Efraín Álvarez Biography Efraín Álvarez born June 19, 2002 is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Liga MX club Tijuana. Although born in the United States, Álvarez represents the Mexico national team. He was named to The Guardian’s “Next Generation 2019” list.
Efraín Álvarez Biography 2024
Efraín Álvarez was once praised as the “best talent in Major League Soccer” by his former teammate Zlatan Ibrahimović. Galaxy coach Greg Vanney echoed similar sentiments, saying that every player who worked with Álvarez recognized his immense potential. However, consistency remained a challenge for the talented midfielder. On Friday, the LA Galaxy officially confirmed that the 21-year-old, who hails from East Los Angeles, was transferred to Club Tijuana in Mexico’s Liga MX. Vanney explained that the interest from Tijuana had grown over the past few weeks, with the club expressing interest and Álvarez’s agent exploring potential options for him. Vanney further emphasized that the Galaxy always considers the best path for their young players, focusing on their development, career trajectory, and potential success.his growth, whether at the Galaxy or elsewhere.
Efraín Álvarez Biography 2024 Details
| Full name | Efraín Álvarez |
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| Date of birth | 19 June 2002 (age 22) |
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| Place of birth | East Los Angeles, California, United States |
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| Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
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| Position(s) | Attacking midfielder |
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Efraín Álvarez Latest News
The Los Angeles, California native, Efraín Álvarez, signed his first professional contract with LA Galaxy II at the age of 15 on August 2, 2017, making him the youngest signing in USL Championship history at the time. During his debut season in 2017, Álvarez made one appearance for Los Dos. In the 2018 USL Championship regular season, he impressed with a team-high 12 goals and four assists in 17 games, including 13 starts. For his outstanding performance, Álvarez was named the 2018 USL Young Player of the Year. While part of the LA Galaxy Boys’ Academy, Álvarez played a key role in leading the U-17/18 team to the USSDA Championships at StubHub Center in July 2017, scoring in the quarterfinal, semifinal, and championship matches.
On the international stage, Álvarez has earned four caps for the Mexico Men’s National Team, most recently coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3–0 victory over Guatemala in the Concacaf Gold Cup on July 14. In addition, Álvarez had an impressive run with the Mexico U-17 team at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, registering four goals and two assists in seven matches (five starts), helping Mexico reach the final of the tournament.
About Efraín Álvarez
Efraín Álvarez is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Liga MX club Tijuana. Born in the United States, he plays for the Mexico national team. He was included in The Guardian’s “Next Generation 2019”.
- Born: 19 June 2002 (age 22 years), Los Angeles, California, United States
- Current teams: Club Tijuana (#11 / Midfielder) ·
- Dates joined: 2018 (LA Galaxy), 2017 (Ventura County FC)
- Weight: 68 kg
- Nationality: American, Mexican
- Height: 1.73 m
Club Career
Álvarez was born in Los Angeles, California, and signed with LA Galaxy II in the United Soccer League (USL) on August 2, 2017. At just 15 years, one month, and 14 days old, he became the youngest player in USL history, surpassing Alphonso Davies. Álvarez made his professional debut for LA Galaxy II on October 7, 2017, coming on as a substitute in the 46th minute in a 3–2 win over Portland Timbers 2. In doing so, he became the youngest player to ever feature in a USL match. Álvarez was later promoted to the senior LA Galaxy team ahead of the 2018 season but continued to be loaned to the reserve team.
He made his debut for LA Galaxy’s senior team on March 2, 2019, providing an assist in a 2–1 win over Chicago Fire. On September 2, 2020, he scored his first MLS goal against Portland Timbers in a 3–2 victory. Álvarez transferred to Liga MX club Tijuana. He made his debut for the club shortly thereafter, coming on as a substitute in the 90th minute of Tijuana’s 2–1 win over Toluca on September 15, 2023.
International Career
Álvarez, born in the United States to Mexican parents, was eligible to play for either the U.S. or Mexico. While he initially represented the United States at the U-15 level, he currently plays for Mexico at the senior level. He has expressed that he remains open to both options, stating, “I’m not closing the door on anyone. I could still play for the U.S. or keep playing for Mexico. But I’m with Mexico right now, and that’s my focus.”
Álvarez first played for the U.S. U-15 team, where he captained the side during the 2016 International Festival of Fútbol in Rosario, Argentina. He played all three matches, leading the U.S. to victory. In the opening match against Talleres de Córdoba, Álvarez scored three goals and assisted two more in a 5–1 win. He also scored against Uruguay U-15s in a 2–0 victory. Later, in June 2016, he represented the U.S. at another youth tournament in Zagreb, Croatia, where he made one start against Croatia’s U-15 team.
