{"id":265110,"first_name":"Gerard","last_name":"Moreno Balaguero","short_name":"Gerard Moreno","common_name":"Gerard Moreno","place_of_birth":"Santa Perpètua de Mogoda","gender":"male","height":177,"weight":75,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T08:22:51.543Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T13:51:25.744Z","locale":"en","age":32,"stb_id":"gerard-moreno","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Gerard Moreno","top_position":null,"introduction":"Gerard Moreno, born on April 7, 1992, is a distinguished Spanish professional footballer, recognized for his impactful role as a striker with Villarreal CF in La Liga and the Spain national team. Key highlights of his career include winning the 2021 UEFA Europa League and securing the prestigious Zarra Trophy twice with Villarreal. Moreno made his senior international debut for Spain in 2019 and was part of the national squad in the UEFA Euro 2020.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nGerard Moreno Balagueró was born in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Barcelona, Catalonia. Despite the absence of detailed information about his family background and early childhood environment, his birthplace and early life in Catalonia suggest an upbringing in a region passionate about football.\n\n## Youth Career\nMoreno started his football journey at the local club Badalona, which laid the foundation for his aspirations as a professional footballer. At the age of 18, he joined Villarreal's youth academy in 2010, marking the beginning of his transition into a burgeoning football career. His time in Villarreal's youth setups included prolific goal-scoring performances, especially with the third team in Tercera División, exemplifying his potential as a future professional striker.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Villarreal\nMoreno made his professional debut with Villarreal's reserves on March 5, 2011, against Rayo Vallecano. He made an immediate impact by scoring his first professional goal on December 10, 2011, during a Segunda División match against Xerez. Gerard's official debut with Villarreal's main squad came in a loss against Elche in 2012, followed swiftly by his first goal for them against Sabadell in January 2013. Following a loan spell at Mallorca in the second tier, he was promoted to Villarreal's La Liga team, debuting against Granada and scoring his first top-flight goal against Eibar.\n\n### Espanyol\nIn August 2015, Moreno transferred to Espanyol after they acquired 50% of his rights for €1.5 million. Over his tenure, he was notable for scoring 16 goals in the 2017-18 season, culminating in an 11th place finish for Espanyol.\n\n### Villarreal Return\nReturning to Villarreal in June 2018, Moreno signed a five-year deal, with the club purchasing the remaining 50% of his rights for €20 million. In the 2019-20 season, Moreno emerged as the top scorer with 18 league goals, earning the Zarra Trophy. The following season, he scored 23 league goals and was instrumental in Villarreal's Europa League triumph, ultimately being named the competition's Player of the Season. Moreno also became Villarreal's all-time top scorer in 2021.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Senior National Team\nGerard Moreno debuted for Spain's senior team on October 15, 2019, in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier against Sweden. He scored his first international goal in a dominant victory over Malta in November 2019 and added a brace in a subsequent match against Romania. These performances secured his inclusion in Spain's squad for UEFA Euro 2020.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nGerard Moreno is acclaimed for his role as a versatile striker, combining technical proficiency with tactical intelligence. His key attributes include clinical finishing, vision for goal opportunities, and the capacity to assist teammates, as reflected in his league-leading 23 goals and 7 assists in the 2020-21 season. Moreno's agility and movement on the field allow him to exploit defensive gaps effectively, making him a crucial asset in offensive play.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nAcross his professional career, Moreno has registered remarkable statistics, including scoring 18 and 23 league goals in the consecutive 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. His UEFA Europa League campaign also saw him netting 7 goals, demonstrating his strong performance in European competitions.\n\n## Records\nMoreno holds the record as Villarreal's all-time top scorer, having overtaken Giuseppe Rossi in August 2021.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- UEFA Europa League: 2020–21 with Villarreal\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Zarra Trophy: 2019–20, 2020–21\n- UEFA Europa League top scorer: 2020–21 (joint – 7 goals)\n- UEFA Europa League Player of the Season: 2020–21\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nMoreno was recognized for his contributions to Villarreal's success in the UEFA Europa League, earning a place in the tournament's Squad of the Season and also being named Man of the Match in the 2021 UEFA Super Cup.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nGerard Moreno's career is marked by his significant contributions at both club and international levels. His consistent performances, capped by individual accolades and crucial victories with Villarreal, underline his impact on Spanish football.\n\n## Off the Field\nInformation on Moreno's activities off the field, such as commercial ventures or charitable work, is not available from the source provided.\n\n## Personal Life\nWhile the Wikipedia article does not provide specific details about his family life or personal interests, Moreno's professional commitments demonstrate his dedication and passion for football.","stb_internal_id":"019305b8-1812-7e62-912e-0167ee77db8a","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-forward","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Gerard Moreno, born on April 7, 1992, is a distinguished Spanish professional footballer, recognized for his impactful role as a striker with Villarreal CF in La Liga and the Spain national team. Key highlights of his career include winning the 2021 UEFA Europa League and securing the prestigious Zarra Trophy twice with Villarreal. Moreno made his senior international debut for Spain in 2019 and was part of the national squad in the UEFA Euro 2020.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Gerard Moreno Balagueró was born in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Barcelona, Catalonia. Despite the absence of detailed information about his family background and early childhood environment, his birthplace and early life in Catalonia suggest an upbringing in a region passionate about football.

Youth Career

Moreno started his football journey at the local club Badalona, which laid the foundation for his aspirations as a professional footballer. At the age of 18, he joined Villarreal's youth academy in 2010, marking the beginning of his transition into a burgeoning football career. His time in Villarreal's youth setups included prolific goal-scoring performances, especially with the third team in Tercera División, exemplifying his potential as a future professional striker.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Villarreal

Moreno made his professional debut with Villarreal's reserves on March 5, 2011, against Rayo Vallecano. He made an immediate impact by scoring his first professional goal on December 10, 2011, during a Segunda División match against Xerez. Gerard's official debut with Villarreal's main squad came in a loss against Elche in 2012, followed swiftly by his first goal for them against Sabadell in January 2013. Following a loan spell at Mallorca in the second tier, he was promoted to Villarreal's La Liga team, debuting against Granada and scoring his first top-flight goal against Eibar.

Espanyol

In August 2015, Moreno transferred to Espanyol after they acquired 50% of his rights for €1.5 million. Over his tenure, he was notable for scoring 16 goals in the 2017-18 season, culminating in an 11th place finish for Espanyol.

Villarreal Return

Returning to Villarreal in June 2018, Moreno signed a five-year deal, with the club purchasing the remaining 50% of his rights for €20 million. In the 2019-20 season, Moreno emerged as the top scorer with 18 league goals, earning the Zarra Trophy. The following season, he scored 23 league goals and was instrumental in Villarreal's Europa League triumph, ultimately being named the competition's Player of the Season. Moreno also became Villarreal's all-time top scorer in 2021.

National Team Career

Senior National Team

Gerard Moreno debuted for Spain's senior team on October 15, 2019, in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier against Sweden. He scored his first international goal in a dominant victory over Malta in November 2019 and added a brace in a subsequent match against Romania. These performances secured his inclusion in Spain's squad for UEFA Euro 2020.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Gerard Moreno is acclaimed for his role as a versatile striker, combining technical proficiency with tactical intelligence. His key attributes include clinical finishing, vision for goal opportunities, and the capacity to assist teammates, as reflected in his league-leading 23 goals and 7 assists in the 2020-21 season. Moreno's agility and movement on the field allow him to exploit defensive gaps effectively, making him a crucial asset in offensive play.

Performance Statistics

Across his professional career, Moreno has registered remarkable statistics, including scoring 18 and 23 league goals in the consecutive 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. His UEFA Europa League campaign also saw him netting 7 goals, demonstrating his strong performance in European competitions.

Records

Moreno holds the record as Villarreal's all-time top scorer, having overtaken Giuseppe Rossi in August 2021.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

UEFA Europa League: 2020–21 with Villarreal

Individual Achievements

Zarra Trophy: 2019–20, 2020–21
UEFA Europa League top scorer: 2020–21 (joint – 7 goals)
UEFA Europa League Player of the Season: 2020–21

Awards and Recognition

Moreno was recognized for his contributions to Villarreal's success in the UEFA Europa League, earning a place in the tournament's Squad of the Season and also being named Man of the Match in the 2021 UEFA Super Cup.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Gerard Moreno's career is marked by his significant contributions at both club and international levels. His consistent performances, capped by individual accolades and crucial victories with Villarreal, underline his impact on Spanish football.

Off the Field

Information on Moreno's activities off the field, such as commercial ventures or charitable work, is not available from the source provided.

Personal Life

While the Wikipedia article does not provide specific details about his family life or personal interests, Moreno's professional commitments demonstrate his dedication and passion for football.

\n","photo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/Photo_of_Gerard_Moreno_7901779ec5.jpeg","mime":"image/jpeg","caption":"Photo: Shutterstock","formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_avif_Photo_of_Gerard_Moreno_7901779ec5.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_webp_Photo_of_Gerard_Moreno_7901779ec5.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_avif_Photo_of_Gerard_Moreno_7901779ec5.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_webp_Photo_of_Gerard_Moreno_7901779ec5.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_avif_Photo_of_Gerard_Moreno_7901779ec5.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_webp_Photo_of_Gerard_Moreno_7901779ec5.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"traits":[],"social_media":{"id":446422,"esea":null,"esl_gaming":null,"facebook":null,"faceit":null,"instagram":"https://www.instagram.com/gerard_moreno/","reddit":null,"steam":null,"strava":null,"tiktok":null,"twitch":null,"twitter":"https://twitter.com/GerardMoreno9","website":null,"youtube":null},"nationality":{"id":10850,"name":"Spain","country_code":"ESP","iso_code":"ES","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:01:27.352Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:39.170Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70d-26b5-7028-974f-d08ae0605e02","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Spain_ES_8487a90b5d.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}},"trophies":[],"footballExtra":{"id":303334,"__component":"person-extra.person-extra-soccer","position":"Attacker","foot":"left"},"membership":{"id":999916,"end_date":null,"start_date":"2018-07-01","role":"player","active":true,"createdAt":"2024-11-14T09:19:59.217Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T13:51:25.688Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"019329f8-ea1e-70d9-8ad5-728840cabe8a","overrides":null,"team":{"id":50424,"name":"Villarreal CF","short_name":"Villarreal","tla_name":"VIL","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Villarreal Club de Fútbol","founded":1923,"colors":"Yellow,Blue","nicknames":"El Submarino Amarillo","createdAt":"2024-11-05T10:36:58.171Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T23:21:14.127Z","website":"http://www.villarrealcf.es","address":"Camino Miralcamp, s/n","address_city":"Villarreal","address_zip":"12540","locale":"en","stb_id":"villarreal-cf","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## \"Villarreal\": interesting facts about the football club\n\n**\"Villarreal\"** is a football club from the **small Spanish town of Villarreal** in **Valencia**. The team was founded in **1923**, but it was **really loudly** talked about only in **the last decade**.\n\nThis is an example of a club that **without high-profile transfers** and crazy popularity was able to **establish itself among the strongest teams** of Spain and Europe. They are used to **developing players** here, not buying ready-made stars. And this is **the peculiarity of the \"yellow submarine\"**.\n\n> \"Villarreal is proof that smart strategy and patience can beat any big budget.\"","sporting_achievements":"## History of \"Villarreal\"\n\n**The first half-century** the club played mainly in the **regional and lower Spanish divisions**. **\"Villarreal\"** was almost **unheard of outside the province**. Only in **1998** did the team enter **La Liga** for the first time, but were relegated after **one season**.\n\n**The return took place** already in **2000** — and from that time **another story** began. The club began to work for the result, but **in no hurry**. I bet on **stability**, on the search for **talented players**, and it produced its **effect**.\n\n**In the 2005/06** season, the team reached the **Champions League semi-finals** — **no one expected it**, but **\"Villarreal\"** already knew how to surprise. And in **2021** the club won the **Europa League**, beating **Manchester United** in the final.\n\n> \"It was the first major trophy in the history of the club - a well-deserved victory after many years of consistent work.\"","club_identity":"## Villarreal Stadium\n\nThe team plays its matches at the **Estadio de la Ceramica** — a **comfortable arena** that holds a little more than **23 thousand spectators**. It used to be called **El Madrigal**, but it was renamed in honor of **the main industry of the city** — **ceramics production**.\n\n**This stadium** is **not about luxury**, but **about emotion**. The stands here are **close to the field**, the atmosphere is **homey and hot**. The town is small, and when **Villarreal** plays at home, **the whole district goes to football**.\n\n## Achievements of \"Villarreal\"\n\nThe club **doesn't have the same trophy history** as the Spanish giants, but has achieved a lot in **recent years**:\n\n* **Europa League (2020/21)** — **first international trophy** in the history of the club.\n* **Champions League semi-finals (2005/06, 2021/22)** — **sensational performances** that made Europe **pay attention**.\n* **La Liga Silver (2007/08)** — **highest place** in the Spanish Championship.\n* **Victory over the European giants** — **\"Arsenal\", \"Bavaria\", \"Juventus\"** repeatedly left **with nothing**.\n\n> \"For a city with a population of only 50,000, this is a real football breakthrough.\"","current_status_and_future":"## Famous players of \"Villarreal\"\n\nThe club **did not buy famous names**, but often brought **future stars** to the world stage:\n\n1. **Riquelme** is a player who gave the team **style and fantasy** in the center of the field.\n\n2. **Forlan** — in **\"Villarreal\"** became **the best scorer in La Liga**.\n\n3. **Cazorla** is a symbol of **sophisticated football** and **loyalty to the club**.\n\n4. **Rossi** is a striker who remained a **fan favorite** for a long time.\n\n5. **Pau Torres** is a **student of the club** who became **the main player in the Spanish national team**.\n\n## Interesting facts about Villarreal\n\n1. **The city of Villarreal** is the **least in Europe** among the participants of the **Champions League semi-finals**.\n\n2. The club received the nickname \"yellow submarine\" for the color of the uniform and the non-standard style of play.\n\n3. **The stadium is named** in honor of the **ceramic industry** — **the main pride of the city**.\n\n4. **In 2012** the team was relegated to **Segunda**, but **returned the following season**.\n\n5. **The club bets** on **students** and **smart management** instead of **star transfers**.\n\n> \"Villarreal reminds us that true greatness is measured not by the size of the city, but by the size of dreams and ambitions.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **Villarreal** has become a **model for clubs** from small towns around the world, proving that **smart planning** and **long-term strategy** can compete with **big budgets**. Will the team be able to **consolidate its position** among the **European elite**? One thing can be said for sure - the **spirit of \"Ceramika\"** and the **philosophy of the yellow submarine** make **\"Villarreal\"** a special place where **every player** has a **chance to become a hero** and **every victory** is a **triumph for the whole city**. This is a club that **proves** that in football the **most important thing** is to **believe in your abilities** and **never give up**, regardless of the size of the stadium or the budget.","stb_internal_id":"0192fbe6-2611-7262-a715-453e0f755ce7","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

\"Villarreal\": interesting facts about the football club

\"Villarreal\" is a football club from the small Spanish town of Villarreal in Valencia. The team was founded in 1923, but it was really loudly talked about only in the last decade.

This is an example of a club that without high-profile transfers and crazy popularity was able to establish itself among the strongest teams of Spain and Europe. They are used to developing players here, not buying ready-made stars. And this is the peculiarity of the \"yellow submarine\".

\n
\"Villarreal is proof that smart strategy and patience can beat any big budget.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

History of \"Villarreal\"

The first half-century the club played mainly in the regional and lower Spanish divisions. \"Villarreal\" was almost unheard of outside the province. Only in 1998 did the team enter La Liga for the first time, but were relegated after one season.

The return took place already in 2000 — and from that time another story began. The club began to work for the result, but in no hurry. I bet on stability, on the search for talented players, and it produced its effect.

In the 2005/06 season, the team reached the Champions League semi-finals — no one expected it, but \"Villarreal\" already knew how to surprise. And in 2021 the club won the Europa League, beating Manchester United in the final.

\n
\"It was the first major trophy in the history of the club - a well-deserved victory after many years of consistent work.\"
\n

\n","club_identity_html":"

Villarreal Stadium

The team plays its matches at the Estadio de la Ceramica — a comfortable arena that holds a little more than 23 thousand spectators. It used to be called El Madrigal, but it was renamed in honor of the main industry of the city — ceramics production.

This stadium is not about luxury, but about emotion. The stands here are close to the field, the atmosphere is homey and hot. The town is small, and when Villarreal plays at home, the whole district goes to football.

Achievements of \"Villarreal\"

The club doesn't have the same trophy history as the Spanish giants, but has achieved a lot in recent years:

Europa League (2020/21) — first international trophy in the history of the club.
Champions League semi-finals (2005/06, 2021/22) — sensational performances that made Europe pay attention.
La Liga Silver (2007/08) — highest place in the Spanish Championship.
Victory over the European giants — \"Arsenal\", \"Bavaria\", \"Juventus\" repeatedly left with nothing.

\n
\"For a city with a population of only 50,000, this is a real football breakthrough.\"
\n

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Famous players of \"Villarreal\"

The club did not buy famous names, but often brought future stars to the world stage:

Riquelme is a player who gave the team style and fantasy in the center of the field.
\n
Forlan — in \"Villarreal\" became the best scorer in La Liga.
\n
Cazorla is a symbol of sophisticated football and loyalty to the club.
\n
Rossi is a striker who remained a fan favorite for a long time.
\n
Pau Torres is a student of the club who became the main player in the Spanish national team.
\n

Interesting facts about Villarreal

The city of Villarreal is the least in Europe among the participants of the Champions League semi-finals.
\n
The club received the nickname \"yellow submarine\" for the color of the uniform and the non-standard style of play.
\n
The stadium is named in honor of the ceramic industry — the main pride of the city.
\n
In 2012 the team was relegated to Segunda, but returned the following season.
\n
The club bets on students and smart management instead of star transfers.
\n

\n
\"Villarreal reminds us that true greatness is measured not by the size of the city, but by the size of dreams and ambitions.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Villarreal has become a model for clubs from small towns around the world, proving that smart planning and long-term strategy can compete with big budgets. Will the team be able to consolidate its position among the European elite? One thing can be said for sure - the spirit of \"Ceramika\" and the philosophy of the yellow submarine make \"Villarreal\" a special place where every player has a chance to become a hero and every victory is a triumph for the whole city. This is a club that proves that in football the most important thing is to believe in your abilities and never give up, regardless of the size of the stadium or the budget.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/747_1486e5dc5f.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_747_1486e5dc5f.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_747_1486e5dc5f.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_747_1486e5dc5f.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_747_1486e5dc5f.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_747_1486e5dc5f.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_747_1486e5dc5f.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"current_season":{"stb_id":"2025-2026-3"}}},"shirtNumber":7,"rating":7.2}

Gerard Moreno: Career