Jonathan Soriano

Jonathan Soriano Casas is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a striker. Born in the small Catalan town of El Pont de Vilomara i Rocafort, he built a reputation as one of the most efficient finishers in Austrian football history after struggling to break into the first teams of his native giants. His career trajectory shifted dramatically when he moved from the Spanish reserve leagues to Red Bull Salzburg in 2012.

As of 2026, the 41-year-old remains active in the football world through media appearances and ambassadorial roles, though he officially retired from competitive play in 2023. He is best known for his time in Austria, where he became a club legend by scoring 172 goals in just over 200 matches. His ability to score consistently in the Champions League qualifiers also helped establish Salzburg as a serious European contender during that era. [edit]

Soriano grew up in a sporting household in Catalonia, where his father Josep played local football. This family background sparked his early interest in the game, leading him to join the youth setup at CF Badia del Vallès before moving to RCD Espanyol's academy. The competition for places was fierce, so he spent significant time developing within the reserve systems rather than immediately stepping onto senior stages.

In 2003, he made the move to FC Barcelona's prestigious La Masia academy. While many of his peers were quickly promoted to the senior squad, Soriano remained with Barcelona B for several years. He spent the majority of his early career shuttling between Espanyol B and Barcelona B, honing his finishing skills in the lower divisions. Despite his prolific scoring record in the reserves, including 31 goals in 73 games for Barcelona B, he never managed to secure a regular spot on the senior Barcelona team under Pep Guardiola. [edit]

The turning point arrived in January 2012 when Soriano signed for Red Bull Salzburg. The transfer unlocked his potential, transforming him from a reserve specialist into a European standout. During his eight-year tenure, he scored 172 goals in 202 matches, becoming the club's all-time top scorer. He led the Austrian Bundesliga scoring charts three times, winning the title in the 2013–14, 2014–15, and 2016–17 seasons.

His success extended beyond domestic duties as he played a pivotal role in Salzburg's rise in European competitions. He frequently delivered crucial goals in Champions League qualifiers against established clubs. After leaving Salzburg in 2020, he took brief stints in Asia, playing for Beijing Guoan in China and Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. His final season with Al-Hilal saw him share the pitch with global superstar Neymar Jr. before hanging up his boots in 2023. [edit]

Known for his humility and work ethic, Soriano cultivated an image as a smart, intelligent striker who relied on positioning rather than pure speed. Media narratives often highlight his resilience in overcoming the disappointment of not breaking through at Barcelona to become a star elsewhere. He is respected for his professionalism and lack of off-field drama, which allowed him to maintain a long and successful career across different continents. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While he does not appear on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list, his standing among football fans remains strong, particularly in Austria and Catalonia. Supporters call him El Goleador, celebrating his prolific scoring record at Red Bull Salzburg. Fans appreciate his humble demeanor and often cite his journey from the Barcelona reserves to becoming the club's all-time top scorer as an inspiring story of perseverance. His social media presence on Instagram keeps him connected to followers who share memories of his greatest goals. [edit]

Despite being a right-footed forward, Soriano is naturally right-handed. He was part of a talented generation of Barcelona B players that included future stars like Thiago Alcântara and Marc Bartra. A notable moment in his early Salzburg days involved missing a penalty against Rapid Vienna in August 2012; the miss was widely shared online as one of the worst ever recorded, yet it only added to his human appeal before he cemented his legendary status.

Although he played for major Spanish clubs' youth systems, he never completed a full season in the Spanish Primera División for a senior team. Fans affectionately refer to him as El Goleador, a nod to his incredible goal-scoring ratio in Austria. His transition from a reserve team player to a national hero in another country remains a unique chapter in modern football history. [edit]

Soriano comes from a football-oriented family in Catalonia. His father, Josep Soriano, was a local player who likely influenced Jonathan's decision to pursue the sport professionally. Beyond his immediate family, specific details about siblings or extended relatives remain private. He has maintained a low profile regarding his personal life, keeping his home life away from the public eye even after achieving fame abroad. [edit]

Neymar Jr., Pep Guardiola, Ralf Rangnick, Thiago Alcântara[edit]

Public records regarding Jonathan Soriano's romantic life are extremely scarce. Unlike many high-profile athletes, he maintains a notably private personal life. There are no verified public reports of marriages, engagements, or long-term relationships documented by credible media outlets. He has kept his dating history out of the spotlight throughout his career.

As of 2026, Jonathan Soriano is reported to be single. He focuses primarily on his post-playing career activities, including punditry and charitable work, without drawing attention to any current partnerships. [edit]

Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Jonathan Soriano's fortune at around $7 million. This estimate reflects his earnings from a highly successful eight-year stint at Red Bull Salzburg, where he was among the highest-paid players in the Austrian league. Additional income streams include his time in China and Saudi Arabia, where he commanded significant salaries.

Since retiring in 2023, Soriano has likely generated revenue through media punditry roles, appearing as an analyst for football broadcasts. Endorsement deals with sports brands active in Europe and Asia contribute to his ongoing financial stability. As of 2026, his wealth stems primarily from these accumulated career earnings and post-retirement activities. [edit]

Soriano won the Austrian Bundesliga Top Scorer award three times and secured four domestic doubles with Red Bull Salzburg. He holds the club record for most goals scored in its history. [edit]