Gerard Moreno is a Spanish forward currently playing for the La Liga side Villarreal and the Spain national team. Though he is poorly rated, the striker is a perfect goal machine for both country and club. He has stepped in to fill the void following the retirement of Fernando Torres from the national team.
He developed an interest in football at a tender age. He faced challenges that could have hindered him from pursuing his dream, but he was dodged enough to push through the hurdles.
Before joining Villarreal and winning the 2021 UEFA Europa League, he has played for Mallorca and Espanyol. Here is a look into the life of the soccer star.
2021/22 Player Profile
- Full Name: Gerard Moreno Balaguero
- Date of Birth: 7th April 1992
- Age: 33 years old
- Place of Birth: Santa Perpetua de Mogoda, Spain
- Nationality: Spain
- Position: Center Forward
- Foot: Left
- Jersey#: 7
- Current Club: Vallarreal
- Joined On: 1st July 2018
- Contract Expires On: 30th June 2027
- Last Date of Contract Extension: 9th August 2021
- Youth Club Career: Damm, Espanyol, Badalona
- Senior Club Career: Villarreal C, Villarreal B, Villarreal, Mallorca (loan), Espanyol, Villarreal
- National Team Career: Spain (2019)
- Current Market Value: €40 million
- Net Worth: €10.6 million ($12.5 million)
- Salary: €2,704,000 (yearly), € 52,000 (weekly)
- Parents: Didac Moreno (Father)
- Wife: Nuria Moreno
- Children: Melissa and Marta
Biography of Gerard Moreno
It was on the 7th day of April 1992 that the first and oldest son of the Moreno’s was born in Santa Perpetua de Mogoda, Spain. He was raised by his father Didac Moreno and his mother alongside his younger brother.
The Spanish forward has his parents to appreciate for instilling in him the virtues of hard work and perseverance. These virtues later helped him in chasing his dream of playing soccer.
Since the desire to play was burning in him, he could stay for long hours kicking the ball in narrow passageways and small pitches around his homestead. With that in his mind, not even an injury that left with a scar could stop him from achieving his dream. Today, all he knows is to score goals for his club and country.
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Who Is Gerard Moreno’s Wife?
Moreno is married to a stunning lady, Nuria Moreno. They are said to be childhood best friends. They know each other right from their teenage days while schooling. She has been part of his life even during his days of struggle.
Their relationship lasted for 9 years before they decided to take it to the next level. The striker and his wife walked down the aisle in a lavish wedding ceremony on 29th June 2018.
Together, they are blessed with two lovely daughters. They had their first daughter Melissa a year before their wedding, on 4th April 2017. After 3 years, Nuria conceived and gave birth to Marta on 3rd March 2020.
According to reports, she is from Catalonia, the same region as Moreno.
How Rich Is Gerard Moreno?
The Spanish striker has been making a generous amount of money from his football career and other endorsements. According to the media, he has a net worth of $12.5 million (€10.6 million).
In totality, his transfer fees from the various clubs that signed him are €21.5 million. Espanyol signed him in 2015 for €1.5 million from Villarreal. However, the fee went up when Villarreal reacquired him in 2018 for €20 million.
Currently, his contract with the club would expire in June 2027 after he signed an extension in August 2021. He receives a weekly salary of €52,000 and €2.7 million annually.
As of 31st May 2021, his value in the transfer market is €40 million.
7 Amazing Facts About Gerard Moreno
1. He Originates From A Footballing Family
You may wonder where the striker got his soccer skills, but there is no need for that, he inherited it from his family. His father Didac Moreno played amateur football in the past. He played as a number 10.
His only brother is also a footballer and plays as a number 10 just like their father.
2. The injury That Left Him With 27 Stitches And A Scar For Life
It happened on a day he went playing football with his friends. Someone kicked the ball and it landed on top of the net. He quickly went to pick the ball, but he slipped off and fell.
Unfortunately, he got a tear on the face, leading to him receiving 27 stitches to close the tear. In spite of the injury, he didn’t relent in pursuing his dream. His parents stood by him throughout the tough time.
3. Espanyol Rejected Him Earlier
He enjoyed a little bit of success when he joined the Espanyol academy at the age of 10. He scored some amazing goals for the team. But when he turned 15, things changed. The club threw him out in 2007 reason being that he doesn’t have the body to succeed.
The whole scenario was devastating to the young footballer, so he left the academy after hearing the news.
4. Badalona Opened Another Door For Him
After enduring the rejection from Espanyol, it didn’t take much time before he got another opportunity with Club de Futbol Badalona. The club’s academy is less than 20km from his family house. He went on set a break a National League scoring record by netting 42 goals in one season.
5. The Stone Espanyol Rejected Became The Cornerstone
After having an incredible time at Badalona with a lot of goals, bigger clubs in the Spanish top league started running after him. But, it was Villarreal that signed the young striker.
In 2013, he later joined Mallorca on loan. After the loan spell, he returned to Villarreal, but by then, the club was relegated to the second division. His goals scoring form ignited interest from La Liga teams.
He joined Espanyol, the same team that rejected him some years back. Many people didn’t expect him to join the club. He forgave them. After scoring 29 goals for the club, the striker rejoined Villareal in 2018.
6. How Tall Is He?
The Spanish striker is quite tall. He is above average in height. He is 5 feet 11 inches (1.80m) tall and weighs 75kg (165lbs).
7. His Major Achievements
- UEFA Europa League: 2020/21 (Villarreal)
- Zarra Trophy: 2019/20, 2020/21 (Individual)
- UEFA Europa League Top Scorer: 2020/21 (Join- 7 goals)
- UEFA Europa League Player of the Season: 2020/21 (Individual)
- UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2020/21 (Individual)
Complete profile of Gerard Moreno
| Gerard Moreno | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gerard Moreno Balagueró |
| Date of Birth | 7 April 1992 |
| Age | 33 years |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Birth place | Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Education | NA |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Playing Position | Striker |
| Clubs | 2000–2001 Damm 2001–2007 Espanyol 2007–2010 Badalona 2010–2011 Villarreal C 2011–2013 Villarreal B 2012–2015 Villarreal 2013–2014 → Mallorca (loan) 2015–2018 Espanyol 2018– Villarreal 2019– Spain 2014– Catalonia |
| Father | Didac Moreno |
| Mother | NA |
| Siblings | 1 brother |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse/Partner | Nuria Moreno(m.2018) |
| Girlfriend | Nuria Moreno |
| Kids | Melissa and Marta |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Estimated Net Worth: | $12.5 million |
| Source of net worth | Football career |
| Height | Feet- 5 ft 11in Meters- 1.80m Centimeters- 180cm |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Eye color | Dark Brown |
| Hair color | Dark Brown |
| Social media | instagram |
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