Eric García

Eric García started at centre-back in Spain's 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final on 19 July, and became the target of the tournament's ugliest post-match scene: Argentina's Leandro Paredes grabbed him by the neck after the final whistle. GAVI intervened on his behalf and was struck and pushed to the ground before Paredes was sent off; Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni separated the players and no injuries were reported.

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. He holds 22 Spain caps and medals from three tournaments: Euro 2020 bronze, Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver and Paris 2024 Olympic gold.

The final made him a World Cup winner 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 drawn.