el Bicho’s Football Journey: The Making of Nicolas Gonzalez

Nicolas Gonzalez developed a rare passion for football from the age of five. As a youngster, he endured a six-hour drive (3 hours to and fro) to another city – all for football’s sake. We’ll tell you the story of an Argentine football prodigy nicknamed el Bicho, who almost abandoned his childhood dream of football when things got tough. However, he was lucky to have a father who saw his son’s bright future, a man who saved Nicolas’ drowning career.

This article allows you to step into the world of Nicolas Gonzalez, where each chapter of his life reveals the depth of his connections, from his parents, Paola Dominguez and Christian ‘Lole’, to his brother Gabriel and his roots in Belén de Escobar. Nicolas’s journey is not just about football; it’s a story enriched with family bonds, personal growth, and the pursuit of dreams. Indeed, we’ll unveil the facets of his life, from his humble beginnings to the heights of his career, his personal interests, and how he navigates the world of professional football, all while maintaining a grounding in his origins and values.

Nicolas Gonzalez: From Humble Beginnings to Argentine Football Prodigy

Nicolas Gonzalez: From Humble Beginnings to Argentine Football Prodigy

Preamble:

Our version of Nicolas Gonzalez’s Bio begins by unveiling notable details of his boyhood years. Then, we’ll proceed to tell you facts about his early footballing days in his hometown of Belén de Escobar. Finally, we’ll explain that pivotal moment that helped Nico become one of Argentina’s top-rated Forwards.

We hope to whet your appetite for autobiographies as you read Nicolas Gonzalez’s Biography. Let’s start by showing you this gallery, which tells the story of Nicolas’ boyhood years until the point he achieved fame with COPA America and CONMEBOL.

The Biography of Nicolas Gonzalez – From his early years to the moment he became famous.

The Biography of Nicolas Gonzalez – From his early years to the moment he became famous.

Yes, we all know that Argentina consistently produces world-class forwards and wingers, and Nicolas Gonzalez is a standout example. Think of him in the mould of Lautaro Martinez or Eric Lamela but with even more versatility. A dynamic attacker, his pace is arguably his greatest asset. His finishing is superb, allowing him to score from various angles. One of the most underrated aspects of Nicolas Gonzalez’s game is his heading ability.

While researching Argentine outfielders, we’ve found a knowledge gap. The truth is, not many soccer lovers have read a detailed version of Nicolas Gonzalez’s Biography, which is exciting. So, without further ado, let’s begin with his story.

Nicolas Gonzalez Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, Nicolas Ivan Gonzalez was born on the 6th day of April 1998 in Belén de Escobar, north of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Nicolas Gonzalez was born to his Mother, Paola Dominguez, and Father, Christian Gonzalez.

The Argentine Forward arrived in the world as his parents’ second child and son. Nico is one among two boys (himself and a brother) born to the blissful marital union between his Dad and Mum.

Now, let’s introduce you to Nicolas Gonzalez’s Parents, persons who raised him with a sense of respect and kept him grounded.

Let's introduce you to Nicolas Gonzalez's parents - Paola (his Mum) and Christian Gonzalez (his Dad).

Let’s introduce you to Nicolas Gonzalez’s parents – Paola (his Mum) and Christian Gonzalez (his Dad).

Growing-Up:

Lole and Paola successfully raised their two sons in Belen de Escobar, Buenos Aires. The family’s first child is Gabriel, a good elder brother to the Forward.

Nicolas Gonzalez is the second child and last born. Behold the picture of a little him, his brother (Gabriel) and their parents during his boyhood years.

Nicolas Gonzalez’s parent is pictured alongside their sons - back in the years.

Nicolas Gonzalez’s parents are pictured alongside their sons from back in the years.

Growing up in Belen de Escobar, the soccer midfielder always had a big smile on his face. Also, Nicolas was talented, a boy who was arguably better at football than most kids he played with who were much older in age. His outstanding features singled him out of the crowd, and people could predict his future in soccer.

Nicolas Gonzalez’s Early Life:

The youngster was raised in a friendly soccer neighbourhood (in Belén de Escobar), where he began horning his skill from the age of five. Thanks to his talent, Nicolas had only one goal. He dreamt of becoming a pro, representing his country at the World Cup and playing alongside Lionel Messi.

Nicolas firmly planted the ball at his feet as soon as possible, and the progression of his professional dreams went quickly. His skills had already landed him a spot at the local Club Sportivo Escobar by the time he was six years old. Extra training with his brother and friends improved his skills a lot.

In his early years, he travelled by rail, bus, and combi to get to the Argentinos Juniors headquarters in Bajo Flores from his residence in Escobar. Also, Nicolas spent six hours daily between round trips, which he did at weekends. But things altered for the best as he grew older in talent.

Nicolas Gonzalez Family Background:

To start with, the Baller from Belén de Escobar was raised in a football-loving home. Both Nicolas Gonzalez’s grandfather and his father had careers in the sport. With this fact, Nico never lacked advice in his early career years.

Also to note, Nicolas has humble beginnings. He didn’t grow up in an affluent family nor has “rags to riches” stories to his name. Nicolas Gonzalez’s parents taught him values, respect, and how to be humble in any circumstance. Behold the persons who always kept their last born in check.

From left to right, we have the following family members. Christian (Nico’s Father), Paola Dominguez (Nico’s Mum), Nicolas himself, Gabriel (Nico’s Brother) and Gabriel's wife.

From left to right, we have the following family members. Christian (Nico’s Father), Paola Dominguez (Nico’s Mum), Nicolas himself, Gabriel (Nico’s Brother) and Gabriel’s wife.

In an interview, the Forward once revealed he truly was blessed with a family who gave him everything and supported him.

Despite being rich and famous, he always listens to them, which includes his Mum, who didn’t make him go astray. Nicolas Gonzalez recalled that his mum always said to him:

‘You get on a pony, and I slap you down.’

According to him, it seems like a joke, but he has it recorded. Nico acknowledged that his family’s love is unconditional. His Mum (Paola Dominguez), especially, always kept him grounded – as revealed by her warnings (which we have shown above).

Nicolas Gonzalez Family Origin:

First thing first, the son of Christian and Paola holds Argentine and Italian nationalities. Regarding where Nicolas Gonzalez’s Family comes from (in Argentina), our research points to Belen de Escobar.

This is a city in the urban conurbation of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Now, here is a map to help you understand Nicolas Gonzalez’s origins.

Here is Belen de Escobar, where the Soccer Forward comes from.

Here is Belen de Escobar, where the Soccer Forward comes from.

Conclusively, Christian Gonzalez’s son is of Argentine nationality. As you may have noticed in this Biography writeup, Nicolas Gonzalez’s family members are natives of Belen de Escobar, a city in the urban conurbation of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.

Ethnicity:

To start with, the ancestry of the Florentina star is traced to Italy. Nicolas Gonzalez is of Italian descent.

Nicolas Gonzalez’s great-grandparents were immigrants who emigrated from Italy to Argentina many years ago. From an ethnic standpoint, the Forward (Like Guido Rodriguez) identifies himself as an Italian-Argentine.

Nicolas Gonzalez Education and career buildup:

Results from our research show the 2021 COPA America winner started elementary schooling as early as five. At that time, Nico’s talent was noticed, and he was approached about playing for a local team.

At the age of six, he began playing for Club Sportivo Escobar. Club Atlético Belén de Escobar followed next. Nico later began attending the youth academy of Argentino’s Juniors when he was seven years old. Like most intelligent soccer kids, he went through the lower divisions of Argentinos Juniors.

Early on, the younger acknowledges that his parents put in lots of effort to see him achieve his dreams. Nicolas, back then, commuted by train or bus from his home in Escobar and the Argentinos Juniors headquarters in Bajo Flores.

Ask Nicolas, and he will tell you he can’t forget coach Rodrigo Lista. This was the man who discovered and introduced him to Argentinos Juniors. Rodrigo visited Nicolas Gonzalez’s parents to seek permission to have their son at the institution, which they gladly accepted.

Road to Fame Story:

When the youngster was 14, he went through the challenge of lacking game time. Nicolas spoke with his then-coach about giving up but was advised to fight for his place. Thanks to that advice, including that from his family, he fought and got himself back into the team.

Nicolas passed the Argentine juvenile division and turned professional in 2016. That year saw his ten-year stay at the club’s junior program coming to an end. He specialized in goals during his senior career, which helped his side advance up the league.

Nico helped his club gain promotion from Primera B Nacional to the Argentina Primera Division. Under the command of Gabriel Heinze, he scored lots of goals, and this video shows that his talent was not hyped.

Nicolas Gonzalez Bio – Road to Fame Story:

When the youngster was 14, he went through the challenge of lacking game time. Nicolas spoke with his then-coach about giving up but was advised to fight for his place. Thanks to that advice, including that from his family, he fought and got himself back into the team.

Nicolas passed the Argentine juvenile division and turned professional in 2016. That year saw his ten-year stay at the club’s junior program coming to an end. He specialized in goals during his senior career, which helped his side advance up the league.

Nico helped his club gain promotion from Primera B Nacional to the Argentina Primera Division. Under the command of Gabriel Heinze, he scored lots of goals, and this video shows that his talent was not hyped.

Nicolas Gonzalez Biography – Road to Fame Story:

Interestingly, his tremendous talents caught the eyes of scouts from Europe. And in the summer of 2018, the winger put pen to paper by signing a five-year deal with Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart.

He, alongside Ozan Kabak, was among the biggest arrivals at VfB Stuttgart at that time. However, Nicolas was the most expensive Left Winger as Stuttgart bought him for a whooping sum of £10.13m.

First, it was a rollercoaster in Germany as the baller’s club got demoted in their first season. VfB, however, immediately rebounded the following season – all thanks to Nicolas’ goals.

The Argentine displayed outstanding performance by scoring as many as 14 goals. The video below is a collection of a few of Nico’s unique goals for Stuttgart.

National Team Rise:

Following his impressive performance in the Bundesliga. Argentina’s coach (Lionel Scaloni) took notice of his talent and gave him a national team call-up.

Nicolas was called for the 2021 COPA America alongside other top-rated Argentine performers around Europe. Names here include Angel di Maria, midfield genius Leandro Paredes, Rosario-born Giovani Lo Celso, Messi’s close friend Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martinez, etc.

Alongside talented superstars like Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala, the South American Baller made a huge impact in the competition. In the end, Nicolas Gonzalez’s Argentine team won the 2021 COPA America Final.

Do you know?.. this giant trophy was Lionel Messi’s first with the Argentine national team. For Nicolas, winning this title alongside Lionel Messi, Marcus Acuna, Julian Alvares, Nahuel Molina, etc., was indeed a great honour.

Not only did Nicolas Gonzalez win the COPA America for Argentina. He was among the team that competed in the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions final against Italy. As many would say, this trophy is the Finalissima 2022. Nicolas gracefully won it with his beloved Argentine team.

Again, he was among the Argentine players that helped defeat Italy to win the CONMEBOL trophy.

Again, he was among the Argentine players that helped defeat Italy to win the CONMEBOL trophy.

Club career heights:

Being one of the swift players in the Bundesliga from 2018 to 2021 earned Nico a deserved transfer to ACF Fiorentina. Dusan Vlahovic was ACF Fiorentina’s biggest star who departed to Juventus at that time.

In the early season with the Italian club, he enjoyed a great partnership with Krzysztof Piatek, who was on loan from Hertha BSC. Nicolas Gonzalez also formed a good relationship with fellow South American Lucas Torreira.

At the time of writing Nicolas Gonzalez’s Biography, he is committed to helping the football deity (Lionel Messi) win the Qatar hosted 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Forward is greatly admired as one with the most efficient skillset in his position. As you watch this video highlight of his craft; the rest, as we say, is history.

Love Life:

At the time of writing this Bio, he is not in any romantic relationships with anyone. Nicolas Gonzalez is yet to make his relationship public as he appears focused on his career. The Baller keeps the details of his past relationships and dating life private.

So far in 2022, Nicolas is not the subject of rumours or controversies. He is someone who keeps his distance from anything that has the risk of jeopardising his reputation. Like many youngsters in soccer, he maintains his humble background and has never been embroiled in any dating controversy.

Nicolas Gonzalez Personal Life:

Beyond the amazing things the Argentine footballer from Belen de Escobar does on the pitch, many people have asked…

Who is Nicolas Gonzales?

This Biographical section explains Nico’s personality.

This Biographical section explains Nico’s personality.

First, when it comes to attractive (handsome) soccer players who are born under the zodiac sign of Aries, COUNT NICO IN.

The Baller is a good-looking athlete who keeps his cool and often finds time to enjoy (outside football) to enjoy his simple life.

Here is an example of the Athlete's fun time outside the pitch.

Here is an example of the Athlete’s fun time outside the pitch.

His special way of relaxing and recharging his batteries is unique, and that involves spending time alone on the water during vacations. The Argentine Baller loves savouring nature’s splendour, as shown above.

Nicolas Gonzalez Lifestyle:

About the things he spends his money on, one thing is certain for the Athlete: his eternal love for eating the right food diet.

In the absence of a girlfriend or wife, Nicolas and his good friend-turned-brother (Leo Balerdi) take their summer vacation together. Aside from boat cruising, both enjoy a similar hobby of diving and swimming. Have you watched Nocolas’ great dive?

Nicolas Gonzalez Car:

The former VfB Stuttgart player isn’t one to flaunt his wealth and possessions on social media. However, with his €3,210,000 salary, he can certainly afford a car and a house.

Nicolas Gonzalez Family Life:

The accomplished footballer who played for ACF Fiorentina doesn’t care much about living an expensive life. For Nico, giving back to the people who have supported and given him a perfect sense of belonging is more important. Now, let’s get into more detail about them.

Nicolas Gonzalez Grandfather:

Every family needs a grandpa to make their homes lively, and Manolo, as they call him, is not an exception. Back in the day, he took turns with Nicolas’ dad, Christian, to take him to matches when he was young – from the age of seven.

It was a journey of 6hrs (3hrs going and 3hrs returning), mostly by train, as the family did not own a car then. Manolo, whom we have pictured here, was a supportive grandpa, and he is his grandson’s best friend.

Meet Manolo. He is Nicolas Gonzalez’s Grandfather, a retired footballer who took great care of his grandson.

Meet Manolo. He is Nicolas Gonzalez’s Grandfather, a retired footballer who took great care of his grandson.

Nicolas Gonzalez Mother:

The athlete’s mum celebrates her birthday every 3rd of December. Paola Dominguez is a woman who always looks for smiles in others and who always wants to see everyone in her family happy. Gonzalez’s Mum applies discipline and love to raise her beloved son.

Meet Paola Dominguez, Nicolas Gonzalez Mother.

Meet Paola Dominguez, Nicolas Gonzalez Mother.

Nicolas Gonzalez Brother:

The Athlete and Gabriel (his only sibling) once lived in the same house, slept in the same room and spent their childhood years together in Escobar – as best friends. Here is a rare photo of the Gonzalez brothers during their boyhood years.

A late 2000s photo of Gabriel (left) and Nicolas (right)

A late 2000s photo of Gabriel (left) and Nicolas (right)

Gabriel, Nico’s brother, is a family man with two beautiful kids and a wife. He is an introvert who keeps everything about his personal life and family private. Gonzalez is proud to be an uncle to his beautiful niece and nephew, who are pictured below.

A photo of Nico and his nephew on the left, while we have Grandma Paola and his niece on the right.

A photo of Nico and his nephew on the left, while we have Grandma Paola and his niece on the right.

Nicolas Gonzalez Father:

The Argentine (Christian ‘Lole’) is a classic example of a loving parent who ceases to build a solid relationship with his wife (Paola Dominguez) and two boys. Nicolas’ father was a beacon of light and anchor whose love led Nico and his brother in the right direction.

Christian ‘Lole’ raised a close-knitted household, and he is proud of how far they have come.

Christian ‘Lole’ raised a close-knit household, and he is proud of how far they have come.

Untold Facts:

In the concluding stage of Nicolas Gonzalez’s Biography, we’ll provide more details about him. With that said, let’s get started.

Nicolas Gonzalez Salary (Fiorentina):

The June 2021 contract he signed with the Serie A club sees him pocketing a huge sum of €3,210,000 annually. Converting Nicolas’s salary to Argentine currency, we have 503,486,817 pesos.

How rich is Nicolas Gonzalez?

A person working in Argentina typically earns around 542,400 ARS per month. Do you know?… such a person would need to work for 77 years to make what Nicolas Gonzalez receives monthly with Fiorentina.

Nicolas Gonzalez Tattoo:

The Argentine Baller has modest origins, where religion plays a significant role in maintaining discipline and remaining morally upright.

But in the Athlete’s situation, it was Jesus and the teachings that guided him in the correct direction. As a token of remembrance and gratitude, he inked Jesus Christ, his Lord and Saviour, on his arm. Put simply, Nico made this tattoo in honour of Jesus.

The ACF Fiorentina star inked this design in Jesus' honour.

The ACF Fiorentina star inked this design in Jesus’ honour.

Nicolas Gonzalez FIFA:

At 24, he still has those perfect stats needed by the modern-day Winger. Nicolas Gonzalez’s attacking, skill, and movement stats make him one of the finest in his position. Like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, he excels best in Speed Sprint, Ball Control, Acceleration and Dribbling.

Acceleration, Dribbling, Ball Control, Sprint Speed, Agility, and Penality are his greatest assets.

Acceleration, Dribbling, Ball Control, Sprint Speed, Agility, and Penality are his greatest assets.

Nicolas Gonzalez’s Religion:

He identifies with the Catholic form of Christianity. Nicolas Gonzalez’s native country, Argentina, is well-dominated by a large Christian population (79.6%). Nicolas and his brother (Gabriel Gonzalez) were raised in a devoted Catholic home.

EndNote:

Nicknamed ‘Nico’, Nicolas Gonzalez was born to Paola Dominguez (his Mum) and Christian ‘Lole’ (Father) on the 6th day of April 1998. The Left Winger spent his childhood days alongside his brother (Gabriel Gonzalez) at their birthplace, Belén de Escobar, Argentina. His grandfather (Manolo) made his childhood worthwhile.

Nicolas Gonzalez’s family origin is traced to Italy. After Spanish immigration, the greatest ethnic group in contemporary Argentina are the Italian Argentines (the ethnic group he identifies with). The Baller has a humble upbringing, and he was raised by middle-class parents who instilled a sense of responsibility in him.

Like many young Argentine kids, Nicolas was a boy with soccer talent. He began his career at six with the Club Sportivo Escobar. Also, he went through Club Atlético Belén de Escobar early in his career before joining the Argentinos Juniors.

Nicolas helped his team to great heights in 2016 when he turned pro. With the Argentinos Senior team, he specializes in scoring great goals. During the 2016/2017 season, Nico helped his club gain promotion from Primera B Nacional to the Argentina Primera Division.

Shortly after his promotion to the Argentine Primera Division, his tremendous talents caught the eye of European scouts. And in the summer of 2018, the winger signed a five-year deal with Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart. With the European, Nico received a national team call for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Recognizing his achievement in VfB Stuttgart, ACF Fiorentina quickly signed him because of his great speed and finishing. While there, he made his debut in a 4–0 win against a Serie B side in a Coppa Italia by scoring two goals.

Nicolas also helped Argentina to win the 2021 Copa América and the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions trophy. As I conclude this Bio, the Escobar native is about to thrill the world with his skill at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Aside from Nicolas Gonzalez’s biography, we have other great stories about Argentine soccer players for your reading pleasure. The Life History of Gonzalo Montiel and Manuel Lanzini will excite your reading pleasure.

Final Note:

Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Nicolas Gonzalez’s Biography. We care about authenticity and accuracy in our quest to deliver you South American Football Stories. Nicolas Gonzalez’s Bio is part of our Argentine Sub-category collection.

Please reach us via comment if you find anything that doesn’t look right in this write-up about the Left Winger from Belén de Escobar. Also, please tell us (via comment) what you think about the Argentine Speedy Forward and our great story about him.

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