Childhood Scar to Football Star: Gerard Moreno’s Unseen Journey

Many football fans still wonder why Gerard Moreno, the Spanish goal-scoring sensation, doesn’t always receive the recognition he deserves. While he’s admired by many for his clinical finishing skills, few know the story that shaped him. Gerard’s journey began when he was a young boy, trained by his father, Didac Moreno, to have the heart of a lion. Didac instilled in his son the importance of resilience and taught him that sacrifice is non-negotiable. This early life lesson in toughness was uncommon, as Didac seemed to foresee that the path to success would be challenging for his sons, especially Gerard.

Before Gerard faced the struggles that would shape his career, he experienced a childhood accident that left a noticeable scar on his face—a lasting reminder of the resilience that defines him. This article delves into Gerard Moreno’s challenging path to fame and how he eventually captured the hearts of football fans worldwide. Now, let’s dive into the full story of Gerard Moreno’s life and career, from his humble beginnings to becoming a beloved football star.

Preamble:

Gerard Moreno’s story is not just about his skills on the football field; it’s also about the untold chapters of his life, including his childhood, early football career, family, and relationships. His journey involves his parents, his wife Nuria, and their two children, Melissa and Marta. We’ll explore his lifestyle, personality, and much more. To give you a taste of Gerard Moreno’s life story, we’ve put together a gallery showcasing his early years and rise to fame. The images below beautifully capture the journey of this Villarreal legend.

Everyone knows Gerard Moreno as a late bloomer, much like Iago Aspas, who hit his stride at 29 with an impressive tally of goals. Despite his achievements, many football fans aren’t familiar with Gerard Moreno’s full story. We’ve decided to bring you his biography, capturing the essence of his journey for soccer enthusiasts everywhere. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the story of Gerard Moreno.

Gerard Moreno Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he bears the full name – Gerard Moreno Balagueró. The Spanish professional footballer was born on the 7th day of April 1992 to his Father, Didac Moreno and a little-known mother in the town of Santa Perpètua, Spain.

Gerard Moreno came to the world as the first child and son out of two children (himself and a brother) born of the marital union between his parents, who are pictured here.

Early Life and Growing-Up Years:

The Villarreal CF Legend spent his joyful childhood years in Catalonia, the northeastern corner of Spain. Gerard Moreno grew up alongside his little brother, who made his childhood life so complete.

As a boy, Gerard developed this strong-head nature towards life thanks to the teachings from his parents – notably his Dad.

From a young age, Didac Moreno taught Gerard and his brother to be prepared for whatever life might throw their way and emphasized that sacrifice is a non-negotiable part of achieving success.

At a very young age, teaching his children the act of doggedness is something very unusual for a father. It was as if Didac Moreno knew that life wouldn’t be easy for his sons – especially Gerard, in his quest to become successful.

Speaking of the future, Gerard Moreno’s childhood is all about his dreams, one that will see him become a professional footballer.

He had a burning passion for soccer and spent many hours playing soccer in narrow passageways and small fields close to his family home.

Gerard Moreno Scar – The Childhood Accident:

Did you know? Football once left a noticeable scar on Gerard Moreno’s face, a mark that tells part of his story. Here’s what happened: During a game with his friends, the ball got stuck at the top of the goal net. Gerard, eager to retrieve it, climbed up the net. However, as he reached the top and grabbed the ball, he lost his balance and slipped.

Unfortunately, Gerard suffered a facial injury that required 27 stitches to repair. Despite this setback, he remained determined to pursue his football career. Throughout this challenging period, his parents, particularly his father, Didac, provided unwavering support and guidance. They were committed to helping Gerard stay resilient and focused on his goals.

Gerard Moreno Family Background:

The Spanish footballer comes from a hardworking and humble household whose life is centred around having a great attitude, love and respect for one another.

In case you didn’t know, Gerard Moreno hails from a footballing family. His father, Didac Moreno, was a footballer who retired while Gerard and his brother were still young. Gerard’s mother, an educated homemaker, manages the household and takes care of her family, including Didac and their two sons. This modest upbringing was instrumental in shaping Gerard’s character and influencing his career path.

Gerard Moreno Family Origin:

First thing first, the Striker hails from one of those Barcelona Suburbs, which is close to the coast of northeastern Spain. We have prepared the map below to help explain Santa Perpètua de Mogoda – Gerard Moreno’s family origin.

The Footballer is the most notable person in his hometown, Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, made up of approximately 26,000 inhabitants. The town is famous for its parks, churches and the Biblioteca Josep Jardí library.

Gerard Moreno Education and Career Buildup:

The dawn of the new millennium opened a new chapter for him. When the time got right, the youngster got enrolled as a student-athlete in a Barcelona-based programme which is held at Club de Futbol Damm.

Gerard along with Carles Casanova (a rising kid footballer) got accepted with Damm at the youngest age. They were more of street soccer stars who got picked because of their impressive performance in local games.

From an early age, Gerard demonstrated remarkable skills with the soccer ball, surpassing what was typical for kids his age. His strong mentality and rapid growth in influence within the program set him apart.

Within one year (age nine), he was deemed very ripe to participate in trials for bigger academies within Barcelona. That year 2001 saw Espanyol (one of the biggest academies in Barcelona) inviting the youngster for trials.

Gerard Moreno Football Story:

As anticipated, Gerard excelled in his trials and was successfully inducted into the Blanquiazules academy. Espanyol signed him due to his impressive goal-scoring prowess, which he had previously showcased at Damm.

At Espanyol, Gerard was regarded as someone with a mature mind – so bigger than his age. He was this 10-year-old leader who scored lots of goals (especially with his head) and led his team to many victories.

Also to note, little Garard was also a ballboy who served the Espanyol senior team. The youngster has fond memories of Raúl Tamudo (one of Espanyol’s greatest footballers) celebrating a goal with him while his parents and family members watched with joy.

Gerard Moreno Rejection Story:

The Spanish academy footballer remained one of Espanyol’s top prospects until he was 15, when an unexpected setback occurred. In 2007, Gerard experienced one of the greatest disappointments of his life, something entirely beyond his control.

In case you are not aware, Espanyol threw him out of their academy when they understood that he didn’t have the body to succeed. Because of that, the academy made a decision to empower other forwards.

The whole situation was difficult to explain for Gerard. Sadly, upon hearing the news, the poor boy left the academy that same day – with the Espanyol jersey he was wearing. This is something he would never forget in a hurry.

How Gerard Moreno’s Family helped him:

Truth be told, any child who has lived through a soccer academy rejection will know only too well the damaging psychological consequences and deep emotional pain it can have.

Thankfully, Gerard Moreno was mentally prepared to deal with this kind of pain. During that time, he did put into practice the childhood teachings of his Dad (Didac). What came into effect were these words that made him dogged.

The act of expecting the best, hope for the best, getting prepared for the worst, and never getting surprised by disappointment.

Remembering these words, Gerard was able to find solace away from what looked like a troubled reality. Gerard Moreno’s parents, together with the rest of his family members, advised him to move on – which he did. In his words,

My parents and brother had already prepared me mentally so that the situation did not catch me by surprise. That helped me not get frustrated with rejection. Truly, these things happen.

The Badalona Acceptance:

When one academy football door closes, another door will surely open. Within weeks after facing rejection, Club de Fútbol Badalona accepted Gerard Moreno with open arms.

This Spanish football academy is located in Badalona, within Catalonia, the same region where Gerard Moreno’s parents reside. It’s conveniently just 25 minutes (19.4 km) away from their family home.

Road to Fame Story:

Alongside following a proper nutrition plan to support his growth, the ambitious young player committed himself to becoming a formidable presence on the field.

To the joy of Gerard Moreno’s family, the boy – in his second year with CF Badalona – broke a National League record by scoring 42 goals in a single season.

For me, he was like Raúl González, because of his cunning abilities, good movement and scoring power. Plus, Gerard has a brutal competitive gene. Sometimes, even surprising for a boy of his age.

The above statement was revealed by Manolo González, who was Gerard Moreno’s coach at Badalona.

When Gerard broke this record, Espanyol Academy management took notice. Of course, they were disappointed in their action to chase away an asset once theirs. Lluís Planagumà, a former coach of Espanyol once confessed;

Gerard is now in charge. He had shown them that they were wrong.

Gerard Moreno Villarreal Story:

The final season with CF Badalona – as an academy star got even better. That year, 2010, saw Gerard scoring a total of 41 goals in 34 games for the club. As expected, bigger clubs – the like of Real Madrid and Villarreal – began the quest to raid the youngster.

Observing these suitors, Gerard Moreno’s Dad knew what would come next – which was an invitation to inspect training facilities. For the sake of dreaming big and starting small, he accepted a less competitive Villarreal CF instead of Real Madrid.

They took us to see the club’s facilities, they explained to us what my life would be like living in the east of Spain. Finally, My dad gave Villarreal his words.

Gerard spoke about the experience of visiting Villarreal CF facilities before he joined the club. At the club, the rising star of Spanish football continued to score goals, a feat that catapulted him into senior football.

Paid his Dues via Loan:

On 8 July 2013, Gerard decided he would go get experience elsewhere. He signed with RCD Mallorca (in the Spanish Second Division) via loan. Gerard gained momentum there as scored 12 goals to save his club from relegation.

After scoring that much – in a short space of time, the youngster returned to Villarreal, who at that time were already relegated from La Liga. He returned, this time, with a mission in mind.

Gerard Moreno Biography – The Success Story:

The quest to play in La Liga was the Spaniard’s ultimate wish. It is pertinent to note that in that 2012/2013 season, his Villarreal CF played in the LaLiga2.

Gerard Moreno’s goal-scoring predatory instincts marvelled at clubs in the Spanish top-flight who were after his signature. Because he was that good, one of those La Liga teams signed him.

The Forgiving Heart:

To the surprise of many, Gerard Moreno did the unthinkable by joining the club (Espanyol) that once rejected him. For many, it was supposed to be an act of sweet revenge for the forward. However, his actions proved that he has a forgiving heart.

Truth be told, Gerard wants everyone to know his personality – that he is oblivious to grudges. By returning to Espanyol, it proved that he is a good man.

In fact, a forgotten who became so loved by the Espanyol fans. Gerard Moreno became an Idol for many young footballers. Check out some of his great goals for the Blanquiazules.

The Villarreal Return and Spanish National Team Integration:

After hitting 39 goals for RCD Espanyol, the Spanish striker – on the 12th day of June 2018 – made a return to his old club.

Since coming back to Villarreal, Gerard had continued to become a predator – not just for goals but for deciding the positive outcome of matches.

Gerard Moreno was never capped for Spain at any youth level. This is because he was part of the Catalonia national football team (owing to his family roots).

Please Note: Catalona is not affiliated with either FIFA or UEFA but their footballers are eligible to play for Spain.

Becoming Spain’s 2020/2021 Best Striker:

Owing to his fast-rising powers, Spanish football authorities had no choice but to call him. Gerard made his senior debut for Spain on the 15th of October 2019. Since his call, he has blossomed so high, becoming the perfect replacement for Fernando Torres.

With the Yellow Submarine, Gerard Moreno continued to have that rare quality of a finisher. He became a more complete footballer, one who has reached a state of near perfection all thanks to his goals, which fetched him some honours.

Following Unai Emery‘s arrival from Arsenal to Villarreal, everything changed – even better for Gerard Moreno. The Spanish football coach allowed Gerard to have more freedom and movement on the pitch.

As I write Gerard Moreno’s Biography, the Spaniard now has a 100 million clause on him and now a big part of the success in Europe.

The Villarreal forward has now exploded at the age of 29 after the life tumbles of his youth. Moreno has no doubt brought out the best among his teammates – Alex Baena (left winger), Yeremy Pino (RW), Arnaut Danjuma (RW), Samuel Chukwueze (RW), and others.

Without question, this video is proof that the hype surrounding the Villarreal Dangerman – as of the 2020/2021 season is indeed true.

With numerous goals to his name, Gerard now competes alongside football legends like Lionel Messi, CR7, and Robert Lewandowski. The rest, as they say, is history.

Who is Nuria Moreno? Gerard Moreno’s Wife:

Behind the successful Santa Perpètua native, there is a glamorous WAG. This beautiful lady is no other than Nuria Moreno. Gerard Moreno is a lucky man who dated and then went on to marry his childhood best friend.

Judging by the photo above, you could smell deep friendship. Nuria and Gerard knew each other when they were teenagers in school. She has been with him even during the time he faced rejection with Espanyol.

Nuria’s family comes from Catalonia, the same region as her husband. They both dated for nine solid years before deciding to take their union to the next level. Gerard Moreno and his wife, Nuria, celebrated their wedding with a grand ceremony on June 29, 2018.

Since their marriage, the couple has been blessed with children. On the 4th day of April 2017 (before their wedding), Nuria and Gerard welcomed their first child, a daughter who they named Melissa Moreno. Three years later, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nuria gave birth to their second daughter, Marta Moreno, on March 3, 2020.

Despite his demanding career, Gerard Moreno finds time to enjoy moments with his family. He and Nuria live a happy and fulfilling life together, often prioritizing family time. Notably, they have chosen to keep their children’s faces private, respecting their privacy.

Family time with Melissa, Nuria and Marta:

Halloween is a real treat for Gerard Moreno’s family. This is the day the father of three reveals the skeleton inside of him. Nuria prefers a simple bat hat.

Personal Life:

Getting acquainted with his character outside football will help you get a complete picture of him. The video below provides answers to the question – Who is Gerard Moreno?

The first thing to observe about Gerard is that he is a down-to-earth person – someone with a very good heart. Speaking about his humility, a former Spain manager told Marca;

Gerard a someone you’d let marry your daughter. This is because he is a polite, honest, hard-working lad who has plenty of patience and humility to wait, work to improve.

Gerard Moreno Lifestyle:

To tell the truth, I really don’t  like people talking about me and I don’t like seeing myself in the papers.

These were the words of Gerard Moreno. He is not the kind of footballer who flaunts his social media account with some fleet of exotic cars, big mansions, etc. He lives a refreshingly humble lifestyle.

Hobbies – Where he spends his money:

As you or I admit to loving our favourite NBA teams, there are some celebrity footballers out there, too.

In case you are aware, Gerard Moreno is a big fan of the New York Knicks. The Spaniard, along with his family, visits the United States to watch live NBA matches.

More on his lifestyle, Gerard loves the idea of taking oceanic boat tours. Being away from football and everything is a perfect way to restore lost energy. For Gerard, it evokes total peace of mind and soothes the soul.

If he is not on boat tours, Gerard Moreno and his wife Nuria prefer to enjoy the sweet ocean breeze at the seaside. Both lovers live an enjoyable lifestyle, especially one that has to do with dwelling on the beauty of nature.

Gerard Moreno is a big fan of historical monuments, seaside towns and ancient castles. Once upon a time, he was pictured around the Red Square & St. Basil’s Cathedral. This is one of Russia’s most famous landmarks.

Gerard Moreno Family Facts:

For the Santa Perpètua native, the love for his household is one of his life’s greatest blessings. In fact, no amount of football monies can take the place of precious time Gerard Moreno spends with his nuclear and extended family.

The whole family strengthens their deep and loving relationships through simple activities, such as enjoying family dinners together. In this section, we’ll share more details about Balagueró’s parents and brother.

About Gerard Moreno’s Father:

Didac Moreno celebrates his birthday every 28th of April. Gerard Moreno’s Dad is a former footballer who once played Spanish amateur football as a number 10.

According to our research, Didac Moreno made it to the Tercera División (Spanish’s football fourth tier) before hanging up his boots (and retiring from the game). It was hard for the super dad to deal with retirement. Thankfully, his son now lives his dreams.

About Gerard Moreno’s Mother:

First and foremost, she celebrates her birthday every 27th of August. Like her husband, her family is from the Catalonia region in northeastern Spain.

Gerard Moreno’s mother bore the name Balagueró before her marriage to Didac. Pictured below, she has a motherly presence that is comforting for the immediate members of her family.

Gerard Moreno Brother:

As far as we are aware, the Forward has only one sibling. Gerard Moreno’s brother, like himself, also became a footballer. Though not the family’s breadwinner, he plays as a number 10.

According to Marca, the Moreno brother is very close. During the holiday season, they are often pictured trying out other sports. Their favourite remains the long tennis.

Gerard Moreno Facts:

Having journeyed through the Spaniard’s Bio, we’ll use this concluding section to unveil more truths about him. Now, let us begin.

Comparing his Salary to the Average Citizen:

The average Spanish citizen who earns 2,710 EUR per month would need 22 years to make Gerard Moreno’s weekly wages at Villarreal. More so, three months to make what the Spaniard receives weekly.

Gerard Moreno Religion:

The Spaniards make up more than 58% of the Spanish population, who belong to the Roman Catholic version of Christianity. Though, little is known if Gerard Moreno’s parents raised him as a practising Catholic.

This is because we have not noticed him having a public display of his faith. It is pertinent to note that Gerard had his white wedding (with his wife, Nuria) at the catholic church.

Gerard Moreno Profile:

As far as offensive battles are concerned, the Spaniard would definitely rock in FIFA. The stars below reveal the fact that Gerard is very underrated. Gerard is very much like Ivan Toney and Harry Kane in terms of finishing.

Conclusion:

The Biography of Gerard Moreno teaches us that we must be mentally prepared to face the adversities of life. More so, it is normal for aspiring footballers to experience roadblocks in the quest to become professional.

Gerard Moreno’s parents, especially his father, Didac, taught him and his brother the importance of resilience and determination. When Gerard faced rejection from Espanyol, these lessons helped him build a stronger character and manage his expectations, allowing him to bounce back and keep pursuing his football dreams.

In the course of writing Gerard Moreno’s Bio, we found something about him – one of his biggest personal attributes. It is no other than his forgiving spirit. Aside from coming from a humble family, the footballer has shown us the markings of his great attitude.

Thanks for staying with us so far – in this exciting write-up about the Life Story of Gerard Moreno. Our team strives for accuracy and fairness in our delivery of the childhood stories of Spanish footballers.

Kindly reach out if you notice anything that doesn’t look right in this Memo about the Spaniard Gerard Moreno. We would also appreciate it if you could comment on your views on the Spanish footballer.