Who is Julian Alvarez? Get to know Man City’s World Cup hero they signed for just £14m

Julian Alvarez is one of Manchester City’s best players and was absolutely crucial to the Treble triumph.

Despite his tender years and that he’s still in just his second season of European football, Julian Alvarez has completed the sport.

In his first season he helped Manchester City clinch their first Champions League trophy as they secured the treble and managed to squeeze in winning a World Cup in the middle of the season.

Alvarez was one of Argentina’s key players in Qatar as he helped turn their early fortunes around and he’s an important member of Pep Guardiola’s side.

If you want to know his stats, his honours, who his brothers are and much more than you have come to the right place as we’ve ansewered your most frequently asked questions below.

Photo by NIGEL RODDIS/AFP via Getty Images

How old is Julian Alvarez?

Julian Alvarez was born on January 31, 2000, in Calchin, Argentina.

As of April 2024, he is 24 years old.

Julian Alvarez height and weight

Alvarez stands at 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighs 71kg, according to TNT Sports.

He uses his stocky frame to his advantage by holding opponents off of the ball and getting into dangerous areas.

Julian Alvarez X and Instagram accounts

Julian Alvarez has an official Instagram account with 16 million followers. He tends to post pictures of him in action on the pitch but occasionally offers a look into his family life.

However, he does not have an X, formerly known as Twitter, account.

Who is Julian Alvarez’s girlfriend?

Julian Alvarez is in a relationship with Maria Emlia Ferrero, who grew up in the same town Alvarez was born in.

According to Essentially Sports, Ferrero is a hockey player and works as a P.E. teacher. She is also a social media influence with over 564,000 followers on Instagram.

The couple first got together five years ago.

Who are the Alvarez brothers Rafael and Agustin?

Julian Alvarez has a big family and many of them followed him to England when he left Argentina in 2022.

Rafael and Agustin Alvarez are Julian’s older brothers and though they don’t have his ability they share his love for football.

As a result, the pair signed up to play for North West Counties League First Division South side Abbey Hey FC, where they are now enjoying their second season.

Rafael is a left-winger while Agustin, a left-back, won the club’s Player’s Player of the Year award last season, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Alvarez watches his brothers when there isn’t a fixture clash and told the City’s website in 2022: “After the games we always talk.

“After I go to see wthem play or they come to see me. We talk and we always give advice to each other, that’s what we like doing.”

Julian Alvarez salary and contract

Julian Alvarez is handsomely rewarded for his exploits at the Etihad Stadium with a weekly wage of £100,000 a week.

This sees him take home a yearly salary of £5.2m and his long-term future is secure with his contract not set to expire until June 30, 2028.

What team did Julian Alvarez play for before Man City and how much did he cost?

Julian Alvarez’s only played for one professional club before joining City, Argentine giants River Plate.

City paid just £14m to sign him from River Plate.

What position does Julian Alvarez play?

Julian Alvarez was signed as a striker but has proven to be extremely versatile for Guardiola.

Though he does still occasionally lead the line if Erling Haaland isn’t playing, Alvarez has found a home as a creative midfielder in the 2023/24 season.

Alvarez stepped into the boots of the injured Kevin De Bruyne and ensured City didn’t miss their brilliant Belgian as much as expected. He can also play on either flank.

Julian Alvarez stats

Julian Alvarez Man City stats

Julian Alvarez pre-Man City stats

Julian Alvarez international stats for Argentina

How many goals did Julian Alvarez score in the World Cup?

Julian Alvarez scored four goals at the 22 World Cup as he helped Argentina win the famous trophy.

He scored one against Poland in the final group stage match to ensure they went through, the winner against Australia in the last 16 and two goals, as well as an assist, against Croatia in the semi-final.

Trophies won and honours

Man City trophies won

  • Premier League – 2022/23
  • Champions League – 2022/23
  • FA Cup – 2023
  • UEFA Super Cup – 2023/24
  • Club World Cup – 2024

River Plate trophies won

  • Argentine Primera Division – 2021
  • Champeon Troffeo de Campeones – 2020/21
  • Supercopa Argentina – 2019/20
  • Copa Argentina – 2018/19
  • Recopa Sdamericana – 2019
  • Copa Libertadores – 2017/18
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

International trophies won

  • World Cup – 2022
  • Copa America – 2021
  • CONMENBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions – 2022

Individual honours

  • South American Youth Championship Team of the Tournament – 2019
  • Argentine Primera Division top scorer – 2021
  • South American Footballer of the Year – 2021