His father, Jorge, was a fierce defender who played for some of the greatest clubs in Argentina, but Gonzalo has surpassed his achievements to become one of the most dangerous strikers in the world.

Born in France when his father played for Stade Brest, Higuain emerged from the River Plate youth system and started to show his abilities as a striker from an early age. Milan, Lazio, Chelsea and Manchester United had all taken note of his scoring ability, but it was Real Madrid who made the best offer and signed the 19-year-old in 2007 for €13 million.

After early struggles to make his mark, Higuain won the league in his first season and then cemented his place and won another the following year. Netting 49 in 66 games over the next two seasons, he established himself as one of the best finishers around and spurned the overtures of France (he has duel French-Argentine nationality) to make his name as Argentina's premier marksman.

Strengths: He offers alternatives across the forward line, has great awareness in the box and always steps up when the team needs him.

Weaknesses: He can lack the ruthlessness that a world-class poacher must have.

Career high: Scored the winning goal in a match with Osasuna in the 2007-08 season to claim his second league title.

Career low: Humbled 4-0 by Germany in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals, where he did not make an impact on the game.

Style: Strong, clever, fast, an expert finisher.

Quotes: "The truth is that I am happy, I can't measure this with words. I dreamed with this moment. I couldn't ask for more." Higuain on his first call-up to the national team.

Trivia: On December 3, 2006, Higuain faced his brother Federico for the first time. One was playing for River, the other one for Nueva Chicago. The duel was won by the eldest sibling as Chicago won 2-1 and Federico scored a goal.