Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Julián Alvarez

Discover the career path of Julián Alvarez, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Julián Álvarez is an Argentine professional footballer. He currently plays as a forward for La Liga club Atlético Madrid and represents the Argentina national team. A talented and versatile attacker, Álvarez is known for his goal-scoring ability, dribbling skills, and work rate. He is a key player for both his club and country.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Joined River Plate

In 2016, Julián Alvarez joined River Plate from Atlético Calchín, and participated in the Generation Adidas Cup with the club's youth teams, marking a key step in his youth career.

October 2018: Professional Debut for River Plate

On October 27, 2018, Julián Alvarez made his professional debut for River Plate during a Primera División match against Aldosivi, substituting for Rodrigo Mora in a 1–0 victory.

2018: River Plate First-Team Debut

In 2018, Julián Alvarez debuted for River Plate's first team, where he spent four seasons, marking the start of his professional career.

March 2019: First Senior Career Goal

On March 17, 2019, Julián Alvarez scored the first goal of his senior career in a 3–0 league victory over Independiente.

June 2021: Senior Argentina Debut

On June 3, 2021, Julián Alvarez made his debut for the Argentina senior team in a World Cup qualifier against Chile, coming on as a substitute.

2021: Senior International Debut and Copa América Win

In 2021, Julián Alvarez made his senior international debut for Argentina and was part of the squad that won the Copa América.

January 2022: Signed with Manchester City

On January 31, 2022, his 22nd birthday, Julián Alvarez signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City for a fee of £14 million, remaining on loan at River Plate until July.

March 2022: First International Goal

On March 29, 2022, Julián Alvarez scored his first international goal for Argentina in a 1–1 draw against Ecuador.

May 2022: Six Goals in Copa Libertadores Match

On May 25, 2022, Julián Alvarez scored six goals for River Plate in an 8–1 victory over Alianza Lima in the Copa Libertadores, a remarkable achievement.

November 2022: Included in World Cup Squad

On November 11, 2022, Julián Alvarez was included in Argentina's 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

December 2022: World Cup Goals and Victory

In December 2022, Julián Alvarez scored multiple goals in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including one against Poland on November 30, one against Australia on December 3 and two against Croatia in the semi-finals. Argentina defeated France to win the World Cup on December 18.

2022: Debut and First Goals for Manchester City

In 2022, Julián Alvarez debuted for Manchester City, scoring in the FA Community Shield against Liverpool on July 30. He made his Premier League debut on August 7 against West Ham United, and scored his first two Premier League goals on August 31 against Nottingham Forest. On October 5, he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal against Copenhagen.

2022: Signed by Manchester City

In 2022, Julián Alvarez was signed by Manchester City, marking a significant move in his career to play in the Premier League.

May 2023: Champions League Semi-Final Goal and Premier League Title

In May 2023, Julián Alvarez scored against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final on May 17, and scored the winning goal against Chelsea on May 21 to secure the Premier League title for Manchester City.

2023: Continued success with Manchester City

In 2023, Julián Alvarez scored against Newcastle United on August 19, and had multiple goal contributions in Premier League and Champions League matches. He finished 7th in the Ballon d'Or, and helped Manchester City win the FIFA Club World Cup on December 22, scoring a brace in the final.

2023: Attacking Midfielder Role

In the 2023-24 season, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola often used Julián Alvarez as an attacking midfielder in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, where he thrived.

August 2024: Signing with Atlético Madrid and Club Debut

On August 12, 2024, Julián Alvarez signed with Atlético Madrid on a six-year deal. On August 19, he debuted for the club in a 2–2 draw against Villarreal.

2024: Joined Atlético Madrid

In 2024, Julián Alvarez departed Manchester City for Atlético Madrid in a club-record deal worth up to €95 million, starting a new chapter in his career.