1. Early life and background
Gonzalo Gerardo Higuaín was born on December 10, 1987, in Brest, France. His father, Jorge Higuaín, was an Argentine footballer who was playing for Stade Brestois 29 in France at the time. This gave Gonzalo dual French and Argentine nationality from birth. He is also of Basque-French descent through his grandfather.
Higuaín left France at the age of ten months and, as a result, does not speak French. Despite this, he retained his French citizenship. In January 2007, he successfully applied for Argentine nationality, solidifying his ties to Argentina, the country he would later choose to represent in international football. He has two elder brothers, Nicolas and Federico, the latter of whom also pursued a professional football career, playing for clubs such as Columbus Crew. He also has a younger brother named Lautaro.
2. Club career
Gonzalo Higuaín's professional club career spanned several of the world's top leagues, showcasing his prolific goal-scoring ability and adaptability across different footballing cultures.
2.1. River Plate
Higuaín began his football journey in the youth teams of River Plate. He made his senior debut for the club on May 29, 2005, in a 2-1 defeat against Gimnasia y Esgrima (LP). On February 12, 2006, he scored his first league goal in a 3-1 victory over Banfield. He concluded the 2005-06 season with 5 goals in 12 appearances. During this period, he also scored a brace against Corinthians in the Copa Libertadores, highlighting his early potential.
His prominence grew significantly after he scored a brace in the Superclásico derby against Boca Juniors on October 8, 2006. Following this impressive performance, River Plate manager Daniel Passarella publicly declared that Higuaín had an "enormous future" and was "destined for superstardom". By the end of the 2006-07 season, he had scored 10 goals in 17 league matches, attracting attention from major European clubs.
2.2. Real Madrid
In December 2006, Spanish giants Real Madrid secured Higuaín's transfer for 12.00 M EUR from River Plate, signing him on a six-and-a-half-year contract valid until June 2013.
2.2.1. 2006-07 season
Higuaín made his debut for Real Madrid on January 11, 2007, against Real Betis in the second round of the Copa del Rey in Seville. His first league appearance came three days later, on January 14, 2007, against Real Zaragoza at home, where he contributed to the only goal, securing a 1-0 victory for Madrid. On February 24, he scored his first goal for Real, an equalizer (1-1) against Atlético Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. His goal on May 12, a decisive 4-3 victory over Espanyol, further showcased his emerging talent. Despite these flashes of brilliance, his initial season at the Bernabéu raised some doubts due to a perceived lack of goals.
2.2.2. 2007-08 season
The 2007-08 season saw Higuaín's performance fluctuate, though he finished the season exceptionally strong. He first scored a dramatic last-minute goal to seal a 2-1 comeback victory against Osasuna, which mathematically crowned Real Madrid as Liga champions for the second consecutive year. Just four days later, he netted the third goal in a resounding 4-1 thrashing of Barcelona in El Clásico. Remarkably, this goal was scored just 57 seconds after he came off the bench, further solidifying his reputation as a super-sub.
2.2.3. 2008-09 season
In the 2008-09 season, Higuaín was given a significant opportunity to establish himself as a starter following a serious injury to Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. In August 2008, he scored the winning goal in Madrid's victory over Valencia in the Supercopa de España. Shortly thereafter, he delivered a stellar performance by scoring all four goals in a thrilling 4-3 win against Málaga. This remarkable feat earned him widespread international recognition, placing him among the leading goalscorers in La Liga alongside Samuel Eto'o. On April 21, 2009, Higuaín excelled against Getafe, scoring the decisive goal in the final minute to secure a crucial 3-2 victory, keeping Real Madrid close to Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in the league title race. His consistent spectacular performances and last-minute goals throughout the season led to him being regarded as one of the most promising talents in world football. He finished the season with 22 league goals and 24 in all competitions, matching the output of established stars like Diego Forlán, David Villa, and Thierry Henry.
2.2.4. 2009-10 season
The 2009-10 season saw Higuaín elevate his game further, becoming Real Madrid's top goalscorer with 27 league goals and 29 in total. He finished as La Liga's second-top goalscorer, trailing only Lionel Messi and surpassing both Zlatan Ibrahimović and his Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. This season included his first two goals in the UEFA Champions League and his second hat-trick for the club. Despite his prolific scoring, he faced criticism for his performance in the Champions League round of 16 against Olympique Lyonnais, particularly for missing a clear opportunity and perceived selfishness in not passing to Ronaldo, leading to the team's elimination.
2.2.5. 2010-11 season
In June 2010, Real Madrid extended Higuaín's contract until 2016. On October 23, 2010, he scored Real Madrid's 5,200th league goal against Racing de Santander in a dominant 6-1 victory. On November 4 of the same year, Higuaín scored the club's 700th goal in the Champions League during a match against AC Milan.
In early December 2010, Higuaín was diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc, requiring surgery. The operation was performed on January 11, 2011, in Chicago and was deemed successful. Although initially expected to be out for at least four months for recovery and training, he made an early comeback. On April 23, 2011, Higuaín scored a hat-trick against Valencia in a thrilling 6-3 away win at the Mestalla Stadium, marking his eighth goal in eight matches against Valencia. He also provided two assists for Karim Benzema and Kaká in that same match.
2.2.6. 2011-12 season
On October 2, Higuaín scored his first hat-trick of the season against Espanyol in a 4-0 away win, following it up 13 days later with another hat-trick in a 4-1 victory against Betis. He also scored to put Madrid up 3-1 in a 4-1 win against local rivals Atlético Madrid in the Madrid derby on November 26. On March 31, 2012, he netted his 100th Real Madrid goal in a match against Osasuna, also adding a second goal to mark Real's 100th goal for the 2011-12 La Liga season. Despite his impressive goal-per-minute rate, which surpassed even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at times, he often found himself in a fierce competition with Karim Benzema for a starting spot, particularly in high-profile matches such as El Clásico and Champions League encounters against Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, he finished the league-winning season with 22 goals, proving to be a vital player for his team.
2.2.7. 2012-13 season
On August 29, 2012, Higuaín scored the opener in an eventual 2-1 win against Barcelona in the second leg of the 2012 Supercopa de España, securing Real Madrid's first title of the season. He scored his first league goal of the season against his favored opponent, Valencia, netting in the 10th minute of an eventual 1-1 home draw. He scored again in the next match, a 2-1 loss to Getafe CF at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, which marked Real Madrid's worst league start in 39 years.
In Real's away match to Mallorca on October 28, 2012, Higuaín scored twice and provided two assists in a dominant 5-0 victory. On February 23, 2013, he scored his 100th La Liga goal with an 88th-minute winner, securing a 2-1 defeat of Deportivo.
On June 1, 2013, after six and a half years with the club, Higuaín publicly confirmed his departure from Real Madrid at the end of the season, having scored the opening goal in their final match, a 4-2 home win over Osasuna.
2.3. Napoli
Following his decision to leave Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, Gonzalo Higuaín attracted interest from several prominent clubs, including Arsenal. However, Napoli's president Aurelio De Laurentiis announced that Higuaín, alongside Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, had passed their medicals. On July 27, Napoli officially confirmed the signing of Higuaín for 40.00 M EUR, with the Argentine forward being assigned the number 9 shirt.
2.3.1. 2013-14 season
On August 10, 2013, Higuaín made his first start for Napoli in a pre-season friendly against Benfica, scoring his inaugural goal for the club in a 2-1 victory. His Serie A debut came on August 25, in a 3-0 win against Bologna on the opening day of the 2013-14 season. A week later, he opened his league scoring account in a 4-2 away win at Chievo. He continued his impressive start with goals in Napoli's subsequent two fixtures: home wins over Atalanta and an away victory against AC Milan at the San Siro.
On September 18, Higuaín scored in Napoli's opening Champions League fixture, a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Stadio San Paolo. He went on to score in home wins against Marseille and Arsenal, but despite winning four of their six matches, Napoli failed to qualify from the group stage.
On February 12, 2014, Higuaín scored two goals in Napoli's 3-0 defeat of Roma in the semi-final of the Coppa Italia, securing a 5-3 aggregate victory and a place in the final. On April 13, he scored his first hat-trick for the club in a 4-2 win over Lazio. Higuaín lifted his first trophy with Napoli on May 3, playing 70 minutes in the 3-1 success against Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia final. He concluded his debut season in Italy with an impressive tally of 24 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions.
2.3.2. 2014-15 season
On October 26, 2014, Higuaín netted his first three league goals of the season in a commanding 6-2 home win over Hellas Verona. In the 2014 Supercoppa Italiana against Juventus in Doha, Qatar, on December 22, Higuaín proved pivotal by equalizing twice, forcing extra time and a subsequent penalty shootout, where he was one of the successful scorers in Napoli's victory.
On March 12, 2015, Higuaín scored a hat-trick, including a penalty, as Napoli staged a comeback to defeat Dynamo Moscow 3-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16.
In the final game of the league season - and also the last under Napoli manager Rafael Benítez - Higuaín scored twice but also missed a crucial penalty as Napoli lost 4-2 to Lazio, who consequently secured the last Champions League place at their expense.
2.3.3. 2015-16 season
On November 8, 2015, Higuaín achieved his 200th club career goal, scoring the only goal in a victory over Udinese. This marked his ninth goal of the league season and his seventh consecutive home game with a goal. Three weeks later, he scored both goals - including one after just 64 seconds - in a 2-1 win over Inter that propelled Napoli to the top of the league table for the first time in 25 years.
Higuaín scored twice in Napoli's 3-1 win over Sassuolo on January 16, 2016, extending the team's lead to four points; his second goal of the game was his 20th of the campaign. On April 3, he scored his 30th goal of the Serie A season in a 3-1 away defeat to Udinese, although he was controversially sent off later in the match for protesting against the referee, receiving a four-match ban (later reduced to three upon appeal) and a 20.00 K EUR fine for misconduct.
On May 14, Higuaín scored a hat-trick in a dominant 4-0 home win over Frosinone in the final match of the season. This achievement secured him the Capocannoniere award with a total of 36 goals, equalling Gino Rossetti's long-standing Serie A single-season goal-scoring record set in 1928-29. Notably, no other player in the league surpassed 20 goals for the season, with the league's second-top scorer, Paulo Dybala, recording 19 goals.
2.4. Juventus
2.4.1. 2016-17 season
After a month of intense transfer speculation, Gonzalo Higuaín controversially transferred to rivals Juventus on July 26, 2016, for a fee of 90.00 M EUR, paid in two installments. This move made him the most expensive South American footballer of all time (a record later surpassed by Neymar's transfer in 2017), the highest transfer fee ever paid by an Italian team (until Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus in 2018), and also the highest transfer fee for a player moving within any domestic league (until Kylian Mbappé's transfer in 2018). Higuaín later stated that his decision to move to Juventus was primarily due to his strained relationship with Napoli's chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis, a justification that did little to quell the significant backlash and anger from Napoli supporters who viewed the move as an act of betrayal.
On August 20, Higuaín scored the winning goal on his Juventus debut in their opening Serie A match against Fiorentina, securing a 2-1 home win. On September 10, he netted a brace in a 3-1 home victory over Sassuolo. On October 29, he scored the winning goal against his former club, Napoli, but notably chose not to celebrate, a gesture of respect in a 2-1 home win. On April 5, 2017, Higuaín scored twice against Napoli in the 2016-17 Coppa Italia second semi-final leg, helping Juventus advance to the final with a 5-4 aggregate victory, despite a 3-2 away loss. The following week, he became the first player to score more than 20 goals in his debut season for Juventus since John Charles and Omar Sívori achieved the same feat during the 1957-58 Serie A season, having scored a brace against Chievo. On April 15, Higuaín scored both goals in a 2-0 away win against Pescara, reaching his 200th league goal in European football. On June 3, Higuaín started in the Champions League Final, where Juventus were defeated 4-1 by defending champions Real Madrid; he provided the assist for Mario Mandžukić's spectacular temporary equalizer in the first half.
2.4.2. 2017-18 season
On October 28, 2017, Higuaín scored both goals in a 2-0 away win over Milan; his first goal was his 100th in Serie A, making him only the second player after Zlatan Ibrahimović to score over 100 goals in two of the top European leagues in the past 20 seasons. On December 1, he scored the decisive goal against his former club Napoli in a crucial match. On February 4, 2018, he scored his first hat-trick for Juventus in a 7-0 rout of Sassuolo.
Higuaín played a decisive role in Juventus's 4-3 aggregate win over Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. In the first leg in Turin on February 13, 2018, he scored both of his side's goals in the opening ten minutes, including a penalty, though he later missed another penalty before half-time, which drew criticism despite his otherwise strong performance in the 2-2 draw. In the return leg at Wembley Stadium on March 7, he helped Juventus come from behind to win 2-1, first scoring the equalizer, before setting up Paulo Dybala's match-winner just three minutes later, securing Juventus's place in the quarter-finals.
2.4.3. Loan spells
After two seasons with Juventus, Higuaín was sent on loan due to the club's acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo.
2.4.4. Return to Juventus (2019-20 season)
On July 1, 2019, Higuaín returned to Juventus after his loan spells, once again reuniting with manager Maurizio Sarri, who had recently joined the club. Although he had previously worn the number 9 shirt at Juventus, he was assigned the number 21 shirt for the 2019-20 season. He scored his first goal of the season in a thrilling 4-3 home win over his former club Napoli in Serie A on August 31. He also scored a brace against Atalanta in November when Cristiano Ronaldo was absent. On September 17, 2020, Higuaín mutually terminated his contract with Juventus.
2.5. Inter Miami
On September 18, 2020, Higuaín signed for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. His debut was a challenging one, as he missed a penalty and was involved in an altercation during Miami's 3-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Union. However, on October 7, Higuaín scored his first goal for Miami, a late free kick that secured a 2-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls. On July 31, 2022, he scored another free-kick for Inter Miami and then netted two more goals to complete a first-half hat-trick in just 27 minutes against FC Cincinnati in a 4-4 draw. Higuaín announced his retirement from professional football at the end of Inter Miami's 2022 MLS season. His final game was in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs on October 17, 2022, which ended in a 3-0 away loss to New York City FC. He expressed his happiness with the decision, stating his desire to spend more time with his family, who had suffered from the constant criticism he faced.
3. International career
Gonzalo Higuaín had a notable international career representing the Argentina national football team, participating in multiple major tournaments.
3.1. Youth and early senior career
Higuaín is one of only three foreign-born players to have played for Argentina in a FIFA World Cup. He initially declined invitations from both the Argentina and France national teams, stating at the time that he had not yet decided which country he would play for. Ultimately, he chose to represent Argentina, a decision he later described as coming from his heart, as his family and friends lived there and it was where he developed his football skills. Higuaín was first called up to the Argentina Olympic squad for an unofficial friendly match against Guatemala in February 2008, where he scored two goals in a 5-0 victory.
He was selected for Argentina's senior squad by coach Diego Maradona for the crucial final 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification games against Peru and Uruguay. Higuaín scored his first goal on his full debut, a 49th-minute strike during a 2-1 win over Peru on October 10, 2009. He also scored the decisive goal in a friendly against Germany on March 3, 2010.
3.2. FIFA World Cup appearances
Higuaín represented Argentina in three FIFA World Cups: 2010, 2014, and 2018.
At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Higuaín was a key forward for Argentina. He scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 4-1 win over South Korea in their second group match on June 17, 2010, becoming the third Argentine to score a hat-trick in the World Cup finals after Guillermo Stábile (1930) and Gabriel Batistuta (1994, 1998), and the first player to do so in the tournament since 2002. His goal in the 3-1 win over Mexico in the second round brought his total to four, placing him among the tournament's top goalscorers.
For the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Higuaín was named in manager Alejandro Sabella's 23-man squad. After coming on as a half-time substitute in Argentina's 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Maracanã Stadium on June 15, he exchanged passes with Lionel Messi to assist his captain for the winning goal. He scored the only goal of the match in the 1-0 quarter-final victory over Belgium on July 5. In the final against Germany on July 13, Higuaín notably missed a clear one-on-one chance against Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after an errant back-pass from Toni Kroos, and also had a goal disallowed for offside. Argentina ultimately lost the match 1-0 in extra time. His performance in major finals, including this one, frequently drew criticism for missed opportunities.
During Argentina's challenging qualifying campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Higuaín managed only one goal in nine appearances, eventually losing his place in the team's starting line-up. Despite this, he was included in Jorge Sampaoli's final 23-man squad for the tournament. He appeared in all three group matches for Argentina but went scoreless throughout the competition. He did not feature in the round of 16 match against eventual champions France on June 30, which saw Argentina eliminated from the World Cup following a 4-3 defeat.
3.3. Copa América appearances
Higuaín participated in three Copa América tournaments: 2011, 2015, and Copa América Centenario in 2016.
At the 2011 Copa América held on home soil, Higuaín was part of Sergio Batista's squad. He started against Uruguay in the quarter-finals in Santa Fe, equalizing in the 17th minute by heading Lionel Messi's cross past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Although he later had another goal disallowed for offside, he scored in the subsequent penalty shoot-out, but Argentina ultimately lost 4-5.
In the 2015 Copa América, with Sergio Agüero often preferred as the lone centre-forward, Higuaín made his first start in the final group match against Jamaica in Viña del Mar. Earning his 50th cap, he scored the only goal of the game in the 11th minute from an Ángel Di María assist, sending Argentina through to the quarter-finals as group winners. On June 30, he scored the final goal in Argentina's dominant 6-1 win over Paraguay in the semi-finals, just two minutes after coming on as a substitute. In the final against Chile on July 4, Higuaín was one of two Argentina players to miss their kicks in the penalty shootout, blasting his attempt over the crossbar. During regulation time, he had also failed to convert a late goalscoring opportunity created by Ezequiel Lavezzi.
At the Copa América Centenario in 2016, Higuaín was named to Gerardo Martino's 23-man Argentina squad and was selected as the team's starting centre forward. On June 18, he scored twice in the team's 4-1 quarter-final defeat of Venezuela. Three days later, he again scored two goals as Argentina decisively defeated hosts United States 4-0 in the semi-final. He played in the final against Chile eight days later, a repeat of the previous year's final. The Albiceleste once again lost in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw after extra time. Following the match, Higuaín again faced media criticism for squandering a crucial one-on-one opportunity for the third consecutive final with Argentina.
3.4. Retirement from international football
On March 28, 2019, in an interview with Fox Sports Argentina, Higuaín announced his retirement from international football. He stated that his era with the national team was over, and expressed his happiness with the decision, noting that he wished to enjoy more time with his family, who had suffered from the intense criticism he received. His final international appearance came in Argentina's 2-1 win over Nigeria on June 26, 2018, in their final group match of the 2018 World Cup. In total, he earned 75 caps for his nation, scoring 31 goals.
4. Style of play and reception
Nicknamed El Pipita or Pipa, echoing his father's nickname, Gonzalo Higuaín was primarily a hardworking right-footed striker and a prolific goalscorer. He was particularly renowned for his powerful striking ability with either foot, especially from within 25 yards of the goal. His opportunism and clinical finishing inside the penalty area were key attributes, and his height, keen eye for goal, and strong physique also made him a dangerous aerial presence.
Higuaín was considered a well-rounded forward, possessing good technical skills and an ability to drop deep, link up with teammates, hold up the ball, and lay it off to others. His intelligent off-ball movement and pace in the final third of the pitch made him a significant threat during counter-attacks, allowing him to evade markers, get on the end of passes, or create space for his teammates with his attacking runs. Although he predominantly played as an out-and-out striker, his team-play and capacity to build attacks or provide assists occasionally saw him operate in a deeper, more creative role, functioning as a false nine or even a second striker. His playing style drew comparisons with fellow Argentine forwards Hernán Crespo and Gabriel Batistuta.
Despite his impressive scoring record, Higuaín often faced significant criticism in the media for perceived failures to deliver in the most crucial matches for both club and country. Notable examples include poor performances in various cup finals and pivotal UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League matches during his tenures at Real Madrid, Napoli, and Juventus. The most prominent instances of missed chances came for the Argentina national team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final, the 2015 Copa América Final, and the Copa América Centenario Final. Furthermore, Higuaín's record from the penalty spot was inconsistent throughout his career; while generally accurate early on, his ability from spot kicks deteriorated as his career progressed. It has also been noted that he sometimes struggled against well-organized and physically robust defenses, such as that of the German national team, due to his reliance on intelligent movement and anticipation rather than brute force. This perceived struggle in breaking down elite defenses further fueled criticism, particularly after major tournament disappointments.
5. Personal life
Gonzalo Higuaín was born in Brest, France, on December 10, 1987, while his father, Jorge Higuaín, an Argentine professional footballer, was playing for French club Stade Brestois 29. He moved to Argentina at the age of ten months and does not speak French, though he retains French citizenship. He acquired Argentine nationality in January 2007.
He has two elder brothers, Nicolas and Federico, the latter of whom also played as a professional footballer, notably for Columbus Crew SC in Major League Soccer. He also has a younger brother, Lautaro.
An anecdote from his career highlights a piece of advice he received from his former Real Madrid teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy during a period of poor form: Van Nistelrooy told him, "Goals are like ketchup." The idea was that once the bottle starts flowing, it's hard to stop. Higuaín's form subsequently improved, and he began scoring prolifically.
Beyond his playing career, Higuaín was featured alongside global cover star Lionel Messi on the Italian cover of EA Sports' multi-platform video game FIFA 15.
6. Achievements
Gonzalo Higuaín enjoyed a highly decorated career, accumulating numerous team and individual honors across various clubs and with the Argentina national team.
6.1. Club achievements
Real Madrid
- La Liga: 2006-07, 2007-08, 2011-12
- Copa del Rey: 2010-11
- Supercopa de España: 2008, 2012
Napoli
- Coppa Italia: 2013-14
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2014
Juventus
- Serie A: 2016-17, 2017-18, 2019-20
- Coppa Italia: 2016-17, 2017-18
- UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2016-17
Chelsea
- UEFA Europa League: 2018-19
- EFL Cup runner-up: 2018-19
6.2. International achievements
Argentina
- FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2014
- Copa América runner-up: 2015, 2016
6.3. Individual achievements
- Serie A top scorer: 2015-16 (equalling the record with 36 goals)
- Serie A Team of the Year: 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17
- UEFA Europa League Squad of the season: 2013-14, 2014-15
- ESM Team of the Year: 2015-16
- Forward of the "Ideal Team of America": 2006
- FIFA FIFPro World XI 4th team: 2016
- Juventus MVP of the Year: 2016-17, 2017-18
- MLS Comeback Player of the Year: 2022
- FIFA World Cup Man of the Match: 2010 vs South Korea (Group Stage), 2014 vs Belgium (Quarter-finals)
7. Career statistics
Gonzalo Higuaín's professional career statistics are detailed below, encompassing his club and international appearances and goal tallies.
7.1. Club statistics
| Club | Season | League | National cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| River Plate | 2004-05 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2005-06 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 7 | ||
| 2006-07 | 17 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 8 | ||
| Total | 35 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 15 | ||
| Real Madrid | 2006-07 | 19 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 2 | |
| 2007-08 | 25 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 9 | ||
| 2008-09 | 34 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 44 | 24 | ||
| 2009-10 | 32 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 29 | ||
| 2010-11 | 17 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 13 | ||
| 2011-12 | 35 | 22 | 5 | 1 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 54 | 26 | ||
| 2012-13 | 28 | 16 | 5 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 44 | 18 | ||
| Total | 190 | 107 | 21 | 4 | 48 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 264 | 121 | ||
| Napoli | 2013-14 | 32 | 17 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 24 | |
| 2014-15 | 37 | 18 | 4 | 1 | 16 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 58 | 29 | ||
| 2015-16 | 35 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 38 | ||
| Total | 104 | 71 | 11 | 3 | 30 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 146 | 91 | ||
| Juventus | 2016-17 | 38 | 24 | 4 | 3 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 55 | 32 | |
| 2017-18 | 35 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 50 | 23 | ||
| 2019-20 | 32 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 44 | 11 | ||
| Total | 105 | 48 | 11 | 6 | 30 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 149 | 66 | ||
| AC Milan (loan) | 2018-19 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 8 | |
| Chelsea (loan) | 2018-19 | 14 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 5 | |
| Inter Miami | 2020 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 30 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 12 | ||
| 2022 | 28 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 31 | 16 | ||
| Total | 67 | 29 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 70 | 29 | ||
| Career total | 530 | 279 | 48 | 13 | 121 | 39 | 12 | 4 | 711 | 335 | ||
7.2. International statistics
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 2009 | 3 | 1 |
| 2010 | 10 | 6 | |
| 2011 | 9 | 5 | |
| 2012 | 8 | 4 | |
| 2013 | 5 | 4 | |
| 2014 | 11 | 3 | |
| 2015 | 8 | 2 | |
| 2016 | 13 | 6 | |
| 2017 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 6 | 0 | |
| Total | 75 | 31 | |
7.2.1. International goals
Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Higuaín goal.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Gonzalo Higuaín
|-
!No.
!Date
!Venue
!Opponent
!Score
!Result
!Competition
|-
|1
|October 10, 2009||Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires, Argentina||Peru||1-0||2-1||2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|2
|March 3, 2010||Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany||Germany||1-0||1-0||Friendly
|-
|3
|rowspan=3|June 17, 2010||rowspan=3|FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa||rowspan="3"|South Korea||2-0||rowspan=3|4-1||rowspan="3"|2010 FIFA World Cup
|-
|4
|3-1
|-
|5
|4-1
|-
|6
|June 27, 2010||FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa||Mexico||2-0||3-1||2010 FIFA World Cup
|-
|7
|September 7, 2010||Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires, Argentina||Spain||2-0||4-1||Friendly
|-
|8
|July 16, 2011||Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao López, Santa Fe, Argentina||Uruguay||1-1||1-1 (4-5 penalties)||2011 Copa América
|-
|9
|September 6, 2011||Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh||Nigeria||1-0||3-1||Friendly
|-
|10
|rowspan=3|October 7, 2011||rowspan=3|Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires, Argentina||rowspan="3"|Chile||1-0||rowspan=3|4-1||rowspan="3"|2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|11
|3-0
|-
|12
|4-1
|-
|13
|June 2, 2012||Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires, Argentina||Ecuador||2-0||4-0||2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|14
|September 7, 2012||Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba, Argentina||Paraguay||2-1||3-1||2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|15
|September 11, 2012||Estadio Nacional, Lima, Peru||Peru||1-1||1-1||2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|16
|October 16, 2012||Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago, Chile||Chile||2-0||2-1||2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|17
|February 6, 2013||Friends Arena, Solna, Sweden||Sweden||3-1||3-2||Friendly
|-
|18
|rowspan="2"|March 22, 2013||rowspan="2"|Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires, Argentina||rowspan="2"|Venezuela||2-0||rowspan="2"|3-0||rowspan="2"|2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|19
|3-0
|-
|20
|August 14, 2013||Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy||Italy||1-0||2-1||Friendly
|-
|21
|July 5, 2014||Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasília, Brazil||Belgium||1-0||1-0||2014 FIFA World Cup
|-
|22
|rowspan=2|October 14, 2014||rowspan=2|Hong Kong Stadium, Wan Chai, Hong Kong||rowspan=2|Hong Kong||2-0||rowspan=2|7-0||rowspan=2|Friendly
|-
|23
|4-0
|-
|24
|June 20, 2015||Estadio Sausalito, Viña del Mar, Chile||Jamaica||1-0||1-0||2015 Copa América
|-
|25
|June 30, 2015||Estadio Municipal de Concepción, Concepción, Chile||Paraguay||6-1||6-1||2015 Copa América
|-
|26
|May 28, 2016||Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, San Juan, Argentina||Honduras||1-0||1-0||Friendly
|-
|27
|rowspan=2|June 18, 2016||rowspan=2|Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, United States||rowspan="2"|Venezuela||1-0||rowspan=2|4-1||rowspan=2|Copa América Centenario
|-
|28
|2-0
|-
|29
|rowspan=2|June 21, 2016||rowspan=2|NRG Stadium, Houston, United States||rowspan="2"|United States||3-0||rowspan=2|4-0||rowspan=2|Copa América Centenario
|-
|30
|4-0
|-
|31
|October 6, 2016||Estadio Nacional, Lima, Peru||Peru||2-1||2-2||2018 FIFA World Cup qualification