Ricky Álvarez's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Ricky Álvarez.

Ricardo 'Ricky' Gabriel Álvarez is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Born in 1988, he began his career at Vélez Sarsfield before moving to Europe to play for clubs such as Inter Milan, Sunderland, and Sampdoria. Known for his technical skill, dribbling ability, and creative vision on the pitch, he was often deployed as a creative playmaker or a wide midfielder. Álvarez represented the Argentina national team at the international level, including being part of the squad that reached the 2014 FIFA World Cup final. After returning to his home country to conclude his career with Vélez Sarsfield, he officially retired from professional football in 2021. His career was frequently impacted by injuries, yet he remained a notable figure in Argentine football for his elegance and playmaking contributions.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: Beginning of Club Career

In 2008, Ricky Álvarez officially launched his professional club football career by joining the Argentine team Vélez Sársfield.

2009: 2009 Clausura Championship Win

During the 2009 season, Ricky Álvarez was a member of the Vélez Sársfield squad that secured the Clausura title, contributing to the effort with a substitute appearance during a 1–0 win against Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy in 2009.

September 2011: International Football Debut and Appearances

In September 2011, Álvarez made his international debut for Argentina against Venezuela on September 2nd, followed by an appearance against Nigeria on September 6th.

November 2011: First Official Inter Goal

On November 22, 2011, Ricky Álvarez scored his first official goal for Inter Milan in a match against Trabzonspor, following a successful combination play with Diego Milito.

2011: Breakout Season and 2011 Clausura Victory

During the first semester of 2011, Ricky Álvarez earned widespread recognition from fans and the media for his performances in league matches and the Copa Libertadores. During this period in 2011, he demonstrated his tactical flexibility by playing across various midfield roles and played a key part in helping his team secure the 2011 Clausura championship while also reaching the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores.

2013: Ricky Álvarez 2013 Scoring Streak at Inter Milan

Throughout 2013, Ricky Álvarez achieved several individual scoring milestones for Inter Milan. He netted his first goal for the club during a 3-2 victory over Catania. On 7 April 2013, he scored twice in a 3-4 defeat to Atalanta, followed by a goal against Roma on 17 April 2013 during a Coppa Italia fixture. On 5 May 2013, he scored a penalty against Napoli, and on 8 May 2013, he reached his tenth goal for Inter during a match against Lazio.

June 2014: Call-up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

In June 2014, Ricky Álvarez received a career-defining call-up to represent his national team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

2014: World Cup Qualification Appearance

During the 2014 calendar year, Álvarez made an appearance for the Argentina national team in a qualifying match for the FIFA World Cup against Bolivia.

2014: FIFA World Cup and Loan Move

In 2014, Álvarez was part of the Argentine squad that competed in the FIFA World Cup Final, while also beginning a loan spell with the English club Sunderland for the 2014–15 season.

February 2015: First Goal for Sunderland

On 3 February 2015, Ricky Álvarez scored his first and only goal for Sunderland during a 3–1 victory against Fulham in an FA Cup fourth-round replay.

June 2016: Contract Extension with Sampdoria

On 24 June 2016, Ricky Álvarez solidified his tenure with the team by signing a new three-year contract extension.

January 2021: Successful Compensation Appeal

In January 2021, Ricky Álvarez successfully won his appeal against Sunderland, resulting in an award of £4,770,000 in compensation for lost earnings during the 2015-16 season.