Ageless goal king Cristhian Stuani cements his status as Prince of Girona

Cristhian Stuani, the 37-year-old captain of Girona Futbol Club, became the hero of the day as he came off the bench and scored twice in the 82nd and 88th minutes, leading Girona to a thrilling comeback against Valencia. The victory propelled Girona to the top of La Liga, making them the leaders of the league. Despite some controversy over the second goal, officially credited to Stuani but possibly touched by another player, the joyous moment marked a significant milestone for the Uruguayan striker. Stuani’s contributions to Girona, including over 120 goals, have solidified his status as the most important player in the club’s history, according to their manager, Michel.

Stuani’s football journey has been characterized by determination and loyalty. Growing up in Tala, Uruguay, he wasn’t the fastest or most technically gifted player, but he developed a deep understanding of the game. After stints in various clubs, including Espanyol, Reggina, Racing Santander, and Middlesbrough, he found his home at Girona. Despite offers from other clubs, including Barcelona, Stuani chose to stay, signing a new contract with Girona. His commitment to the club and his leadership both on and off the pitch have endeared him to the fans.

Looking back on his career in an interview once, Stuani said: “I’ve never been lucky enough play for a team fighting to be champions.” That was in 2018. Now, five years, a fourth relegation and many, many goals later, some he got and one they gave him, it’s actually happening.

Cristhian Stuani said it wasn’t him, an old school No 9 doing what no No 9 ever does, but no one cared, not even the referee. He could have the goal, he had earned it: a hundred times over, every minute of every day, the best days of their lives. All they wanted was the chance to share it with him, to hold him: their captain, their idol, the 37-year-old who had only been on the pitch 13 minutes, handed a rescue mission with his team on the verge of being beaten for only the second time in the most extraordinary season they had ever seen, and who had only gone and scored twice: first in the 82nd minute and now with just two minutes left to take them top. Them: Girona Futbol Club,.”

So there they were, everyone in Montilivi going mad, Stuani racing to the corner and everyone else running after him, including their manager, Michel, running down the wing again like it was 2012. What did it matter if the Uruguayan didn’t actually score the second? What did it matter if, far from claiming it the way he’s supposed to, greedily grabbing at everything he can get, he publicly insisted he hadn’t touched it, the ball instead accidentally put away by the other Cristhian, Valencia defender Mosquera? It was his goal really – he was the one in a familiar position, right there right when they needed him – and his goal officially too.

La Liga gave it to him, no dubious goals panel to snatch it away again. The referee, Javier Iglesias Villanueva, gave it to him too, his report, lodged with the federation, holy writ, infallible and unarguable, no appeals, no arguments: Cristhian Ricardo Stuani (81), Cristhian Ricardo Stuani (88). And, as for the fans, they would give him anything, just happy that he’s still here, happy that the man who deserves it more than anyone else gets to live this absurd, unexpected experience this with them. This was his 121st goal for Girona and even if it wasn’t, it’s still more than anyone else, ever. “Stuani,” says Michel, “is the most important player in the club’s history.”

And, as for the fans, they would give him anything, just happy that he’s still here, happy that the man who deserves it more than anyone else gets to live this absurd, unexpected experience this with them. This was his 121st goal for Girona and even if it wasn’t, it’s still more than anyone else, ever. “Stuani,” says Michel, “is the most important player in the club’s history.”

Sometimes the cliches are true: when Stuani was little, growing up in the tiny town of Tala, population 5,000, he broke a window playing football at home. He was never the quickest and he wasn’t the most technically gifted either, but he understood. He read the game better than anyone, learned how to hide, slipping into those places where defenders couldn’t see him, taught himself to head and to finish; how to be a teammate too, never an effort spared or a word out of place.

The recent victory not only showcased Stuani’s goal-scoring prowess but also highlighted Girona’s ability to mount comebacks, having won 17 points from matches where they were behind. As Girona’s all-time top scorer in La Liga, Stuani’s influence extends beyond the pitch, making him a beloved figure in the club’s history. The victory against Valencia, combined with Stuani’s goals, has Girona sharing the top spot in La Liga, ahead of traditional powerhouses like Real Madrid and Barcelona.