In the age of 18, Gonzalo Plata joined the Sporting Lisbon academy after beginning his career with Independiente in his native Ecuador. Before winning a transfer to La Liga, Plata scored four goals and made four assists in 38 games for Sporting after being promoted to the first squad. After a successful loan stint, he permanently moved to Real Valladolid for €9 million. He joined Al-Sadd of Qatar for €12 million after playing 67 games for the Blanquivioletas, where he scored seven goals and provided 12 assists. He played 31 games for the team in one fantastic season, contributing eight assists and 11 goals. This summer, he returned to South America after only a year in Qatar.
Since joining Flamengo, a Brazilian team, for less than £3 million, Plata's stats have not improved. In twelve games for the Rio de Janeiro team, he has only managed two goals and one assist.