Julián Álvarez is an Argentine forward. He plays for Atlético Madrid in La Liga and the Argentina national team. He was born on January 31, 2000. He started his career at River Plate in Argentina, coming through their youth academy. He made his first-team debut in 2018 and spent four seasons at the club. During that time, he won the Copa Argentina, and the 2018 Copa Libertadores. He also won the Argentine Primera División in 2021. He was also named the South American Footballer of the Year in 2021.
In 2022, he signed with Manchester City. In his first season, he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. In 2024, he left for Atlético Madrid in a club-record deal worth up to €95 million. He made his senior debut on June 3, 2021, in a World Cup qualifier against Chile, coming on as a substitute for Ángel Di María. He scored his first international goal on March 29, 2022, in a 1-1 draw against Ecuador.
At the international level, Álvarez played for Argentina’s youth teams, competing in the 2019 U-20 World Cup and the 2020 Pre-Olympic Tournament. He made his senior debut in 2021 and has been part of Argentina’s title-winning squads. That include the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América.
5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Julián Alvarez
His Nickname ‘La Araña’ (The Spider)
You’ve seen his Spider-Man celebration, but the nickname comes from his playing style. His brother Rafael started calling him “La Aranita” because when he played, no one could get the ball off him. He seemed to have too many legs, moving in all directions. Even today, few people call him by his first name.
He Was Rejected by Colón as a Kid
Before becoming a world champion, Álvarez faced rejection. He revealed that as a child, he went for trials at several clubs, including Argentinos Juniors, Boca, River, Banfield, and Belgrano. One of them, Colón de Santa Fe, turned him down. He simply didn’t make the cut. A rejection that fuelled his fire.
Trial with Real Madrid at Age 11
At just 11 years old, Álvarez travelled to Spain for a month-long trial with Real Madrid. He even played in a youth tournament and faced Barcelona in the semifinals, leaving a good impression. But the move never happened because his family couldn’t relocate. It was also his father’s first time on a plane.
No Tattoos – Because of His Father
In an era of inked footballers, Álvarez is a rare exception with zero tattoos. His father used to tell him and his brothers: “No tattoos, no cigarettes, no alcohol.” As an adult, Álvarez has kept that promise, saying he simply doesn’t feel the need for tattoos and prefers a quiet, family-oriented life. A promise kept.
Viral Moment with Spider-Man Actor Tom Holland
His Spider-Man celebration caught the attention of the actual Spider-Man. Actor Tom Holland expressed interest in meeting Álvarez, saying: “I’d love to meet you.” Álvarez responded on social media, offering him a signed number 9 jersey. The exchange went viral, creating a fun crossover between football and Hollywood. A superhero meets a Spider.
FAQs
Q. Which club did Julián Álvarez start his career with?
A. Julián Álvarez started his professional career with River Plate.
Q. When did Julián Álvarez join Manchester City?
A. Álvarez joined Manchester City in 2022.
Q. Which club did Julián Álvarez join in 2024?
A. Álvarez signed for Atlético Madrid in 2024.
Q. When did Julián Álvarez make his Argentina debut?
A. Álvarez made his senior debut on June 3, 2021.
Q. What did Julián Álvarez win with Argentina?
A. Álvarez has won the Copa América, the Finalissima, and the FIFA World Cup.
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