Julián Álvarez #9

Profile

Born in the little village of Calchín, Córdoba, Álvarez worked tirelessly to become the star he is today. He had trials with Boca Juniors and Real Madrid aged just 11, and quickly made a name for himself at River Plate: at just 18 he was part of the squad that won the historic 2018 Copa Libertadores, and his footballing career exploded in 2021, when he scored 24 goals and provided 15 assists in 46 matches, lifting three titles. In doing so El Araña (The Spider) caught the eye of Lionel Scaloni, and he played a crucial role in the 2022 World Cup before moving to Manchester City, where he played for two seasons before he was signed by Atlético Madrid. His great goal-scoring instinct, his intensity in pressing and his ability to link up with midfielders make him one of the most complete strikers in the world. While he was in Manchester his older brothers Rafael and Agustín played for Abbey Hey in the North West Counties League First Division South; since his move to Madrid they have signed for that city’s newly-created Argentinian diaspora side, Club Argentino de Fútbol.

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