Julián Álvarez: From River's youth academy to world star
The story of Julián Álvarez is an inspiring example of talent, effort, and dedication. From his beginnings in River Plate’s youth academy, the young Argentinian showed exceptional quality that would catapult him to the elite of world football.
At 15, he joined the club’s youth ranks, living in the boarding house inside the stadium and studying at the club’s school, a clear example of River’s commitment to the comprehensive development of its young promises.
Roberto Gustavo ‘Tito’ Gil, coordinator of Casa River, remembers Julián as a simple and approachable person, who shared moments watching the Champions League with his teammates. One anecdote that stands out is ‘Tito’s unfulfilled promise to make him a ball boy, a step that his meteoric rise prevented him from taking.
Claudio Moscardini, a teacher at Colegio River, highlights the humility, camaraderie, and values of the club that always characterized Julián. His teammates already sensed his goalscoring instinct, a quality that would define him as a footballer.
Marcelo Gallardo was key to his arrival in the first team, where he debuted in the 18-19 Super League. In 2022, he made the leap to Manchester City, establishing himself as a global figure. However, in River Plate, and surely in the hearts of many Atlético de Madrid fans, they still dream of his return. Julián Álvarez embodies the values and competitive spirit that we so admire in the world of football.
