Gonzalo Tapia: The Journey of a Young Chilean Striker
Gonzalo Andrés Tapia Dubournais, born on February 18, 2002, in Santiago, Chile, is one of South America’s brightest football prospects. Currently, he plays as a forward for São Paulo Futebol Clube, on loan from River Plate, one of Argentina’s giants. His career, marked by talent, determination, and early achievements, reflects the potential of a player who quickly rose to prominence on the international stage. This article explores Tapia’s life, career, and accomplishments, highlighting his meteoric rise and significance for Chilean and South American football.
Early Life and First Steps in Football
Origins in Las Condes
Born in Las Condes, an upper-middle-class neighborhood in Santiago, Gonzalo Tapia grew up in an environment that valued sports. From a young age, he showed a passion for football, playing with a ball on local streets and fields. While details about his family are not widely publicized, they consistently supported his pursuit of a professional career. At age 10, Tapia joined the youth academy of Universidad Católica, one of Chile’s most traditional clubs, where he began shaping his future in the sport.
Standout in Youth Categories
At Universidad Católica, Tapia quickly stood out. His speed, ball control, and goal-scoring instinct caught the attention of coaches. In 2016, he won the U-15 championship with the club, finishing as the top scorer and best player in both the U-14 and U-15 categories. These early successes established Tapia as a prospect to watch, with a playing style that combined explosiveness and precision.
Professional Debut and Early Titles
Professional Contract and Debut
In October 2019, at age 17, Tapia signed his first professional contract with Universidad Católica, tying him to the club until June 2022. His debut for the senior team came on September 5, 2020, in a 4-1 victory over Coquimbo Unido in the Chilean Primera División. Entering as a substitute in the 86th minute, Tapia displayed confidence despite limited minutes.
First Goals and Achievements
Tapia’s first professional goal came on January 4, 2021, in a 1-1 draw against Everton in the Primera División. His breakthrough moment, however, occurred in March 2021 during the Chilean Supercopa, where he scored twice in a 4-2 win over Colo Colo, securing his first national title. That same year, Universidad Católica won the Primera División tetracampeonato (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021), with Tapia contributing to the 2020 and 2021 titles. He also lifted the Supercopa in 2020 and 2021, totaling four trophies with the club.
Copa Libertadores Participation
In 2020, Tapia was included in Universidad Católica’s 30-player squad for the Copa Libertadores, a significant milestone for such a young player. His international debut came on April 22, 2021, in a 2-0 loss to Atlético Nacional of Colombia. Despite the result, the experience of facing top-tier teams was crucial for his development.
International Career with Chile
Youth National Teams
Tapia represented Chile across various youth categories, showcasing consistency and talent. In 2017, he played in the South American U-15 Championship in Argentina, scoring four goals against the Czech Republic, Colombia, and Argentina. Two years later, at the 2019 South American U-17 Championship in Chile, Tapia scored three goals (against Ecuador, Venezuela, and Peru), helping Chile secure second place and qualify for the 2019 U-17 World Cup in Brazil.
At the U-17 World Cup, Tapia scored against Haiti in the group stage, but Chile was eliminated in the round of 16 by Brazil. He also participated in the Granja Comary International Tournament, a U-20 friendly tournament in Teresópolis, Brazil, where he scored in every match against Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. These performances solidified his reputation as a promising forward.
Senior National Team Debut
Tapia debuted for Chile’s senior national team on September 10, 2024, under coach Ricardo Gareca, in a 2-1 loss to Bolivia in the South American World Cup qualifiers. Despite the defeat, his call-up at age 22 was a testament to his growth as a player.
Transfer to River Plate
Arrival at the Argentine Giant
In 2025, Tapia took a major step in his career by signing with River Plate in Argentina as a free agent after his contract with Universidad Católica expired. According to journalist César Luis Merlo, the agreement with River Plate extended until December 2028, pending medical examinations. The transfer generated significant excitement, as Tapia chose River Plate despite interest from Brazilian clubs and NEC Nijmegen of the Netherlands.
At River Plate, Tapia struggled to secure a starting spot, making only seven appearances in the season. However, his skill and potential caught the eye of coach Marcelo Gallardo, who saw the Chilean as a versatile asset for competitions like the Copa Libertadores and Club World Cup.
Loan to São Paulo
New Opportunity in Brazil
On July 18, 2025, Tapia was announced as a new signing for São Paulo Futebol Clube on an 18-month loan with a purchase option of approximately $2 million (around 11 million Brazilian reais). The transfer was a specific request from Argentine coach Hernan Crespo, who was returning for his second stint with the club. Tapia arrived in Brazil enthusiastic, stating: “I’m thrilled and excited. When São Paulo approached me, I had no doubts. It’s one of Brazil’s biggest clubs, and I’ll give my all for the jersey.”
Tapia arrived in São Paulo in July 2025, underwent medical examinations, and was officially presented. He mentioned having spoken with compatriot Julián Galoppo, also a São Paulo player, before accepting the offer. Despite São Paulo’s 16th-place position in the Brasileirão, with only two wins in 14 matches, Tapia’s arrival was seen as a boost to revitalize the team’s attack.
Playing Style and Attributes
Tapia is known for his versatility as a forward. While often listed as a right winger in games like EA Sports FC 25 (where his overall rating is 71), he can also play as a center-forward or second striker. Standing at 1.78 m and weighing 78 kg, he combines speed, physical strength, and technical ability. His finishing, vision, and off-ball movement make him a dangerous presence in the final third.
In EA Sports FC 25, Tapia is listed as a right midfielder for Universidad Católica with a rating of 68, reflecting his performance up to 2024. His development at River Plate and now São Paulo is expected to further elevate his ratings in the future.
Challenges and Injuries
Battling Injuries
Tapia’s career has not been without challenges. In 2021, he suffered a serious hamstring tendon injury that required surgery in Barcelona, sidelining him until the end of the season. He returned in 2022, starting matches and scoring a goal with an assist in a game against Unión Española. Despite setbacks, Tapia showed resilience, returning stronger and earning a place in the squad.
Adapting to International Football
The transition to River Plate and later São Paulo brought new challenges. At River, the competition for a starting spot was intense, and Tapia had to adapt to the high-intensity Argentine playing style. At São Paulo, he faces the pressure of performing for a demanding fanbase in a competitive league like the Brasileirão. His ability to adapt will be crucial to his success in Brazil.
Impact and Legacy
A Rising Star
At just 23 years old, Gonzalo Tapia has already won four national titles, played in two of South America’s top leagues (Argentina and Brazil), and represented Chile at various levels. His journey exemplifies how talent, hard work, and the right opportunities can transform a young player into a rising star. At São Paulo, he has the chance to establish himself as one of the continent’s top forwards, especially if he meets the goals that could make his transfer permanent.
Inspiration for Young Chileans
Tapia serves as an inspiration for young Chilean players, proving that it’s possible to rise from youth academies to elite clubs. His story also highlights the importance of development at academies like Universidad Católica, which has produced other notable Chilean footballers.
Promising Future
At 23, Gonzalo Tapia is just beginning his career. His stint at São Paulo offers a platform to shine in the Brasileirão and potentially attract attention from European clubs. The purchase option in his loan deal suggests that São Paulo sees him as a long-term investment. Additionally, his role in the Chilean national team indicates he could play a significant part in World Cup qualifiers and future international tournaments.
Expectations for 2025 and Beyond
At São Paulo, Tapia will have the opportunity to play alongside experienced players and under the guidance of Hernan Crespo, a coach with experience in high-level competitions. If he maintains his form and avoids injuries, Tapia could become a key figure for the club in the 2026 Copa Libertadores and Club World Cup. His goal-scoring and playmaking abilities will be vital to the team’s success.
Conclusion
Gonzalo Tapia is more than a young talent; he is a symbol of the new generation of Chilean football. From his early days at Universidad Católica to his arrival at São Paulo via River Plate, Tapia has shown the potential to become one of South America’s great strikers. His journey, marked by achievements, challenges, and adaptations, is a testament to his dedication to the sport. As he continues to write his story, the football world watches with anticipation to see what this young Chilean can achieve.
