This book was one of my most anticipated books for the year. I have read all of the books by the author, and I have to admit I was exeptic about this one. Until I heard that the main character was Piña, who was a secondary character in “fifteen hundred miles from the sun” which I loved so much.
And futbolista doesn’t disappoint, it has this funny side that every book by the author has and also this side of sadness.
This book just made me feel like the first time I read “fifteen hundred” crying of happiness and sadness as equals parts, this one made me feel anxious at parts but I really enjoyed the whole story, and I loved the way it’s connected with the other book but without the necessity of had to read it, it’s his own story and doesn’t depend on other the other one, but having the context of it makes this one much better, because you read growth in the characters and how the backstory affected the present of the character. I really enjoyed this book so much.
Shout out to pops to make me cry.

I ended up DNFing this book which made me incredibly sad as I have read other books by Villa and highly enjoyed. I could not get past the inaccuracies with soccer/football/futbol. I am fine with some creative liberties with it being a work of fiction however, there are some things that should be correct when writing a book.

- There are not red flags in soccer. It's either a yellow card or red card.
- The entire scene when they played at Arizona. After they tie the captains meet at midfield, Barrera says "they're interested in doing penalty kicks", first, this would never happen in college soccer. Second, it doesn't appear they were taking penalty kicks at all based on the quote "It's a solid kick... goes right over my teammates' jump." and "I can tell that's a beautiful kick. A line of Arizona players jump..." That would be free kicks which are completely different than penalty kicks which are taken from the spot, kicker v. keeper.

I'm sure there are more instances of the wrong terminology used but I only got to 34% of the book, between the inaccuracies, the awkward word choices (using the word cringe/cringey etc.) and the overly weird descriptions during sex/masturbation (beating my meat, post-nut etc.) I could not continue. Additionally, the beginning of the book with the hazing made minimal sense and seemed extremely random when compared to the rest of the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Levine Querido for the ARC!

What a fun read this was. Our main character has so many great people surrounding him. I loved seeing his relationship with his parents and close friends. This is a book with no backstabbing or useless fights with our two lovers, just a lot of understanding and love. There is a lot of football (real football, or american soccer) and I don't know anything about that sport so there are a few paragraphs I skim read, but it did not take away the fun of following the plot overall.

Who's squealing??!?!? I AM!!! What a fantastic, emotional, brilliant sports romance that repped bisexuality THE BEST EVER!!!!! I'm legit choking up still thinking about this endearing story about falling in love while brown and sports-ing! my heart was totally in my throat when all the toxic things went down in the 3rd act, because just remembering being 18 and vulnerable as fk emotionally damn near made me throw up from being afraid for Gabi. Jonny Garza Villa had me crying some fat ugly tears for Gabi and Vale at the end there, and that made sense because from the jump i was grinning for these boys and their instant chemistry!

I don't usually read YA/NA but Villa has made me look twice. And now more than ever I don't think my previous hang-ups were my fault. Because Futbolista was brilliant, deeply moving writing, with intelligent and compassionate messaging, and characterization that made me feel like these people were all real and i want to be friends with all of them! And because I can't stress the quality of narrative here enough, i thought Futbolista was truly outstanding, and one of the small few who stand head and shoulders above the rest!

Futbolista was a sports romance, but it's more than JUST that. It's got that hot and young summer vibe, with the best friend group and a family dynamic that made me feel safe and secure and happy! And alongside that halcyon youth flex was Gabi's very developed POV. It encompassed the above, but also "headed for the pros" career-athlete mentality, societal and team expectations...and ofc everything in between. Gabi's practices and game days read like what i would expect a sports star to be grappling with. It was rigorous and charming and heartfelt.

There was also very accessible philosophy that made me giggle thinking about infallible 18yos who assert that they're done changing. Cute. And Vale was just absolute perfection. Adorable, lovable, supportive, smart. I had big feelings for the both of them and THIS WAS THE KIND OF HEA I WANT IN MY READING LIFE ALWAYS!!!!

The narrative was VERY multidimensional, and its scope and depth was impressive, and i'm sure that i'll be thinking about these characters for a long, long time to come!

I had the best time with this stunning, wonderful book, and because i wholeheartedly NEED more Jonny Garza Villa in my brain for comfort reasons, I'm beyond ready for Canto Contigo and to lose myself in a "Mariachi rivals-to-lovers" romance! I'm already gleeful and I can't think of a more perfect sentiment to end off on than that! Can't wait!

I loved this! Gabi and Vale deserve the world. I loved the South Texas setting and super important queer Latine rep. I also loved the side characters! Pérez is everything to me 🥹 Overall, this was a really sweet, funny, well-written, and spicy story. I did feel like the pacing was a little weird, and I also felt like there was all this tension and then everything just kind of....resolved. But overall, a really great book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Futbolista.

As a huge fan of Jonny Garza Villa’s work, I had high expectations for Futbolista, and it exceeded them all. This novel is a great blend of humor, emotion, and authentic representation that takes readers on a heartfelt journey.

The story centers on Gabriel “Gabi” Piña, a college freshman goalkeeper with aspirations of becoming a professional soccer player. His world is meticulously planned until he connects with Vale, who he once shared a brief, unexpected kiss with Gabi at a party. Their evolving relationship is portrayed with perfect pacing and palpable tension, making their eventual romance both inevitable and deeply satisfying.

The supporting characters add richness to the narrative. Perez provides much-needed comic relief with his hilarious antics, and I loved the storyline with Leanna. The dynamics within Gabi’s friend group highlight the importance of a supportive community, especially when confronting personal and societal challenges.

Futbolista is more than a romance; it’s a celebration of culture, love, and futbol. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a story that will make them laugh, cry, and reflect.

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+.