Gerard Moreno

Gerard Moreno returned to Villarreal CF in the summer of 2018, having previously started his career at the club's youth academy. After proving himself as a top striker with Espanyol where he scored 39 goals in 118 appearances, Moreno was signed by Villarreal for a reported fee of €20 million. His homecoming to Villarreal marked the beginning of a highly successful period, both for the club and his personal career.

Gerard Moreno made his debut for the Spanish national football team on November 15, 2019, in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying match against Malta, which ended in a 7-0 victory for Spain. Under the management of Luis Enrique, Moreno played as a forward and made an immediate impact by scoring a goal and providing assists, showcasing his ability to perform on the international stage.

On June 19, 2020, Gerard Moreno was awarded the La Liga Player of the Month for June. This accolade was in recognition of his impressive performances for Villarreal, including scoring crucial goals that helped his team secure vital points in the league standings. Moreno's positional play, goal-scoring prowess, and assists were instrumental in his side's strong finish in the 2019-2020 La Liga season.

Gerard Moreno won the Zarra Trophy on July 19, 2020, awarded to the top Spanish goal-scorer in La Liga. He scored 18 goals in the 2019-2020 season, leading all Spanish players in the league and becoming a central figure in Villarreal's offensive line. Moreno's consistent performances and crucial goals were instrumental in Villarreal's successful league campaign, highlighting his place as one of Spain's premier forwards.

On March 31, 2021, Gerard Moreno scored a hat-trick for the Spanish national team in a FIFA World Cup qualification match against Kosovo. His trio of goals was a major highlight as Spain continued their campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Moreno's outstanding performance on the international stage reinforced his status as one of Spain's leading forwards, showcasing both his outstanding technique and his ability to score under pressure.

On May 26, 2021, Villarreal CF won the UEFA Europa League by defeating Manchester United in the final, held in Gdansk, Poland. Gerard Moreno played a crucial role throughout the tournament, scoring 7 goals and aiding the team's journey to the final. In the final match, Moreno scored Villarreal's only goal, contributing to a 1-1 draw that led to a penalty shootout, where Villarreal triumphed 11-10. It was Villarreal's first major European trophy.

On August 14, 2021, Gerard Moreno was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the UEFA Super Cup match between Villarreal and Chelsea. Despite Villarreal's loss in the penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation, Moreno's performance was outstanding. He scored Villarreal's only goal, and his movement and creativity were pivotal throughout the match. His efforts showcased his skill at the international club level.

On October 6, 2021, Gerard Moreno played a key role in helping Spain reach the final of the UEFA Nations League. Spain defeated Italy 2-1 in the semi-final held in Milan, ending Italy's 37-match unbeaten run. Although Moreno did not score, his forward play and strategic positioning were crucial in Spain's attacking setup. The victory was significant as Spain continued to establish themselves as a formidable team in international competitions.

On March 13, 2022, Gerard Moreno scored a pivotal goal for Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 against Juventus. The match, played in Turin, saw Villarreal secure a 3-0 victory, progressing to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate score. Moreno's goal from the penalty spot broke the deadlock and showcased his nerve in high-pressure situations, reinforcing his reputation as an essential player for Villarreal on the European stage.