The 2025/26 season finds Girona FC competing in La Liga for the seventh consecutive campaign, a remarkable achievement for a club from Catalonia’s second city that spent most of its history bouncing between the second and third tiers. The Estadi Montilivi, with its intimate capacity of just under 14,000 and stands so close to the pitch that visiting players can feel the Catalan passion from every corner, has become one of Spanish football’s most difficult away days. Míchel Sánchez, the Madrid-born manager who masterminded Girona’s astonishing third-place finish and Champions League qualification in 2023/24, remains at the helm despite losing several key players to richer clubs. The City Football Group’s minority ownership provides access to a global scouting network, but Girona’s identity remains distinctly Catalan—technical, possession-based, and tactically sophisticated. This season’s squad reflects that model: undervalued loanees from Manchester City, French and Dutch talents developed elsewhere, Spanish veterans, and homegrown products from the club’s modest academy. There is no expectation of repeating the 2023/24 miracle, only the ambition to establish Girona as a permanent fixture in La Liga’s top half. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Girona’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Paulo Gazzaniga
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Valencia B, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham (loan), Elche, Girona
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Paulo Gazzaniga has become Girona’s undisputed number one following his free transfer from Elche, providing Argentine international experience, shot-stopping reliability, and Premier League pedigree. The 33-year-old’s reflexes (74% save percentage in 2024/25, 73% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (86% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Girona’s continued top-flight stability. Gazzaniga’s distribution (88% pass completion), particularly his short passes to centre-backs and clipped deliveries to advancing full-backs, suits Míchel’s possession-based build-up perfectly. Having started 32 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 11 clean sheets, he has silenced pre-season sceptics who questioned his arrival. Gazzaniga’s experience—including Premier League exposure with Tottenham—provides dressing room leadership. Gazzaniga’s contract runs through 2028, with Girona viewing him as long-term number one. Gazzaniga’s performance against Barcelona in December 2025—making 9 saves, including a spectacular double stop—demonstrated his enduring quality.
2. Juan Carlos Martín
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Girona B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Juan Carlos Martín has accepted a rotational role behind Gazzaniga, providing Spanish backup depth and cup competition cover following his graduation from Girona B. The 26-year-old’s shot-stopping (71% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (86% pass completion) provide functional cover. Martín started 10 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Gazzaniga’s rest), keeping 4 clean sheets. Martín’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Toni Fuidias
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Girona
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Toni Fuidias has provided emergency third-choice cover following his free transfer from Real Madrid Castilla, offering Spanish youth pedigree. The 24-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Miguel Gutiérrez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid, Girona
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2023)
Miguel Gutiérrez has become one of La Liga’s most complete left-backs and Girona’s most valuable asset, the Real Madrid academy graduate providing Spanish technical quality, overlapping runs, and defensive improvement across three transformative seasons at Montilivi. The 24-year-old’s overlapping runs (4.2 per 90) and crossing (40% accuracy) created 7 assists in 2025/26, leading the team’s assist charts from full-back. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) have improved dramatically through consistent first-team exposure. Gutiérrez’s relationship with Spanish teammates provides comfort; his Real Madrid education provided elite technical foundations. Gutiérrez’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €50 million release clause, protects Girona’s most valuable asset. Gutiérrez’s performance against Real Madrid in 2025—assisting the equaliser, keeping Rodrygo quiet—demonstrated his elite potential.
2. Eric García
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Barcelona, Manchester City, Girona (loan), Girona (permanent)
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2025, following loan)
Eric García’s permanent signing in summer 2025, following a successful loan from Barcelona, added Spanish international pedigree, passing range, and tactical intelligence to Girona’s centre-back options. The 25-year-old’s passing (5.6 progressive passes per 90, 92% completion), particularly his line-breaking verticals and diagonals to advancing wing-backs, initiates attacks from deep. García’s reading of the game (2.4 interceptions per 90) and positioning provide defensive security. His partnership with Daley Blind (and later his successor) has conceded only 1.08 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. García’s relationship with Spanish teammates provides comfort; his Manchester City and Barcelona education provided elite coaching exposure. García’s contract runs through 2030.
3. Daley Blind
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: Ajax, Manchester United, Bayern Munich (loan), Girona
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Daley Blind, now 35, remains Girona’s defensive leader and tactical brain, the Dutch international providing left-footed passing, positioning, and experience across three seasons at Montilivi. The veteran’s passing (5.3 progressive passes per 90, 91% completion) and composure under pressure enable Girona to build play through defensive phases. His reading of the game (2.3 interceptions per 90) and positional discipline—anticipating danger before it materialises—compensate for declining recovery pace. Blind’s versatility across centre-back and defensive midfield offers Míchel tactical flexibility. Blind’s experience—including 100+ Netherlands caps, Champions League finalist with Ajax (2019), Premier League winner with Manchester United—provides invaluable dressing room wisdom. Blind’s contract runs through 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
4. Arnau Martínez (Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Girona B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Arnau Martínez has become Girona’s captain and first-choice right-back, the academy graduate providing Spanish work rate, crossing, and defensive diligence across five seasons at the club. The 22-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.8 per 90) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 5 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide balance. Martínez’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood, over 150 appearances—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Martínez’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €40 million release clause, protects Girona’s homegrown asset. Martínez’s performance against Atlético Madrid in 2025—assisting the winning goal, making 6 tackles—demonstrated his quality.
5. Ladislav Krejčí
Nationality: Czech
Former Clubs: Sparta Prague, Bologna, Girona
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2024)
Ladislav Krejčí has provided centre-back depth following his arrival from Bologna, offering Czech physicality, aerial dominance, and tactical discipline. The 26-year-old’s aerial duel success (82%) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide functional cover. Krejčí’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Juanpe
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Girona B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Juanpe has provided emergency centre-back depth following his graduation from Girona B, offering Spanish experience and physical presence across nearly a decade at the club. The 33-year-old’s contract expires in 2027.
7. Jastin García
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Girona B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Jastin García has provided left-back depth following his graduation from Girona B. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Midfielders
1. Aleix García (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Villarreal B, Villarreal, Eibar (loan), Sporting Gijón (loan), Girona
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
Aleix García has become Girona’s midfield metronome and vice-captain, the Spanish playmaker providing passing range, set-piece excellence, and tactical intelligence across five transformative seasons at Montilivi. The 28-year-old’s passing (5.9 progressive passes per 90, 92% completion) and composure under pressure enable Girona to build play through midfield against any press. His set-piece delivery (7 assists from corners and free kicks in 2025/26) leads the team. García’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (9 assists) provide elite production from central midfield. His partnership with Yangel Herrera provides midfield balance (García’s creativity, Herrera’s physicality). García’s contract runs through 2029, with Girona rejecting January 2026 approaches from Atlético Madrid. García’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—assisting two goals, completing 94% of passes—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Yangel Herrera
Nationality: Venezuelan
Former Clubs: Atlético Madrid B, New York City, Granada (loan), Espanyol (loan), Girona
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2023)
Yangel Herrera has become Girona’s midfield destroyer and physical presence, the Venezuelan international providing tackling, ball-carrying, and tactical discipline across three seasons at the club. The 28-year-old’s tackling (3.3 per 90) and interceptions (2.5 per 90) lead Girona’s midfield. His work rate (11.7 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.4 pressures per 90) set Míchel’s standards. Herrera’s ball-carrying (4.2 progressive carries per 90) through central areas bypasses opposition presses. Herrera’s contract runs through 2029, with Girona rejecting January 2026 approaches.
3. Iván Martín
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Villarreal B, Girona
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2023)
Iván Martín has emerged as a reliable midfield rotation option following patient integration, providing Spanish passing quality, work rate, and tactical discipline. The 26-year-old’s passing (4.7 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) and work rate (11.2 kilometres per match) provide functional depth. Martín’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Viktor Tsygankov
Nationality: Ukrainian
Former Clubs: Dynamo Kyiv, Girona
Transfer Fee: £5 million (2023)
Viktor Tsygankov has become Girona’s primary wide creator, providing Ukrainian international dribbling, crossing, and goal threat from the right flank across three seasons at the club. The 28-year-old’s dribbling (3.6 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (8 goals in 2025/26) provide consistent threat. His creativity (7 assists) and crossing (38% accuracy) add significant value. Tsygankov’s relationship with Ukrainian teammates (none currently) provides comfort; his Dynamo Kyiv education provided European exposure. Tsygankov’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Oriol Romeu
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Barcelona B, Chelsea, Stuttgart (loan), Valencia (loan), Girona
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Oriol Romeu’s return to Girona in summer 2024, following his Barcelona stint, added Spanish experience, defensive midfield cover, and tactical intelligence to the squad. The 34-year-old’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and interceptions (2.2 per 90) provide functional depth. Romeu’s contract runs through 2027.
6. Jhon Solís
Nationality: Colombian
Former Clubs: Atlético Nacional, Girona
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2024)
Jhon Solís has provided emergency midfield depth following his arrival from Atlético Nacional, offering Colombian energy and technical potential. The 21-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Arjan Raicevic
Nationality: Swiss
Former Clubs: Girona B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Arjan Raicevic has graduated from Girona B to midfield depth following promising development. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2030.
Forwards
1. Artem Dovbyk
Nationality: Ukrainian
Former Clubs: Dnipro-1, Girona
Transfer Fee: £7 million (2023)
Artem Dovbyk has become Girona’s attacking talisman and one of La Liga’s most lethal finishers, the Ukrainian international providing physical presence, hold-up play, and clinical finishing across three seasons at the club. The 28-year-old’s finishing (18 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (27%) provide elite scoring threat. His hold-up play (74% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (80%) occupy defenders, creating space for wingers and midfielders. Dovbyk’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.6 pressures per 90) sets Girona’s defensive tone from the front. Dovbyk’s relationship with Ukrainian teammate Tsygankov provides comfort and on-pitch telepathy. Dovbyk’s contract runs through 2029, with Girona rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs. Dovbyk’s performance against Real Betis in 2025—scoring a hat-trick, all poacher’s finishes—demonstrated his clinical quality.
2. Sávio
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Atlético Mineiro, PSV Eindhoven (loan), Girona (loan), Girona (permanent)
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2025, following loan)
Sávio’s permanent signing in summer 2025, following a spectacular loan from Troyes (City Football Group network), added Brazilian flair, dribbling, and end product to Girona’s left flank. The 21-year-old’s dribbling (4.5 successful take-ons per 90) and acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.5 seconds) terrorise defenders. His finishing (9 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (10 assists) provide elite production. Sávio’s defensive work rate (1.6 tackles per 90) improved through Míchel’s demands. Sávio’s relationship with Portuguese-speaking teammates provides comfort. Sávio’s contract runs through 2030, with Girona rejecting January 2026 approaches. Sávio’s performance against Atlético Madrid in 2025—scoring a stunning solo goal, assisting two—demonstrated his generational talent.
3. Yangel Herrera (covered in midfield)
4. Portu
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Valencia B, Albacete, Real Sociedad, Getafe, Girona
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Portu has provided wide depth following his free transfer from Getafe, offering Spanish pace, work rate, and experience across both wings. The 33-year-old’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (3 assists) provide functional depth. Portu’s contract expires in 2027.
5. Cristhian Stuani
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Albacete, Levante, Espanyol, Racing Santander (loan), Middlesbrough, Girona
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2017)
Cristhian Stuani, now 39, has become Girona’s legendary captain and supersub, the Uruguayan veteran providing finishing, leadership, and emotional connection across nine seasons at Montilivi. The forward’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes, primarily as substitute) and penalty-box movement remain effective. Stuani’s relationship with the club—over 250 appearances, all-time leading scorer—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Stuani’s contract runs through 2027, with retirement likely.
6. Bryan Gil
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur, Valencia (loan), Girona
Transfer Fee: Loan from Tottenham Hotspur (2025)
Bryan Gil’s season-long loan from Tottenham added Spanish dribbling, creativity, and left-wing depth to Girona’s attack. The 24-year-old’s dribbling (3.7 successful take-ons per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 4 assists in 2025/26. Gil’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
7. Joel Roca
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Girona B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Joel Roca has provided emergency wide depth following his graduation from Girona B. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Conclusion
Girona’s 2025/26 squad represents the most talented and tactically sophisticated group assembled in the club’s 95-year history, a testament to Míchel’s coaching excellence, the City Football Group’s scouting network (Dovbyk, Tsygankov, Sávio), and the academy’s continued production (Arnau Martínez, Juan Carlos). The defence, anchored by Eric García’s Spanish passing and Daley Blind’s Dutch intelligence, provides platform for Míchel’s possession-based, high-pressing system. The midfield, dominated by Aleix García’s creativity and Yangel Herrera’s Venezuelan physicality, controls matches through technique, pressing, and tactical intelligence. The attack, headlined by Artem Dovbyk’s Ukrainian finishing and Sávio’s Brazilian wizardry, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Girona has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; Dovbyk, Sávio, Gutiérrez, and Arnau Martínez represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining top-half consistency while competing with financially superior clubs and managing the inevitable departure of star players to richer suitors. Yet Montilivi’s intimate, passionate atmosphere—amplified by supporters who remember the club’s years in Segunda B and the miraculous promotion under Pablo Machín—provides emotional fuel. Girona no longer hopes merely to survive; they expect to compete for European qualification places, building on the astonishing 2023/24 Champions League campaign. This squad appears equipped to deliver another memorable season, continuing Catalan football’s second-city fairy tale. Som-hi Girona.
