A younger, however skilled defender, acquainted with Italian soccer, and nonetheless together with his greatest years forward of him. That’s Mario Gila Fuentes, the second new arrival to the Rossoneri this summer time after the signing of Gonçalo Ramos. The former Lazio defender is a participant that AC Milan have come up in opposition to a number of instances in recent times. Seeing his bodily, tecnical and tactical abilities up-close, he has all the time impressed. Now, a brand new chapter begins for him with Rúben Amorim’s AC Milan, one other essential step in his profession that has already seen loads of milestones.
Mario was born in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, a small city in Catalonia on August twenty ninth, 2000. His soccer journey started at his hometown membership, Unificació Club de Futbol Santa Perpètua, earlier than he continued his growth by the youth methods of Sabadell, Mollet, Damm and Espanyol. In 2018, he joined the Real Madrid academy, the place he shortly caught the eye of Raúl. Just a couple of months after arriving within the Spanish capital, the previous striker promoted him to Real Madrid Castilla, additionally making him vice-captain.
Three formative seasons with Real Madrid’s second workforce (73 look and 5 targets), additionally earned him a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team plans. He earned his La Liga debut in the direction of the top of the 2021/22 season in video games in opposition to Espanyol and Levante. That summer time, he moved to Italy, with Lazio putting their religion in him and signing a everlasting deal. He made his Serie A debut on August 31 in opposition to Sampdoria, approaching for ex-Rossoneri defender Alessio Romagnoli. His first begin got here a couple of days later in a powerful residence win in opposition to Feyenoord within the Europa League on September 8.
Advertisement
In his first season at Lazio, Gila featured primarily in European competitions (eight appearances out his twelve complete). In the 2023/24 season, he labored his approach up the ranks and likewise made his Champions League debut. His development continued steadily, as he established himself as a defender who is powerful in one-on-ones but in addition comfy in possession, due to his previous as a midfielder. He shortly emerged as among the best defenders in Serie A in his place.
The 2024/25 season marked the beginning of his first marketing campaign as a daily starter and a key determine in Lazio’s defence. He scored his first targets in Italian soccer (in opposition to Fiorentina in Serie A and Real Sociedad within the Europa League). His performances on the centre of Baroni’s again line earned widespread reward, with the The Athletic naming him of their Team of the Season.
He continued to ascertain himself final season too, depite ups and downs in outcomes for Sarri’s facet. He ended his spell with the Roman membership with 120 appearances throughout all competitions earlier than making the transfer to Milanello. In his younger, however already intense, profession, Gila additionally made his mark on the Spanish national team, placing in sturdy performances on the U21 Euros in 2023 (runners-up after a ultimate in opposition to England). In March 2025, he acquired his first call-up to the senior nationwide workforce from Luis de la Fuente, however he didn’t make his debut.
The new AC Milan 2026/27 Home Kit is on the market: purchase it now!