Julián Álvarez was raised in Argentina, a country that is about 76% Roman Catholic. Alvarez is widely regarded as a practicing Christian, most likely Roman Catholic. Though he rarely discusses his personal beliefs publicly, his Argentine heritage and the way fellow players honored Pope Francis’s legacy suggest Catholic influence.
Quick Profile: Julián Alvarez
| Full Name | Julián Alvarez |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 2000 |
| Nationality | Argentine (also holds Italian citizenship) |
| Height | 1.70 m (5’7″) |
| Religion | Christianity (Roman Catholic) |
What Religion is Julián Alvarez?
Julián Álvarez comes from Córdoba Province in Argentina, where the majority of people are Catholic. This cultural background strongly suggests he was raised in the Roman Catholic tradition. Indeed, when Pope Francis (himself Argentine and a devout Catholic) died in 2025, Argentine football clubs adorned jerseys with the Pope’s image and dedicated matches to “their holiest fan”.
While Alvarez has not made high-profile statements of faith, many Argentine players acknowledge a connection to God or cross themselves after goals. In keeping with this tradition, Alvarez is widely believed to be a practicing Christian (Catholic).
Early Life and Youth Career
Julián Álvarez grew up in a humble family in the small town of Calchin, Córdoba. His father, Gustavo, worked in a cereal factory and his mother, Mariana, was a kindergarten teacher. From age 11 he showed remarkable talent. He even had trials with Boca Juniors and Real Madrid’s youth teams as an 11-year-old, scoring twice to help Real win a youth tournament. However, rules prevented him moving to Spain under age 13. By late 2015 he joined River Plate’s youth academy in Argentina, quickly rising through the ranks. (He was nicknamed “La Araña” – “The Spider” – from childhood, a moniker he still carries.)
Career Highlights
Julián Alvarez’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. He made his professional debut for River Plate on October 27, 2018, in a Primera División match against Aldosivi, coming on as a substitute. Just weeks later, he appeared as a substitute in extra time during the second leg of the 2018 Copa Libertadores final, where River Plate defeated their fierce rivals Boca Juniors at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium.
His first senior goal came on March 17, 2019, in a 3-0 league win over Independiente. He continued to impress, scoring in the 2019 Copa Argentina final as River won 3-0 against Central Córdoba. In 2021, Alvarez finished as the Argentine Primera División’s top scorer with 18 goals in 35 games, earning him the prestigious South American Footballer of the Year award.
One of his most remarkable performances came on May 25, 2022, when he scored six goals in an 8-1 Copa Libertadores victory over Alianza Lima. This incredible achievement set a record for the most goals scored in a single Copa Libertadores match and remains one of the most dominant individual performances in the tournament’s history.
On January 31, 2022, his 22nd birthday, Manchester City confirmed they had signed Alvarez for approximately £14 million, though he would remain on loan at River Plate until July. His debut season with City was historic. He won the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League, becoming the first player ever to win the World Cup and a continental treble in the same season.
In the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Alvarez scored four goals, including two in the semifinal against Croatia, becoming the youngest player since Pelé in 1958 to score two goals in a World Cup semifinal at 22 years, 316 days old. He played every knockout match as Argentina lifted the trophy.
During the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final, Alvarez scored the fastest goal in the competition’s history at just 40 seconds against Fluminense. He finished with a brace and an assist as Manchester City won 4-0.
In August 2024, Alvarez joined Atlético Madrid for a club-record fee of up to €95 million, becoming Manchester City’s record departure. He has continued to excel in Spain, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in his first 15 matches across all competitions for the 2024-25 season.
Earnings
At Atlético Madrid, Alvarez earns an annual salary of approximately €7.08 million (around $7.6 million), with performance bonuses adding an additional €1.24 million annually. His weekly salary is approximately €136,154 (around $146,000). This marks a significant increase from his Manchester City contract, where he earned around $5.2 million per year.
His six-year contract with Atlético Madrid, signed in August 2024, is valued at €42.48 million gross and runs until June 2030. Beyond his club salary, Alvarez has lucrative endorsement deals with major brands including Adidas, Pepsi, and Rexona, which collectively earn him around $5 million annually.
His market value has skyrocketed to approximately €100 million, reflecting his status as one of the most sought-after young forwards in world football. His career earnings have already exceeded $25 million at just 25 years old, with much more expected in the years ahead. Recent reports suggest Paris Saint-Germain is interested in signing him, with Atlético Madrid potentially demanding up to €120 million.
Personal Life
Julián Alvarez is in a loving relationship with Maria Emilia Ferrero, who was also born in Calchín. The couple has known each other since they were 9 or 10 years old. Emilia would visit her grandfather in Calchín, and they shared the same group of friends. Emilia is a physical education teacher and former field hockey player who has gained significant popularity on social media with over 622,000 followers on Instagram.
After Julián moved to Buenos Aires to join River Plate, they would occasionally see each other when he returned to Córdoba. The couple officially began dating in 2019 and formalized their relationship publicly in 2022, coinciding with Julián’s rise to prominence at River Plate.
On June 22, 2025, the couple announced they are expecting their first child, a boy. In a creative gender reveal ceremony held in Calchín surrounded by family and friends, Alvarez kicked a penalty that released blue smoke across the pitch, confirming they’re having a son. During an interview at the Club World Cup, Alvarez expressed his joy with simple words that reflected his humble nature.
In September 2025, Alvarez revealed that they have chosen the name Amadeo for their son, a touching tribute to Amadeo Carrizo, a legendary River Plate goalkeeper and Argentine football icon. The baby is expected to arrive in early 2026.
Alvarez is known for his humble and grounded personality despite his massive success. He remains deeply connected to his hometown of Calchín, often visiting family and friends. The mayor of Calchín has called Alvarez “our second founder” due to the immense pride he has brought to the town.
Interestingly, Alvarez holds dual citizenship, possessing both Argentine and Italian passports. This dual nationality has proven beneficial, allowing him not to take up a non-EU spot at Atlético Madrid. Like many Argentines with Italian ancestry, his family’s European roots granted him this advantage.
Honours and Achievements
Julián Alvarez’s trophy cabinet is remarkable for someone just 25 years old. By age 23, he had already won virtually every major honor available in world football.
With River Plate:
- Copa Libertadores (2018)
- Argentine Primera División (2021)
- Copa Argentina (2019)
- Supercopa Argentina (2019)
- Recopa Sudamericana (2019)
- Trofeo de Campeones (2021)
With Manchester City:
- Premier League (2022-23, 2023-24)
- UEFA Champions League (2022-23)
- FA Cup (2022-23)
- UEFA Super Cup (2023)
- FIFA Club World Cup (2023)
With Argentina:
- FIFA World Cup (2022)
- Copa América (2021, 2024)
- Finalissima (2022)
Individual Honours:
- South American Footballer of the Year (2021)
- Argentine Primera División top scorer (2021 – 18 goals)
- FIFA Club World Cup Golden Boot (2023)
- FIFA Club World Cup Man of the Match (2023)
- 7th place in Ballon d’Or voting (2023)
Alvarez became one of only a few players in history to win the Copa Libertadores, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA World Cup. He is the first player ever to win the World Cup and a continental treble in the same season, a historic achievement that may never be repeated.
During the 2024 Copa América, Alvarez scored two goals against Canada and became the fourth player in history (alongside Lionel Messi, Romario, and Diego Forlan) to score in the semifinals of both the FIFA World Cup and Copa América.
