I liked the internal struggle of this story that Gabi faced and that storyline really brought it together. Overall, I found it to be really focused on the sex and less on the storyline. While I don’t mind spice in my books, it felt like it was off.

Book : futbolista
Author:Jonny Garza Villa
Release date: 04/15/2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75


I was so excited to read this book. I have read all of Jonny’s books previously and I always feel so my so much heart and happiness.

I felt so much fear and pain for Gabi. Being so sure of yourself but learning something new about yourself that is different than “traditional” is so scary. But I was so proud of him to listen to his heart and not his fear.

Val was such a great friend and partner. They spoke and were supportive of each other.

One of the main reasons, I adore these authors books is because I learn something . I feel so much.

It was a great story, the characters were wonderful.

Thank you so much for the arc!

Futbolista

Tropes:
MM Romance
Friends to Lovers
Societal Expectations

This was my first time reading a book by Johnny Garza Villa, and it definitely won’t be my last. I applaud Futbolista for many reasons- the dashes of Spanglish sprinkled throughout, it's heartfelt depiction of familia, and its honest exploration of internal struggles, particularly the challenges of coming out within the Latinx community.

As a Latina, I deeply resonated with the book's portrayal of machismo in the Latinx community and its impact. While I have been aware of the effects of these cultural expectations and standards on women, Futbolista provides a necessary perspective on how it also impacts men, especially those in the queer community.

Why You’ll Love It:

Gabi- The main character is all heart, whether as a keeper, son, friend, or partner. He is always the first to put his neck on the line for those he loves.

Nostalgia Vibes: Futbolista will transport you to sunny skies and carefree days of goofing off with your friends.

Comfort for the heart and stomach: While reading, you will be craving mangonadas to carne asada. Be ready to make a trip to the taqueria. Consider yourself warned!

Futbolista made me laugh and cry, but most of all, it felt like a warm hug, comforting and deeply personal in the best way.

Thank you to Netgalley and Levine Querido for the opportunity to read Futbolista and Jonny for writing such a meaningful story. I can’t wait to read more of your work.

I’m kind of embarrassed to say Futbolista is my first Jonny Garza Villa. If this tender, fun, heartbreaking romance is anything like his other novels, need to add them to my TBR.

Futbolista follows Gabi, a freshman in college with a bright future in futbol ahead of him. That is, until he meets Vale, a classmate in philosophy, a course that isn’t clicking for our futbol player. Vale agrees to tutor him, going from classmate to friend to lover. But Gabi is faced with a predicament: can the next futbol star be one of the top players, POC, and bi?

Villa does a wonderful job putting you in Gabi’s shoes as he falls in love with Vale and the struggle to be what others want of him, even if it means having to give up one of his loves. I won’t give anything else away, but things get raunchy without ever losing the sweetness, the message of being strong, and ultimately breaking through stereotypes.

The book isn’t perfect, but it’s close. I personally didn’t find some of the early chapter’s focus on futbol and there are growing pains queer folks sometimes deal with when first coming out like overthinking things that don’t translate as well in a book. Villa has created a beautiful world and love between Gabi and Vale (and some lovable side characters — special shout out to Kat). Thanks to NetGalley and Levine Querido for the ARC.

A really lovely coming of age story. I enjoyed reading about the boys growing relationship and thought that this felt like an authentic representation of so many of the thoughts and feelings connected to exploring more of your sexuality as you continue learning more about yourself. Lots of great side characters and beautiful connections between Gabi and his friends and family. I enjoyed the second half more as it took a while for the momentum to build but really enjoyed this. Thanks for much for the review copy.

A new favorite for me! ❤️
These two are such lover boys, and so lusty!

Ugh, where to even start with this one. This follows Gabi Piña, a Mexican football (soccer if you must) star in the making and Vale, a philosophy major who happens to end up tutoring him in Philosophy.

Gabi thinks he has his life all in order and planned out. He knows who he is and is comfortable in that. So he sometimes thinks about a guy or enjoys a kiss with one. He's straight.... right? Well, we get to follow Gabi's journey of awareness, acceptance, and coming out. Jonny managed to make this hilarious, heartfelt, emotional, and fun all in one book.

Vale was just such a sweetheart and painfully obvious 😅 He truly was the best! He was so supportive and kind and I wanted to give him the biggest hug.

The side characters in this book were all so well written and presented. Their personalities and their roles in the story just blended so seamlessly.

The writing in this book brought me so much comfort! We get some Spanish and Mexican way of speaking that just brought me joy to read in a book. 🇲🇽❤️

Obviously, 5 juicy stars from me! Please add this to your TBR immediately!

This story is a classmates-friends-to-lovers story surrounding a football (the *real* football of course) star Gabriel. This story, much like the author's other works, is beautifully crafted and the coming-of-age self-discovery is so well written. I loved everything about this book and I hope to see more of this author's work in this genre.

What a fun and spicy romp this book was! It centers on Gabi, a freshman soccer player (aka Futbolista) in Corpus Christi, Texas. While quickly rising the ranks of becoming one of the best college goalkeepers in the country, he develops feelings for Vale, his philosophy tutor. Throughout the book, Gabi gradually comes to terms with his queerness, and if/how it can coexist within his football and Mexican American identities.

This book initially grabbed my attention due to the soccer plot, but sucked me in with its positive, funny, and authentic narrative while Gabi struggles to figure out and come to terms with his identity. Yes, there were some confrontations and climaxes (in way more ways than one!), but the unconditional love and support from Gabi’s friends and family outweighed the negativity of the bi/homophobic characters. Villa has written an empowering book that envisions the best in people when a character bares their true self. Also, did I mention the SPICE?! 🥵

Gabriel Pina has a bright future ahead of him, as a freshman goalkeeper superstar on his college soccer team he plans to make it to the pros one day in wither Liga MX or MLS. Futbol is his passion. The pressure is on when he is name on a list of Top 10 Freshman to watch for. He knows he's got this. His coach, team captain, and teammates are all counting on him and he won't let them down. As a Mexican-American, he knows that there are certain expectations on how to act, and what kind of futbolista to be. He thought he knew everything about himself, until he met Vale. They kissed at a party on a dare, and Gabi can't stop thinking about him. When he realizes that they are in the same philosophy class, Vale offers to tutor him and they become good friends. However, Gabi can't keep him off his mind but knows that is soccer career is at stake if he makes a move. His team captain and society have made it clear that coming out as bisexual could mean a failed career before it even takes off. Will Gabriel have to choose between being true to himself or being the next great soccer star?

This book was incredible! I absolutely loved the characters in this book, especially Kat and Perez. As a Latina myself, I am all to familiar with the stereotypes that exist in the Latin community. It's amazing to see characters so well written that overcome these stereotypes and become people that younger generations can look up to. I love to see the representation of people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ in sports romance. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know.

first half of the book was infuriating but it got better, i. enjoyed it and it’s always nice to read books about latinos and this sport that is so important for us

Jonny Garza Villa’s Futbolista is a vibrant and heartfelt exploration of identity, acceptance, and the beautiful game.

Jonny’s been a must-read author for me since Ander & Santi Were Here. Canto Contigo sealed the deal, and now, Futbolista scored a major goal with my heart. The story follows Gabi, a talented college goalkeeper with dreams of playing for El Tri, as he navigates the complexities of his sexuality and the expectations of his community. With writing as smooth as a perfectly executed pass, the story unfolds with a natural rhythm, capturing the highs and lows of Gabi's journey with a mix of humor, vulnerability, and raw emotion.

Futbolista’s unflinching exploration of the intersection between identity and passion really hit home. Gabi's struggle to reconcile his love for soccer with his burgeoning bisexuality is both relatable and heartbreaking. As a queer youth, I often found myself wondering which parts of myself I'd have to sacrifice to achieve my dreams. Villa doesn't shy away from these difficult questions, offering a nuanced and empowering portrayal of Gabi's journey towards self-acceptance.

The supporting characters are just as captivating, each adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Vale, Gabi's tutor and love interest, is the kind of supportive and compassionate partner we all dream of. And Pérez, Gabi’s hilarious and slightly unhinged roommate and teammate, steals every scene he's in.

While Futbolista utilizes some familiar tropes, it executes them with finesse and authenticity. The opposites attract and classmates-to-lovers arcs are classics for a reason. Villa infuses them with a fresh perspective, exploring the complexities of navigating sexuality and cultural expectations within the world of college sports.

This book is a must-read for fans of accessible, well-written queer romance featuring Latine and POC characters. It's a story that will stay with you long after the final whistle, leaving you cheering for Gabi, Vale, and the power of love to conquer all.

Futbolista is an endearing new adult romance. Told through the singular POV of Gabriel Piña, as a reader you are with him on his journey of self-discovery. Like many 18 year olds, he thinks he knows exactly what and who he is. That there's not much more to him to discover. Of course his first semester at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi brings new challenges to the previously constructed sense of self. Gabi starts off the year excelling on the pitch, gaining attention from the media, surrounded by a caring and goofy group of soccer teammates/roommates, partying, and flirting with Leana (a fellow freshman at TAMUCC), and a burgeoning friendship with Vale (coincidentally, Leana's best friend). When Leana decides that they are better off as friends, Gabi and Vale continue their friendship, which slowly builds into attraction, flirtation, and eventually a sense of bisexual panic for Gabi. This is the heart of the Futbolista. As much as the action on the pitch is engaging, as a reader you are invested in Gabi's self-discovery and acceptance, and the relationship between him and Vale.

I loved how Jonny Garza Villa used "The Allegory of the Cave" as a plot device and overarching theme for this story. It tied in so well with Gabi's hesitancy and frustration with his Introduction to Philosophy class, the broad ideas explored therein, and how he must expand his thinking beyond his assumptions and explore internal reflections. Thankfully, he has Vale - a Philosophy major - to help him out there. Those tutoring conversations between Gabi and Vale serve to establish and deepen their emotional connection. Vale is such an empathetic and generous character - I loved him so much!

While Gabi's internal conflict surrounding his bisexuality, relationship with Vale, and being out are key to the story, there is also an external conflict with his soccer team captain, Barrera, and more broadly with machismo, homophobia, and compulsory heterosexuality. Jonny Garza Villa incorporates all of these with thoughtfulness and care, embracing a resolution buoyed by vulnerability, acceptance, and a vision for queer acceptance and joy. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the majority of these characters are Latinx (of Mexican heritage) and Futbolista is filled with beautiful cultural touchpoints and seamless incorporation of Spanish and Spanglish. Read this book for a moment of queer Latinx joy.

The Vibes:

—bi awakening

—nerd/jock, college-style

—coming out vs. staying safe

Heat Index: 7/10

The Basics:

Destined to be a star goalkeeper someday, Gabriel knows he can't be anything but straight. That doesn't stop him from longing for his new friend and tutor, Vale. Being publicly bisexual could ruin Gabi's future, but the closer he and Vale become, the harder it is to resist the pull.

The Review:

Aaaah, this is so very good. It's very easy for this kind of story to hit beats you'd call cliche, right? When I tell you, "This is about a kid in college dealing with the homophobia in soccer and directed at queer Mexican players in particular", you might think you know what's coming.

And it's not that there are any crazy twists and turns or deuxes of the machinas. There shouldn't be. This is a character piece romance, through and through. But it's doing the delicate work of tackling real issues—that are, if anything, more relevant than ever—while also completely selling you on the heady swoon of falling in love really hard as an emerging adult.

Gabi is conflicted about who he is and what he wants... but he's also funny, horny, obsessed with soccer, obsessed with being the best. Did I mention horny? That is very much true. He could very easily be this kind of sad, tragic figure. But here, his problems don't go away with the snap of a finger. He has to dig deep. It's not easy. However, he does consistently find joy.

And some of that joy is in Vale. While, as a this is a single POV book, we don't get quite as much insight into Vale's character, he's still full of depth and emotion. He's also super charming; it's easy to see why Gabi is head over heels.

Yet for all that they're romantically and physically drawn to each other, this is the rare novel that manages to build a realistic, believable friendship before they take it to the next level. I don't know if I'd truly call this "friends to lovers" because like.. there's always something going on between Gabi and Vale. The chemistry is electric. But you feel something true between them.

Yes; this book does deal with homophobia up close and personal. It offers an optimistic perspective, but a realistic one as well. Not everything resolves itself perfectly. There are a couple of deeply hurtful moments. But it's a romance, and it's a book we need for this moment. It's hopeful.

(And obviously, there is a full HEA.)

As a sidebar, I really appreciated the attention paid to supporting characters, including Gabi's parents and this really dimensional cast of friends. It adds not only to the world, but the stakes. Even when I know that Gabi may be overthinking things—not that I don't get why he does—I still believe his feelings.

The Sex:

This is a college romance, and both characters are over eighteen. There's a mixture of like... fumbling adorable sweetness and just full "rip each other's clothes off" desire. While it's explicit, it's more on the side of "passionate" than "anatomical". Appropriate for where the characters are in their lives, while still aligning with that "obsessive young love and awakening" vibe.

Futbolista is a super strong book, and you truly don't have to be this massive soccer fan to get it (I say as someone who really only watches during the World Cup). It blends confusion and love and desire and vulnerability so well. Would recommend to anyone in the mood for a character-heavy, well-written, happy-making romance.

Thanks to Levine Querido and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This coming of age story was fantastic! I loved getting to know Gabi, Vale, and the gang as Gabi discovered who he is and who he wants to be. It was a great story that touches on what it’s like for Latinos that identify as LGBTQ+.

This is literal perfection. I have no notes other than I can’t wait to read this again and again. This gave me all of the feels.

Jonny Garza Villa returns to the broader universe of 1500 Miles From The Sun with Gabriel Piña bumpy road to being true to himself. Gabi wants to become a professional footballer, a space which isn't exactly known for its acceptance and inclusivity. He has it all planned, until sweet Vale turns his world upside down and gives him the gentle shove he needed to start asking the hard questions.

The story is sweet, hot and funny! Vale is a cinamonn roll, understanding, supportive and respecftul. Gabi is cocky and confident, he messes up, he learns from his mistakes and never stops growing. Their chemistry is amazing and the sexual tension is thick from the first moment they meet!

Gabi's friend group is hilariously chaotic, and highlight the importance of a support system: friends, family, mentors. Gabi overcomes his fears because deep down he trusts his people to have his back.

Vale and Gabi will stay in your heart after the last page!

PS. Grumpy time: there are no points in football. They are called goals. There is no red flag, it's a red card. No team can go 10+ matches without conceding a goal, especially a non professional team. Research on football should have been a bit more thorough, it's not as if it's difficult to immitate the vocabulary and description style of the most popular sport in the world.

I received an eARC copy from publisher Levine Querido via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After finishing Canto Contigo, I knew I would be returning to Jonny Garza Villa’s work—and Futbolista was the perfect next read.

The novel follows Gabriel, a young individual who seems to have it all figured out. From his studies to his personality, friends, sports, and preferences, Gabi is well-rounded and confident, with little to no insecurities. The kind of character that feels grounded and, in a way, invulnerable.

But as the story progresses, Gabi faces a truly important point in his life that pushes him to confront the complexities of his identity. What begins as an exploration of his inner self soon turns into a journey marked by self-discovery, where Gabi questions everything he once thought was certain. He faces the harsh realities of homophobia, societal limitations, and threats—but also experiences unexpected love, encouragement, and support from the people around him.

What makes Futbolista stand out is the emotional and mental growth Gabi goes through. And those traits, as well as those of his community, are so profound and powerful. The novel emphasises the importance of communication, family, and recognition—and how crucial it is to have strong support in moments of vulnerability and doubt.

Gabi's journey is incredible and eye-opening, especially when dealing with rejection and acceptance. It is a story that challenges you to reflect on your own experiences and perspectives. Futbolista is a rollercoaster in the best sense, and it undoubtedly deserves a spot on every bookshelf.

To be honest, I've been a fan of Jonny Garza Villa's work for some time and have enjoyed the various journeys it’s taken me on, as well as its ability to dissect Mexican-American culture and reconstruct it through a queer lens. They've explored father-son dynamics, grappling with grief, the meaning of mariachi, and now fútbol, philosophy, and self-discovery.

Gabi, a freshman in college, is navigating life as a rising fútbol player beginning to gain national attention. He's also hoping that the friend-with-benefits next door is ready to become his girlfriend. But just as the stakes for his future rise, enter Vale—a classmate and tutor—who changes everything. Vale challenges Gabi’s way of thinking, feeling, and understanding love, introducing him to a side of himself he’s never experienced before.

This is a beautiful story of self-discovery that captures what it means to be both Brown and bi, as Gabi balances care and attention between all his relationships—romantic and platonic. Gabi is full of heart, and so is this book.

Jonny Garza Villa’s works carry the voice that younger me needed while growing up, that my inner self still craves now, and that others can cling to as they see themselves reflected in their stories. Truly, a wonderful, wonderful work.

Mr. Jonny I don’t know how you write banger after banger, but I am glad you do. This book is by tejanos for tejanos and had all the feels of south Texan. I love the balance of machismo and the love of family and friends. It’s a true celebration of tejano culture. The only thing I didn’t love is seeing Selena’s name only once.
I was given this book for free as an arc all opinions are my own.

Thank you to Levine Querido and Netgalley for an eArc in exchange for an honest review!

This was my first Jonny Garza Villa book and oh my goodness it was an amazing introduction to their writing. I instantly fell in love with the two main characters, along with the supporting cast. Reading Gabi's journey through self discovery was very beautiful and the friendship turned to relationship between Gabi and Vale was honestly perfect in my opinion. The author has a beautiful way of writing that was deeply emotional, while having other light hearted parts that had me smiling like an idiot. I also just need to shout out to Perez for being an amazing supportive character.

This book really touched my heart and I will definitely read the author's other works in the future!