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 a professional footballer from Argentina. He plays as a forward. Currently, he is part of La Liga club Atlético Madrid and represents the Argentina national team in international competitions. He is known for his skills and contributions as a forward.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Joined River Plate

In 2016, Julián Alvarez joined River Plate from Atlético Calchín, participating in the Generation Adidas Cup with the club's youth teams. He had previously trialed with Boca Juniors and Real Madrid.

October 2018: Professional Debut with River Plate

On 27 October 2018, Julián Alvarez made his professional debut for River Plate during a Primera División fixture against Aldosivi, marking his entry into senior football. He was subbed on for Rodrigo Mora in the 1–0 victory.

2018: River Plate First-Team Debut

In 2018, Julián Alvarez made his first-team debut for River Plate, marking the beginning of his professional career in Argentina. During his time there, River Plate won the Copa Argentina and the Copa Libertadores.

March 2019: First Senior Career Goal

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

June 2021: Senior Argentina Debut

On 3 June 2021, Julián Alvarez made his debut for the Argentina senior team in a World Cup qualifier against Chile, substituting for Ángel Di María.

2021: Senior International Debut and Copa América Win

In 2021, Julián Alvarez made his senior international debut for Argentina. He also played for the squad that won the 2021 Copa América.

2021: Argentine Primera División Title and South American Footballer of the Year

In 2021, Julián Alvarez won the Argentine Primera División with River Plate, finishing as the competition's top scorer. He was also named the South American Footballer of the Year in 2021, recognizing his outstanding performance.

January 2022: Signed for Manchester City

On 31 January 2022, Julián Alvarez signed for Premier League champions Manchester City on a five-and-a-half-year contract for a transfer fee in the region of £14 million, remaining at River Plate on loan until July. The signing happened on his 22nd birthday.

March 2022: First International Goal

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

May 2022: Six Goals in Copa Libertadores Match

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

November 2022: Inclusion in 2022 FIFA World Cup Squad

On 11 November 2022, Julián Alvarez was included in Lionel Scaloni'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 his first World Cup goal against Poland on November 30. He then scored against Australia on December 3 and added two more goals against Croatia in the semi-finals, becoming the youngest player since Pelé in 1958 to achieve this. On December 18, he helped Argentina win the World Cup by defeating France in the final.

2022: Competitive and Premier League Debuts for Manchester City

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

2022: Finalissima and FIFA World Cup Wins

In 2022, Julián Alvarez played for the Argentina squads that won the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, marking significant achievements in his international career.

2022: Move to Manchester City

In 2022, Julián Alvarez was signed by Manchester City, marking a significant step in his career as he joined the Premier League club. Manchester City won the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in his debut campaign.

May 2023: Champions League Qualification and Premier League Title

In May 2023, Julián Alvarez scored a goal in a 4–0 win over Real Madrid, securing Manchester City's qualification for the Champions League final. He also scored the winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Chelsea to win his first Premier League title, and his club's third in a row. On June 10, he won the Champions League final with his club to become the first ever player in football history to win the World Cup and a continental treble in the same season.

2023: Continued Success with Manchester City

In 2023, Julián Alvarez had continued success with Manchester City, including scoring against Newcastle United on August 19, featuring more regularly due to injuries of other players, and finishing in 7th place in the 2023 Ballon d'Or. On December 22, Manchester City defeated Fluminense 4-0 in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final as Alvarez scored a brace and provided an assist to claim his first Club World Cup title.

2023: Role as Attacking Midfielder

In the 2023–24 season, Julián Alvarez was often used by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as an attacking midfielder due to his intelligent play and adaptability.

May 2024: 100th Appearance for Manchester City

On 4 May 2024, Julián Alvarez made his 100th appearance for Manchester City, marking the occasion with a late goal in a 5–1 league win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

August 2024: Move to Atlético Madrid and Debut

On 12 August 2024, Julián Alvarez's signing with Atlético Madrid was confirmed. On August 19, he made his debut for the club in a 2–2 draw against Villarreal.

2024: Transfer to 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.

2024: Copa América Win

In 2024, Julián Alvarez was part of the Argentina squad that won the Copa América.

September 2025: Winning Hat-Trick Against Rayo Vallecano

On 24 September 2025, Julián Alvarez scored a winning hat-trick in a 3–2 victory against Rayo Vallecano.

April 2026: Champions League Record

On 29 April 2026, Julián Alvarez converted a penalty against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final, reaching a club-record ten goals and becoming the fastest South American player to reach 25 goals in the competition, surpassing Lionel Messi's record.