Efraín Álvarez
{{short description|Mexican footballer (born 2002)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Efraín Álvarez
| image =
| fullname = Efraín Álvarez
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|2002|6|19}}
| birth_place = East Los Angeles, California, United States
| height = {{height|m=1.73}}{{Cite web |title=Efraín Álvarez |url=https://www.lagalaxy.com/players/efrain-alvarez/ |access-date=20 August 2022 |publisher=LA Galaxy}}
| currentclub = Tijuana
| clubnumber = 11
| position = Attacking midfielder
| youthyears1 = 2016–2017
| youthclubs1 = LA Galaxy
| years1 = 2017–2019
| clubs1 = LA Galaxy II
| caps1 = 20
| goals1 = 13
| years2 = 2019–2023
| clubs2 = LA Galaxy
| caps2 = 94
| goals2 = 6
| years3 = 2023–
| clubs3 = Tijuana
| caps3 = 48
| goals3 = 8
| nationalyears1 = 2016
| nationalteam1 = United States U15
| nationalcaps1 = 4
| nationalgoals1 = 4
| nationalyears2 = 2017
| nationalteam2 = Mexico U15
| nationalcaps2 = 9
| nationalgoals2 = 1
| nationalyears3 = 2018–2019
| nationalteam3 = Mexico U17
| nationalcaps3 = 25
| nationalgoals3 = 13
| nationalyears4 = 2022
| nationalteam4 = Mexico U21
| nationalcaps4 = 4
| nationalgoals4 = 2
| nationalyears5 = 2021–
| nationalteam5 = Mexico
| nationalcaps5 = 5
| nationalgoals5 = 1
| club-update = 17 March 2025
| ntupdate = 31 May 2024
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's football}}
{{Medal|Country|{{fb|MEX}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|CONCACAF Nations League}}
{{Medal|W|2025 United States|}}
{{MedalCompetition|CONCACAF Gold Cup}}
{{Medal|RU|2021 United States|Team}}
{{MedalCompetition|FIFA U-17 World Cup}}
{{Medal|RU|2019 Brazil|Team}}
{{MedalCompetition|CONCACAF U-17 Championship}}
{{Medal|W|2019 United States|}}
}}
Efraín Álvarez (born 19 June 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Liga MX club Tijuana. Born in the United States, he represents the Mexico national team. Álvarez was included in The Guardian's "Next Generation 2019".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2019/oct/10/next-generation-2019-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football |title=Next Generation 2019: 60 of the best young talents in world football |date=10 October 2019 |accessdate=2 October 2022 |work=The Guardian}}
Club career
=LA Galaxy II=
Born in Los Angeles, California, Álvarez signed with LA Galaxy II of the United Soccer League on August 2, 2017.{{cite news|title=LA Galaxy II sign LA Galaxy Academy midfielder Efrain Alvarez|url=https://www.lagalaxy.com/post/2017/08/02/la-galaxy-ii-sign-la-galaxy-academy-midfielder-efrain-alvarez|access-date=October 8, 2017|work=LA Galaxy|date=August 2, 2017}} In signing with the side, Álvarez became the youngest signing in USL history, ahead of the previous holder Alphonso Davies, at 15 years, one month, and 14 days. Álvarez made his professional debut for LA Galaxy II on October 7, against Portland Timbers 2, he came on as a 46th-minute substitute for Adrian Vera as LA Galaxy II won 3–2.{{cite web|title=LA Galaxy II 3-2 Portland Timbers 2|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/10/08/united-states/mls-reserve-league/la-galaxy-ii/portland-timbers-u23/2406327/|website=Soccerway}} In playing, Álvarez became the youngest player to ever play a USL match.{{cite web|title=Efrain Alvarez youngest|url=https://twitter.com/LAGalaxyII/status/916881144464867328|website=LA Galaxy II (Twitter)}}
Álvarez was moved to parent club LA Galaxy ahead of their 2018 season, but was loaned back to the reserve team.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/rosters/2018/la-galaxy |title=LA Galaxy |website=www.mlssoccer.com}}
=LA Galaxy=
Álvarez made his senior team debut on March 2, 2019, and assisted on a goal during a 2–1 victory over the Chicago Fire.{{cite news |last=Boehm |first=Charles |date=March 2, 2019 |title=LA Galaxy Homegrown Efrain Alvarez sparks comeback win on MLS debut |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/03/02/la-galaxy-homegrown-efrain-alvarez-sparks-comeback-win-mls-debut |publisher=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=March 2, 2019}} On September 2, 2020, Álvarez scored his first MLS goal against the Portland Timbers, the first in a 3–2 win.{{cite web|title="Changed" LA Galaxy Homegrown standout Efrain Alvarez lauded for first MLS goal|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/09/03/changed-la-galaxy-homegrown-standout-efrain-alvarez-lauded-first-mls-goal}}
=Tijuana=
On 8 September 2023, Álvarez joined Liga MX club Tijuana.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/la-galaxy-transfer-efrain-alvarez-to-club-tijuana|title=LA Galaxy transfer Efraín Álvarez to Club Tijuana|publisher=MLS Soccer|date=8 September 2023}} He made his debut shortly after in Tijuana's 2–1 victory over Toluca on September 15, 2023, being substituted in for Eduardo Armenta in the 90th minute.
International career
Álvarez was eligible to play for the United States or Mexico, having been born in the United States to Mexican parents. He currently represents Mexico at the senior level after playing for the United States at the U-15 youth level, and once stated, "I'm not closing the door on anyone. I could still play for the U.S. or I could keep playing for Mexico. But I'm with Mexico right now and that's my focus."{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/30/la-galaxys-efrain-alvarez-remains-open-usmnt-international-switch|title=LA Galaxy's Efrain Alvarez remains open to USMNT international switch|website=www.mlssoccer.com}}
Álvarez originally represented the United States U15's. In April 2016, he served as their captain at the 2016 International Festival of Fútbol in Rosario, Argentina, starting all three matches and leading the United States to the title. In the opening match against Talleres de Córdoba, Álvarez scored three goals and assisted two more goals in a 5–1 victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2016/4/12/11418838/usa-soccer-u-15s-win-2016-international-festival-of-futbol|title=USA Soccer U-15s win 2016 fire International Festival of Futbol|website=www.starsandstripesfc.com|date=April 12, 2016}} He also scored against Uruguay U15s in a 2–0 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2016/04/11/20/13/160408-u15bnt-defeats-uruguay-2-0-to-win-2016-international-festival-of-futbol|title=U-15 BNT Defeats Uruguay 2-0 to Win 2016 International Festival of Futbol|website=www.ussoccer.com}} In June 2016, Álvarez was again called to the United States U15s, for a four-team tournament in Zagreb, Croatia in which he made one start against Croatia U15s.{{cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2016/06/07/15/31/160607-u15bnt-finishes-four-team-tournament-in-zagreb-croatia|title=U-15 BNT FINISHES FOUR-TEAM TOURNAMENT IN ZAGREB, CROATIA|website=www.ussoccer.com}}
Álvarez began playing for Mexico U15's in September 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/70436/mexico-raids-galaxy-academy-for-14-year-old-star.html|title=Mexico raids Galaxy academy for 14-year-old star|website=www.socceramerica.com|date=September 20, 2016 }} He scored a brace for them in a friendly 7–0 win over the Cayman Islands U17 on August 11, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://miseleccion.mx/la-snm-sub-15-vencio-islas-caiman/|title=La SNM Sub-15 venció a Islas Caimán - Mi Seleccion|website=miseleccion.mx}} He also represented the Mexico U15s in their championship-winning run at the 2017 CONCACAF Boys' Under-15 Championship, and provided the game-winning assist against his previous team, the United States U15s.{{cite web|url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/920800-los-dos-efrain-alvarez-kept-grounded-by-family|title=Los Dos' Efrain Alvarez Kept Grounded by Family|first=CHRIS HOCKMAN -|last=chris.hockman@uslsoccer.com|date=May 24, 2018}}
Álvarez debuted for the Mexico U17's team in a 1–0 win over the Argentina U17's, and scored the only goal in the match.{{cite web|url=https://miseleccion.mx/la-snm-sub-17-cerro-gira-empate/|title=La SNM Sub-17 cerró su gira con empate. - Mi Seleccion|website=miseleccion.mx}} He was included in the roster that would participate at the 2019 U-17 World Cup.{{cite web|title=Revelan lista del Tri para Mundial Sub-17; la encabeza la 'joya' que Zlatan alaba|date=July 10, 2019 |url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/seleccion-sub-17/lista-convocados-seleccion-mexicana-mundial-sub-17-brasil-2019}} He scored four goals in the tournament, scoring the winning goal from a free-kick in the semi-final against the Netherlands{{cite web|title=LA Galaxy's Efrain Alvarez shines at FIFA Under-17 World Cup for Mexico|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/16/la-galaxys-efrain-alvarez-shines-world-stage-mexico-u-17-world-cup}} as Mexico finished runner-up against Brazil.{{cite web|title=Brazil beat Mexico for U-17 World Cup title amid VAR controversy|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=559807}}
In November 2020, Álvarez was called up to the United States national team for a friendly match in Fort Lauderdale against El Salvador. However, he did not receive any playing minutes in that match due to not having yet filed a one-time switch to FIFA in order to officially play for the United States.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/la-galaxy/story/4246635/sources-la-galaxy-duo-efrain-alvarezjulian-araujo-in-usmnt-squad|title=Sources: LA Galaxy duo Efrain Alvarez, Julian Araujo in USMNT squad|website=www.espn.com|date=November 27, 2020}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/es-cl/noticias/efrain-alvarez-estados-unidos-cortesia-mexico/lotqqijknr2a1s0fpm6v5qhyl|title=Efraín Álvarez entrenará con EU por cortesía, pero quiere seguir con México|website=Goal|language=es|access-date=December 2, 2020}}
In March 2021, Álvarez was called up to the Mexico national team for friendly matches against Wales and Costa Rica. On March 30, he made his debut with the national team against Costa Rica, coming on as a substitute for Jesús Manuel Corona during the second half for a 1–0 victory.{{cite web|title=U.S.-born Efrain Alvarez makes Mexico debut as Lozano scores only goal against Costa Rica|date=March 31, 2021|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/international-friendly/story/4339893/us-born-efrain-alvarez-makes-mexico-debut-as-lozano-scores-only-goal-against-costa-rica}}
In June 2021, Álvarez confirmed his commitment to Mexico over overtures to play for the United States.{{Cite web|date=June 26, 2021|title=Official: Efraín Álvarez commits to Mexico national team|url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/06/26/football/1624728384_305899.html|access-date=July 11, 2021|website=AS.com|language=en|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711175610/https://en.as.com/en/2021/06/26/football/1624728384_305899.html|url-status=dead}} A few days later, he replaced the injured Rodolfo Pizarro on the upcoming 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup squad.{{cite web|title= Rodolfo Pizarro es baja de la Selección Mexicana; Efraín Álvarez toma su lugar|date=June 28, 2021|url= https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/seleccion-mayor/rodolfo-pizarro-baja-seleccion-mexicana-efrain-alvarez-toma}} On July 10, 2021, his appearance as a substitute against Trinidad and Tobago permanently cap-tied him to Mexico.{{Cite web|last=Rodriguez|first=Alicia|date=July 11, 2021|title=Efrain Alvarez's international future sealed after being cap-tied by Mexico|url=https://www.lagconfidential.com/2021/7/11/22572035/efrain-alvarez-international-future-sealed-cap-tied-by-mexico-la-galaxy|access-date=July 11, 2021|website=LAG Confidential|language=en}}
In May 2022, Álvarez was included in the under-21 roster that participated in the 2022 Maurice Revello Tournament,{{cite web |url=https://www.fmfstateofmind.com/2022/5/27/23142368/mexico-announce-squad-for-2022-tournoi-maurice-revello-touloun-france |title=Mexico announce squad for 2022 Toulon Tournament |date=May 27, 2022 |publisher=FMF State of Mind |access-date=27 May 2022}} scoring two goals, Mexico finished third.{{cite web |url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/seleccion-sub-21/resumen-del-partido-colombia-vs-mexico-maurice-revello-tercer-lugar |title=Tri Sub-21 se queda con el tercer lugar del Maurice Revello tras derrotar a Colombia |publisher=Mediotiempo |access-date=12 June 2022}}
Personal life
Efraín is the younger brother of professional soccer player Carlos Alvarez.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/920800-los-dos-efrain-alvarez-kept-grounded-by-family|title=Los Dos' Efrain Alvarez Kept Grounded by Family|first=CHRIS HOCKMAN-|last=chris.hockman@uslsoccer.com|date=May 24, 2018|website=USL Championship}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|17 February 2024}}{{soccerway|efrain-alvarez/492677}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | ||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Cup !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="4"|LA Galaxy II
|2017 |rowspan="3"|USL | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 1 | 0 | |||
| 2018
|17 | 12 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 17 | 12 | ||||
| 2019
|2 | 1 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 2 | 1 | ||||
| colspan=2|Total
!20 | 13 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 20 | 13 | ||||
| rowspan="6"|LA Galaxy
|2019 |rowspan="5"|MLS |14 | 0 | 2 | 2 | colspan=2|— | 2{{efn|name=LC|Appearances in Leagues Cup}} | 0 | 18 | 2 | ||
| 2020
|16 | 1 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 16 | 1 | ||||
| 2021
|26 | 2 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 26 | 2 | ||||
| 2022
|28 | 3 | 4 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 1{{efn|name=PO|Appearance in MLS Cup playoffs}} | 0 | 33 | 3 | ||
| 2023
|10 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 1{{efn|name=LC}} | 0 | 11 | 0 | |||
| colspan=2|Total
!94 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 104 | 8 | |
| rowspan="3"|Tijuana
|rowspan="2"|Liga MX |18 | 3 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 18 | 3 | ||||
| 2024–25
|0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | ||||
| colspan=2|Total
!18 | 3 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 3 | ||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!132 | 22 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 142 | 24 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 31 May 2024|{{NFT player|id=82218}}}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="2" valign="center"|Mexico
| 2021 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 | |
| colspan="2" | Total | 5 | 1 |
==International goals==
:Scores and results list Mexico's goal tally first.
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" | ||||||
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 31 May 2024 | Soldier Field, Chicago, United States | {{fb|BOL}} | align=center | 1–0 | align=center | 1–0 | Friendly |
Honours
Mexico U17
- CONCACAF U-17 Championship: 2019
- FIFA U-17 World Cup runner-up: 2019
Mexico
- CONCACAF Nations League: 2024–25{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-03-24 |title=Mexico win first Nations League final thanks to Raúl Jiménez double |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/24/mexico-concacaf-nations-league-panama-raul-jimenez#:~:text=Ra%C3%BAl%20Jim%C3%A9nez%20scored%20his%20second,tournament%20for%20the%20first%20time. |access-date=2025-03-24 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}
Individual
- USL Championship Young Player of the Year: 2018
- IFFHS CONCACAF Youth Best XI: 2021{{cite web | url=https://www.iffhs.com/posts/1565 | title=IFFHS }}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{MLS player|efrain-alvarez}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20171008232855/https://www.lagalaxy.com/players/efrain-alvarez Efraín Álvarez] at LA Galaxy (archived)
- {{Soccerway|efrain-alvarez/492677}}
- {{U.S. Soccer player|a/efrain-alvarez|archive=20180528135651}}
{{Club Tijuana squad}}
{{Mexico squad 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup}}
{{USL Championship Young Player of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Alvarez, Efrain}}
Category:Soccer players from Los Angeles
Category:Mexican men's footballers
Category:Mexico men's international footballers
Category:Mexico men's youth international footballers
Category:American men's soccer players
Category:United States men's youth international soccer players
Category:American sportspeople of Mexican descent
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Ventura County FC players
Category:USL Championship players
Category:Major League Soccer players
Category:Homegrown Players (MLS)
Category:2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup players