck.
Last refreshed: 21 July 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Why did Argentina's Leandro Paredes grab Eric García by the neck after the World Cup final?
Timeline for Eric García
FIFA opens prosecutor file on brawl
2026 FIFA World CupConfronted by Leandro Paredes after the final whistle
2026 FIFA World Cup: Torres settles the final in the 106thBackground
García came through Barcelona's academy from 2008 before Manchester City signed him in 2017 aged 17. He won the Premier League with City in 2020-21, then returned to Barcelona on a free transfer on 1 June 2021.
A 2023-24 loan at Girona produced 32 appearances and five goals, one of the division's better defensive returns, and he holds 22 Spain caps along with medals from three tournaments: Euro 2020 bronze, Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver and Paris 2024 Olympic gold.
The 2026 World Cup final made him a champion as part of a Spain defence that conceded once in eight matches, the platform from which Spain's Golden Ball, Golden Glove and Young Player awards were also drawn.
Who is Eric García, the Spain defender grabbed by Leandro Paredes?
Why did Leandro Paredes grab Eric García after the World Cup final?
Has Eric García won an Olympic gold medal?
Where did Eric García start his football career?
