Edson Álvarez is a professional Mexican footballer. He is famous for playing as a defensive midfielder or a center-back for Eredivisie club Ajax and the Mexico national team. He wears the number 4 jersey for Ajax. Starting his journey in Club América's youth system in 2014 at just 16, he honed his skills before his noteworthy transfer to Ajax in July 2019 for a reported fee of US$17 million. With a swift transition, he debuted in August, contributing to his team's victory. Notably, he has also represented Mexico's U18 and U20 squads, amassing an impressive international career with 68 appearances and 3 goals for the senior national team as of 2017. In October 2022, he secured a spot in Mexico's initial 31-player selection for the World Cup. Subsequently, in November, he successfully secured his place in the final 26-man squad for the tournament.
Growing Up Edson Álvarez: Family and Childhood Memories
Born on October 24, 1997, in Tlalnepantla, Mexico, Edson Álvarez, known by his full name Edson Omar Álvarez Velázquez, hails from the same city. Holding Mexican nationality and identifying with a Mexican-White ethnic background, he is the cherished child of his family; his father, Evaristo Alvarez, and his mother, Adriana Velazquez. Marking his 25th birthday in 2022, his football journey began with a childhood intertwined with his family's football jersey manufacturing business. His passion for the sport ignited during these formative years, driving him to attempt entry into Pachuca's youth team at 14, albeit without success. However, undeterred, he found his footing in football through a three-month trial with Club América's youth team, shaping his skills and determination. This commitment was exemplified by his unwavering dedication, as he allocated a substantial portion of his monthly earnings towards commuting between his home and the training grounds in Coapa, signifying the resolute journey that has defined his rise in the sport.
Edson Álvarez Football Career
Club América
- Edson Álvarez in 2014, at the age of 16, embarked on his journey with Club América's youth system, showcasing his talents in the under-17 team. The following year saw his elevation to América's second-division team while still contributing to the under-17 squad.
- Under the guidance of first-team coach Ignacio Ambríz, he received his inaugural call-up in August 2016, gracing the bench during América's week 5 league encounter against Monarcas Morelia, donning jersey number 282.
- On 29th October, under the leadership of newly appointed coach Ricardo La Volpe, the 19-year-old midfielder secured his Liga MX debut in a triumphant match against Santos Laguna, demonstrating his prowess throughout the full 90 minutes and earning third place in a Man of the Match online poll by the club's dedicated fans.
- On 25 December, he scored his first career goal in the Apertura final against Tigres UANL.
- As the 2017-18 season loomed, he assumed the prestigious number 4 shirt, succeeding Erik Pimentel.
- A pivotal moment arrived on 16th December 2018, as Álvarez earned a starting role in the Apertura final return leg against Cruz Azul, impressively netting twice while deputizing for the injured Mateus Uribe, leading América to a resounding 13th league title victory with a 2-0 aggregate score.
- Furthermore, the milestone of his 100th competitive appearance for América was achieved on 23rd February 2019, as he contributed to the team's commanding 3-0 triumph over Lobos BUAP.
Ajax
- Edson Álvarez's football journey took a significant turn on 19 July 2019, when Dutch powerhouse AFC Ajax unveiled a five-year contract agreement with Club América, marked by a medical examination and a reported transfer fee of US$17 million.
- Following a successful medical evaluation, he was officially introduced on 22 July, inheriting the iconic number 4 shirt left vacant by Matthijs de Ligt's departure. The club later confirmed a transfer sum of €15 million.
- Swiftly integrating into the team, he made his competitive debut on 17 August as a 74th-minute substitute in Ajax's resounding 4–1 league triumph over VVV-Venlo.
- He etched his name further in Ajax history on 29 August, netting his inaugural goal in his starting debut against APOEL in the UEFA Champions League play-off round. An even greater feat awaited on 17 September, as Álvarez etched his name as the first Mexican player to score on a Champions League debut, contributing a vital goal in the team's 3–0 group stage victory over Lille.
- His impact continued to resonate, with Álvarez scoring his first Eredivisie goal in a commanding 5–0 win over ADO Den Haag on 21 March 2021, and subsequently playing a pivotal role in Ajax's Dutch Cup final victory against Vitesse with a full match appearance.
- He earned a nomination for the league Player of the Year Award at the culmination of his second season.
- He then signed a contract extension on 27 October 2021, pledging his allegiance to Ajax until 2025, and later joined the prestigious Club van 100 on 30 April 2022, celebrating his 100th appearance in the club's triumph over PEC Zwolle, etching his name as the 174th player to achieve this honor in Ajax's storied history.
International Career
- Edson Álvarez's international football journey began with a call-up to the under-20 team camp in preparation for the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where he earned a place in the tournament's best XI and further showcased his prowess by scoring the winning goal in Mexico's 3–2 victory over Vanuatu during the subsequent FIFA U-20 World Cup.
- Transitioning to the senior national team, he received his inaugural call-up in January 2017 for a friendly against Iceland, and he marked his senior debut against the same opponent in February.
- Notably part of the Confederations Cup practice squad, he earned his place in the Gold Cup roster, becoming the youngest player on the squad.
- In a pivotal moment, he etched his name in history by becoming the youngest Mexican to score a Gold Cup goal at 19 years old.
- His trajectory continued with inclusion in Mexico's preliminary squad for the 2018 World Cup, emerging as the youngest player on the list, and securing his spot in the final 23-man roster.
- Despite challenges, including an own goal against Sweden, Álvarez showcased his determination. A year later, he contributed to Mexico's Gold Cup victory, starting in five matches, including the final.
- In October 2022, he was named in Mexico's preliminary 31-man squad for the World Cup, and in November, was ultimately included in the final 26-man roster.
Edson Álvarez Awards, Honors, and Achievements
América
- Liga MX: Apertura 2018
- Copa MX: Clausura 2019
Ajax
- Eredivisie: 2020–21, 2021–22
- KNVB Cup: 2020–21
Mexico
- CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2019, 2023
Individual
- CONCACAF U-20 Championship Best XI: 2017
- CONCACAF Best XI: 2018, 2021
- CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI: 2021
- Eredivisie Team of the Month: April 2021, February 2023
- IFFHS CONCACAF Best XI: 2020
Edson Álvarez Transfer News
- Edson Álvarez transferred to Ajax from Club América on 22nd July 2019. The transfer fee for the move was €15 million.
- Prior to joining Ajax, Álvarez was part of Club América, where he had been since 1st January 2017, initially joining from América U20.
Net Worth Unveiled: Edson Álvarez's Career Earnings & Salary
With an illustrious football career, Edson Álvarez's financial prowess has amassed an estimated net worth of $3 million by 2023, predominantly stemming from his football endeavors. His lucrative weekly salary of £35,000, coupled with an impressive annual income of £1,820,000 from his tenure with Ajax, solidifies his financial standing. Joining Ajax on a five-year contract for a reported fee of US$17 million in July 2019, his market value has soared to €35 million as of June 23, 2023. Such success has enabled him to embrace a lavish lifestyle, including opulent cars and a splendid residence, all of which contribute to his contentment with his well-earned earnings.
Exploring Edson Álvarez Girlfriend & Daughter
Edson Álvarez is unmarried yet but he is currently in a happy romantic relationship with his beautiful girlfriend, Sofia Toache. Their fateful encounter in 2018 seemingly sparked an instant affection, paving the way for a robust and harmonious partnership. Sofia is a model and Instagram sensation who pursued studies at the Autonomous University of Mexico, Azcapotzalco campus. Their blissful journey is blessed with parenthood, as their beautiful offspring, daughter Valentina Alvarez, graced the world on October 23, 2019. The family is enjoying their present life happily without any disturbances. He is straight in terms of his sexual orientation.
Edson Álvarez Eyes, Height, Weight
Edson Álvarez is a handsome footballer player who stands at the height of 1.87 meters or 6 feet 2 inches and maintains a body weight of 73 KG. He has got an athletic body type. Diligent in his dietary choices, he frequents the gym to sculpt and preserve his impressive build. His alluring features include deep brown eyes and a matching shade of dark brown hair, complementing his present state of robust health, which has captivated a myriad of female admirers. Adding to his allure, Álvarez's affinity for tattoos is evident, with intricate ink gracing his hands, further enhancing his magnetic appeal. Overall, he has got a healthy body with a charming appearance.
