Out of the Gate, Champion at 25: Julian Alvarez’s Rise to Stardom
At just 25 years old, Julian Alvarez has already established himself as a footballing icon, having won an astounding 14 major trophies in only seven years as a professional. Unlike many athletes who face obstacles on their journey to success, Alvarez has rapidly ascended to the top, capturing trophies wherever he goes. His path to stardom is a true testament to his skill and determination. Though Harry Kane has only recently fulfilled his dreams of winning a major league title with Bayern Munich, Alvarez’s career already reflects the epitome of success, dominating both club and international competitions. Let's take a closer look at this prodigy's trophy-laden career.
1. Debut Victory: Winning Titles with River Plate
In the summer of 2018, Julian Alvarez was just 18 years old when he made his breakthrough with Argentina’s legendary River Plate. His exceptional performances with the youth team earned him a spot in the first team for the 2018-2019 season, where coach Marcelo Gallardo gave him his first senior appearances. Although he only played in eight matches and scored just once, Alvarez's natural agility and versatility as both a forward and winger did not go unnoticed. Over the next year, his opportunities increased, and by the 2019-2020 season, he was a regular starter. That season, he scored 9 goals in 25 appearances, attracting attention from top European clubs.
Alvarez's breakout came in his third season, as he became a pivotal part of River Plate's attack. He played in 46 games, scoring an impressive 24 goals and leading the team to win both the Argentine Superliga and the Copa Argentina. His stellar performances earned him the title of top scorer in the league with 18 goals. Even more impressively, he was instrumental in guiding the team to a South American Libertadores Cup win, securing his place in South American football history. At just 21 years old, Alvarez was named South American Footballer of the Year and included in the continent's best XI.
2. English Glory and International Triumphs: 11 More Trophies
Despite Manchester City already boasting the prolific Erling Haaland, Alvarez was given plenty of chances to shine in his first season with the English giants. In the 2022-2023 season, he appeared in 49 matches, scoring 17 goals and providing 4 assists, often stepping up when the team needed him. His contributions helped Manchester City secure an unforgettable season, clinching the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League trophies. The 2023-2024 season saw Alvarez and City continue their dominance, winning the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, cementing their place in history as one of the few five-time champions in football.
At the same time, Alvarez’s national team achievements were stacking up. He first won the Copa America with Argentina in 2026, despite only playing one match. Later that year, he played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Italy in the Finalissima, securing the prestigious UEFA-CONMEBOL Cup. His most notable achievement, however, came in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Alvarez played a starring role. Scoring four goals and contributing an assist, he helped Argentina lift their third World Cup trophy. His stellar performance was key to Argentina's success, and he quickly became a household name worldwide. The cherry on top came in 2024 when Alvarez helped Argentina retain their Copa America title, adding yet another major trophy to his collection.
3. Atletico Madrid’s New Star: Heading Towards Greater Achievements
In 2024, Alvarez made a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid, where he was welcomed by head coach Diego Simeone, known for his affinity for Argentine talent. With the departure of several key players and Atletico Madrid's struggles in the league, Alvarez stepped up to become the team's main offensive threat. Despite the club not winning silverware in his first season, Alvarez's performances were nothing short of extraordinary. In 57 appearances, he scored a career-high 29 goals and provided 8 assists, earning the title of the club's Player of the Year. His ability to deliver consistently at such a high level at only 25 years old makes him one of the brightest talents in world football.
Although he didn’t secure a title in his first season at Atletico Madrid, Alvarez’s presence in the team as its core player signals that his journey is far from over. As he continues to develop and refine his game under Simeone’s guidance, there is little doubt that this dynamic forward will bring even more glory to his club and country in the years to come.
Julian Alvarez is truly a footballing prodigy whose accomplishments at such a young age speak volumes about his ability, resilience, and determination. From his early days at River Plate to his meteoric rise in England and now his role as the star of Atletico Madrid, Alvarez’s career trajectory is a model of success. With an already impressive list of achievements under his belt, the future looks incredibly bright for this young star as he aims for even greater feats.
