Exclusive: New Brighton signing Olivia Garcia talks European dream and international options ahead of loan move | OneFootball

Brighton and Hove Albion’s newest signing Olivia Garcia was a target for numerous clubs throughout Europe after averaging more than a goal every other game with Danish A-Liga side HB Køge.

The Cuban-American, who could also be eligible for Spain at international level, has already made quite the impression in Europe and is primed to continue flourishing with the Women’s Super League side.

The 22-year-old will have undoubtedly been on many clubs’ radars since her collegiate career in the USA. Garcia was a major contributor in the successful Florida State Seminoles sides of 2022 and 2023. After winning the prestigious NCAA Division 1 Championship, Garcia made the decision to turn professional in Europe, sacrificing her college career.

The tactically gifted forward has since gone from success to success, with Brighton capitalising on her availability. The Las Vegas native will spend her first season with the Seagulls on loan to Swedish Damallsvenskan outfit AIK Fotboll Dam.

After being an integral part of HB Køge’s recent achievements, Garcia spoke to Her Football Hub about where it all began, her family and her career aspirations.

Olivia Garcia on her roots and international aspirations

With South American and Spanish heritage, it’s no wonder football became a major part of Garcia’s life. Football in many places of the world is almost a religion — a pilgrimage to play on the field and arguably no more so than South America.

“I just think I had this naturally instilled love of the game in my heart, an innate desire to play overseas one day,” Garcia said. “My dad being Cuban, his dad being Spanish… there was just always European football on at home. We were always watching.”

Like so many others, Garcia grew up dreaming of playing football on the biggest stages. Her parents also shared her aspirations as she made the switch from playing alongside her brothers to the professional women’s game.

“It’s just been a dream of mine, and for my parents I think for as long as I can remember. I have three brothers, so we were all put on a football team. I was around four when I started. Ever since I kicked that first ball I just knew, ‘Oh this is what I want to do with my life’.”

Alongside her ambitions on the domestic stage, Garcia wants to push her international career. Despite the stacked USA roster, she hasn’t drawn a line under the possibility of representing the USWNT.

“I’m an American citizen of course so it’s an option, there’s so much talent in the US but I’ve not given up hope of that. With Cuba, my father fled Cuba in the 1960s (shortly after the Communist Revolution). So it’s a complicated situation but I’m still counting on it. Maybe one day in the future it opens up for me.”

Garcia also has the possibility of representing Spain also and is currently in the process of attaining a Spanish passport.

A European dream come true for Olivia Garcia

The adaptation from collegiate football in the USA and Europe’s top leagues is not one all players can overcome. However, for Garcia, she didn’t just overcome that switch, she thrived. At HB Køge, the pacy striker managed 28 goals in 56 appearances — a wildly consistent average in a league full of international players.

“In the US, everyone at that level is around the same age, but here in Europe, you’re competing against players who maybe have ten years of experience on you,” Garcia explained. “That was the biggest culture difference in terms of the football, but it’s so exciting also. You’re playing against the best players available, at all age groups from all countries. It makes you a better player very fast.”

For many football players, competing in one of the elite competitions is a highlight of their career. Garcia found herself playing in the Europa Cup with Køge in her second season. A dream actualised.

Early in the competition against Glasgow City, Garcia helped her side secure the win with a wonder strike direct from 30 yards. Naturally, she described it as ‘one of the best goals of her career’.

“It felt so amazing,” she continued. “I mean, to compete in a European competition like that was one of my biggest career aspirations. Unfortunately, we were eliminated the game after that, but it felt so special that day. Winning at home, scoring the winner, and what better way to do it than in front of our own fans in our own stadium. That’s a really special memory for me.”

Olivia Garcia prepares for loan move after Brighton transfer

It’s no surprise a WSL team came in for a player like Garcia. There is an undeniable talent in her natural goalscoring ability. Not to mention her charismatic personality that no doubt adds a string to the bow of any dressing room.

“I had spoken to a couple of teams but Brighton told me their ambitions, their goals and what they saw in me and my game. I just remember looking at my parents across the room excitedly and feeling like this was it, this was the move,” the striker said.

Brighton have no shortage of iconic talent on their books, which is no doubt a huge pull for prospective players. Japanese sensation Kiko Seike, Colombia hero Manuela Vanegas, and England legend Fran Kirby are all currently on the Seagulls’ roster.

“Fran Kirby is a legend. Obviously I want to lean from her, what a privilege,” Garcia admitted. “There’s another American too I’m excited to play with. She’s a little older than me and when I met her recently I just remember how I used to watch her play in the College Cup, and winning with Stanford. So it’ll be a special moment to play with her for sure.”

Despite the excitement of a future with Brighton, as Garcia sits in her hotel room in the city, looking forward to this new chapter, Stockholm awaits.

“I’m really looking forward to my time with AIK. Stockholm looks like a great city and the team sounds really strong. It’s so exciting.”

There’s no doubt Garcia has all the ingredients to become a household name throughout European women’s football. If the upbeat striker can continue to provide results, goals and special moments at the same rate of her time in the US and Denmark, then it’s more likely to be sooner rather than later.

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