Julian Alvarez: Early Life, Clubs, Family, Net Worth, Career and Stats
Julian Alvarez is one of the promising young forwards in the world who plies his trade for the Premier League club Manchester City. A versatile attacker, Alvarez primarily operates as a striker but has also showcased his skills as a winger. Widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in football, he has earned comparisons to the legendary Lionel Messi, drawing attention from top European clubs in the process.
Álvarez’s journey includes representing Argentina in various youth competitions, notably featuring in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2020 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament. Making his senior international debut in 2021, he played a pivotal role in Argentina’s successes at the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and the historic 2022 FIFA World Cup. Remarkably, Álvarez became the first player ever to achieve a World Cup victory and a continental treble in the same season.
Early Life of Julian Alvarez
Julián Álvarez was born on January 31, 2000, in Calchín, Argentina, to his parents Mariana and Gustavo Álvarez. He is one of three boys, including his brothers Raphael and Agu, born into a happy and loving family.
Álvarez’s early years were marked by a childhood filled with innocence and joy. Growing up in Calchín, his family’s hometown, he shared cherished moments with his siblings. His parents, Mariana and Gustavo, recognized signs of his passion for football at a young age.
Also Read: Manchester City: Players, History, Records, Achievements, and Future Goals
With a desire to see their son pursue his dreams, Álvarez’s parents supported his early aspirations in football. They approached a local figure, Hugo Rafael Varas, who not only sold pizzas, empanada discs, and bread but also ran a small football school. Varas, a former football player, pledged to nurture Julián’s talent, promising to look after him and guide him on his journey in the world of soccer.
Clubs: The Footballing Journey
River Plate
Álvarez made the transition to River Plate from Atlético Calchín in 2016, showcasing his talents in the Generation Adidas Cup with the club’s youth teams. Before joining River, he had trials with Boca Juniors and Real Madrid, even scoring twice for Real Madrid in a youth tournament, although age restrictions prevented him from joining the latter. Under the management of Marcelo Gallardo during the 2018–19 season, Álvarez moved up to River Plate’s senior squad.
His professional debut for River Plate occurred on October 27, 2018, during a Primera División match against Aldosivi, where he came on as a substitute for Rodrigo Mora in a 1–0 victory. Álvarez notably played a part in the second leg of the 2018 Copa Libertadores finals, contributing to River’s victory over Boca Juniors. He scored his first senior career goal on March 17, 2019, in a 3–0 league win against Independiente.
In December of the same year, Álvarez scored in the 2019 Copa Argentina Final against Central Córdoba, helping River secure a 3–0 win and the trophy. In 2020, he demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess by netting five goals in six Copa Libertadores group-stage matches.
A standout moment came on May 25, 2022, when Álvarez scored an impressive six goals for River Plate in an 8–1 triumph over Alianza Lima in the Copa Libertadores.
Manchester City
On his 22nd birthday, January 31, 2022, Julián Álvarez officially joined Premier League champions Manchester City, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract. However, he remained on loan at River Plate until July of the same year.
In his debut season with Manchester City (2022–23), Álvarez made a notable impact. His competitive debut on July 30 saw City losing 3–1 to Liverpool in the 2022 FA Community Shield, with Álvarez scoring City’s lone goal. He made his Premier League debut on August 7, coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 victory over West Ham United.
Álvarez secured his first two Premier League goals in a 6–0 win against Nottingham Forest on August 31 and scored his debut Champions League goal in a 5–0 victory over Copenhagen on October 5.
A pivotal moment came on May 17, 2023, when Álvarez scored in the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, securing City’s spot in the final. Four days later, he netted the only goal in a 1–0 win over Chelsea, clinching his first Premier League title.
On June 10, despite being a non-playing substitute, Álvarez contributed to City’s Champions League victory, becoming the first player in history to win the FIFA World Cup and a continental treble in the same season.
Alvarez’s breakthrough season in the English top flight came after Pep Guardiola started to put his trust in him regularly. The 2022 World Cup winner made a whopping 36 appearances in the Premier League for the Cityzens despite starting on the bench on most of the occasions. Still, he completed this season on an impressive note with 11 goals and 9 assists to his name. City’s journey to the quarter-finals of the Champions League heavily depended on the young Argentine’s five-goal and two-assist contribution in just seven games. He won his third consecutive Premier League titles this season since joining the Cityzens in 2022.
Julian Alvarez and His Family
Julián Álvarez hails from a middle-class background, with his parents, Gustavo and Mariana Álvarez, earning their livelihoods through modest professions. Gustavo, a proud father, worked as a truck driver in the past, ensuring the family’s sustenance. On the other hand, Mariana, Julián’s mother, is a dedicated schoolteacher specializing in child care, particularly for children aged 4 to 7 in Calchín’s pre-schooling system.
Emilia Ferrero is Julian Alarez’s girlfriend. She is currently dating Julián Alvarez as her boyfriend. Emilia and Julián were born in the same year. She is a Gemini and has gained popularity since her relationship with this Argentina footballer.
The Álvarez family’s origins trace back to Calchín, a Cordovan town in central Argentina with around 3,500 residents. Julián, standing at 5 feet 7 inches, holds Argentine nationality, and research suggests he is a White Argentine of Spanish descent, evident from his Alvarez surname, indicative of Spanish immigrant ancestry.
Net Worth of Julian Alvarez
As of 2024, Argentine striker Julián Álvarez boasts a net worth of $9 million, primarily fueled by his lucrative football career. Playing for Manchester City, the 24-year-old commands an impressive £2,600,000 salary per season, translating to a weekly income of £50,000.
Álvarez’s substantial earnings stem from diverse sources, including his football contract, endorsements, bonuses, and sponsorship commitments.
In terms of his contract, the prolific striker inked a substantial 5-year deal with Manchester City at the onset of the 2022-23 season. The contract, set to conclude on June 30, 2027, sees Álvarez earning an impressive £2,600,000 per season.
Adding to his financial portfolio, Apart from Julian Álvarez Salary, He is an Adidas-endorsed athlete, aligning himself with the renowned sportswear brand. Since 2022, he has been lacing up in the Adidas X Speed Portal.1 soccer cleats as part of his endorsement deal.
Julian Alvarez Injury
There is no injury scar for Julian Alvarez who is currently gearing up for the upcoming 2024 Copa America starting from 20th June in the USA. A few months ago, he sustained a shoulder injury during a training session in Manchester. But, he recovered in time and missed no game time. Since then, he has been fit enough to feature in every game for club and country.
In the last International Friendly against Ecuador, the versatile attacker featured in the starting line-up. Alvarez would be used as a proper number 9 by Lionel Scaloni at Copa America. His fitness will allow him to be available for Argentina throughout the tournament.
Career and Stats:
Club:
| Club | Season | Apps | Goals |
| River Plate | 2018–19 | 8 | 1 |
| 2019–20 | 17 | 2 | |
| 2020–21 | 25 | 9 | |
| 2021–22 | 46 | 24 | |
| 2022–23 | 26 | 18 | |
| Manchester City | 2022–23 | 49 | 17 |
| 2023–24 | 46 | 18 | |
| Total | 217 | 89 | |
International:
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
| Argentina | 2021-22 | 5 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | 14 | 7 | |
| 2023-24 | 11 | 0 | |
| Total | 30 | 7 | |
Julián Álvarez boasts a remarkable list of honors, showcasing his prowess in both club and international football. With River Plate, he secured various titles, including the Argentine Primera División, Copa Argentina, Supercopa Argentina, Trofeo de Campeones, Copa Libertadores, and Recopa Sudamericana. Transitioning to Manchester City, Álvarez achieved a stellar season, clinching the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup.
His contributions extend to international success, winning the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament with Argentina U23 and achieving historic victories with the senior national team in the FIFA World Cup and Copa América.
Álvarez’s individual excellence is evident through recognitions such as being part of the South American Youth Championship Team of the Tournament in 2019, clinching the top scorer title in the Argentine Primera División in 2021, and earning the prestigious South American Footballer of the Year award in the same year.
Julian Alvarez Transfer Rumors
After enjoying a productive season at the Etihad Stadium, Julian Alvarez is reportedly open for a move away from the Manchester-based outfit. When Erling Haaland was out of form and Kevin de Bruyne was out injured, Alvarez delivered big times for Guardiola and his side, earning trust of the City faithfuls in no time. According to The Athletic, the talented attacker has reportedly chosen the La Liga champions, Real Madrid as his next club.
Another club from the Spanish capital, Atletico Madrid is also claimed to be a highly interested party to lure Alvarez this summer if the player’s entourage is ready to talk. However, when asked about these transfer rumors, he told ESPN that he is happy at Manchester City and will see what happens in future. But, a move to Santiago Bernabeu for Alvarez is practically impossible this summer.