Most casual fans met Julio Enciso twice: once for a goal, and once for a giant-killing. The Julio Enciso stats behind Paraguay’s breakout star tell the story of a wonder-goal prodigy who, at the World Cup 2026, scored the strike that helped dump Germany out. Here are the numbers. For the bigger picture, see our World Cup 2026 hub.
Julio Enciso stats: a young career by the numbers
| Team | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Club Libertad | 74 | 25 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 57 | 5 |
| Ipswich Town (loan) | 13 | 2 |
| Strasbourg | 28 | 9 |
| Paraguay | 36 | 5 |
Club figures are all-competition career totals; tallies can vary by provider.
The goal that announced him
Enciso’s reputation was forged by one moment: a stunning long-range strike against Manchester City in May 2023 that won the Premier League Goal of the Season. It marked the Brighton teenager out as one of the most exciting talents in the game — a left-footed attacker with flair, vision and a thunderous shot.
From Brighton to a fresh start in France
A serious knee injury in 2023 stalled his rise, and after three years and just five goals at Brighton he sought regular football: a loan at Ipswich, then a permanent move to Ligue 1’s Strasbourg in 2025. At 22, he is rebuilding the momentum that once made him so coveted.
Julio Enciso at the World Cup 2026
This is where Enciso has announced himself on the biggest stage. He scored his first World Cup goal — the opener against Germany in the Round of 32 — and added two assists in the group stage, starting every game as Paraguay knocked Germany out on penalties to reach the Round of 16. It has been the breakout tournament his talent always promised.
Paraguay’s spark
Fearless, direct and capable of the spectacular, Enciso is the creative spark behind Paraguay’s stunning run — and one of the World Cup 2026’s breakout names.
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Enciso won the Premier League Goal of the Season for a long-range strike against Manchester City in 2023, and at the World Cup 2026 he scored the opener that helped Paraguay knock Germany out.
Enciso came through at Club Libertad in Paraguay before joining Brighton in 2022, spending time on loan at Ipswich Town, and moving to Strasbourg in 2025.
Enciso has 36 caps and 5 goals for Paraguay, having debuted as a teenager in 2021.
Paraguay beat Germany on penalties in the Round of 32, with Enciso scoring the opener, to reach the last 16.