Cruz Gonzalez, 11, is an attacking midfielder for the U18 Saint Louis City SC team. Gonzalez has an undeniable talent, but his connection to the “beautiful game” is more than just skill. For Gonzalez, soccer was a birthright passed down through generations of gifted players.
“I have played soccer since I was three years old,” Gonzalez said. “My Grandpa on my dad’s side played professional soccer in South America, my dad was also a Division 1 player in New Jersey, so I was pretty much born into it.”
While family members provided the foundation, a legendary figure also provided the initial spark for his personal development on the field.
“My first soccer role model was Messi,” Gonzalez said. “I loved everything about how he played the game, he is a genius and has a natural gift. The way he used to dribble by everyone on the field and score beautiful goals was something amazing to watch.”
The key to developing his own skill was not just watching, but doing.
“The most important and fun thing for me growing up was trying to emulate all of the pros I looked up to,” Gonzalez said. “I found a lot of joy in a successful nutmeg, juggling the ball over and over again, and always keeping the ball with me. I also loved dribbling people and scoring tons of goals.”
He admits the passion wasn’t instant, noting that his first year was a gradual awakening.
“My family likes to joke with me about my first year because it took me a while to get into it… Once I started to understand the game more and score more goals it was much more fun, I never wanted it to end… once it clicked I was hooked from then on,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez credits two highly influential figures with keeping him grounded while pushing him toward elite performance.
“My dad was and is the most instrumental voice when it comes to inspiring me, he loves the game more than anyone I know,” Gonzalez said. “He has always been harsh on me and has really high expectations but I know that it is because he believes in me and wants me to do amazing things.”
He also highlighted the lasting impact of his longtime coach.
“I also had a coach from Gallagher named Zak and he is also a very important part of my journey,” Gonzalez said. “I started working with him when I was seven years old and I still work with him today. He makes soccer fun while also challenging me to perform at a high level.”
The early exposure to top tier soccer only reinforced his dedication. Gonzalez shared one of his most powerful memories.
“One of my most vivid memories was traveling to Barcelona when I was in second grade… I was able to train at the La Masia where all the professionals there train. It was such an amazing experience to train and play where my idols played,” Gonzalez said. “It was my first taste of a professional environment.”
Ultimately, for Gonzalez, soccer is more than just a game, it’s an inseparable part of his identity.
“Soccer has been a natural fit for me and my family… I can’t even imagine what my life would be like without soccer,” Gonzalez said.
