EfraÃÂn ÃÂlvarez (born 19 June 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Liga MX club Guadalajara. Born in the United States, he represents the Mexico national team.
ÃÂlvarez was included in The Guardian's "Next Generation 2019".
Born in Los Angeles, California, ÃÂlvarez signed with LA Galaxy II of the United Soccer League on August 2, 2017. In signing with the side, ÃÂlvarez became the youngest signing in USL history, ahead of the previous holder Alphonso Davies, at 15 years, one month, and 14 days. ÃÂlvarez 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 3âÂÂ2. In playing, ÃÂlvarez became the youngest player to ever play a USL match. ÃÂlvarez was moved to parent club LA Galaxy ahead of their 2018 season, but was loaned back to the reserve team.
ÃÂlvarez made his senior team debut on March 2, 2019, and assisted on a goal during a 2âÂÂ1 victory over the Chicago Fire. On September 2, 2020, ÃÂlvarez scored his first MLS goal against the Portland Timbers, the first in a 3âÂÂ2 win.
On 8 September 2023, ÃÂlvarez joined Liga MX club Tijuana. He made his debut shortly after in Tijuana's 2âÂÂ1 victory over Toluca on September 15, 2023, being substituted in for Eduardo Armenta in the 90th minute.
On May 31, 2025, Guadalajara reached a 4-year agreement to sign ÃÂlvarez for a reported fee of $8 million, with an option to extend one more year. Prior to the start of the season, it was announced ÃÂlvarez would wear the number 10 jersey. ÃÂlvarez made his debut with the club on July 19 on 2nd Matchday of the Apertura against León, coming on a substitute on the 68th minute for Cade Cowell in a 1âÂÂ0 loss. On August 22, ÃÂlvarez scored his first goal with Chivas in a 3âÂÂ3 away tie against Tijuana.
ÃÂlvarez 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."
ÃÂlvarez 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, ÃÂlvarez scored three goals and assisted two more goals in a 5âÂÂ1 victory. He also scored against Uruguay U15s in a 2âÂÂ0 win. In June 2016, ÃÂlvarez 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.
ÃÂlvarez began playing for Mexico U15's in September 2016. He scored a brace for them in a friendly 7âÂÂ0 win over the Cayman Islands U17 on August 11, 2017. 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.
ÃÂlvarez debuted for the Mexico U17's team in a 1âÂÂ0 win over the Argentina U17's, and scored the only goal in the match. He was included in the roster that would participate at the 2019 U-17 World Cup. He scored four goals in the tournament, scoring the winning goal from a free-kick in the semi-final against the Netherlands as Mexico finished runner-up against Brazil.
In November 2020, ÃÂlvarez 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.
In March 2021, ÃÂlvarez 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 1âÂÂ0 victory.
In June 2021, ÃÂlvarez confirmed his commitment to Mexico over overtures to play for the United States. A few days later, he replaced the injured Rodolfo Pizarro on the upcoming 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup squad. On July 10, 2021, his appearance as a substitute against Trinidad and Tobago permanently cap-tied him to Mexico.
In May 2022, ÃÂlvarez was included in the under-21 roster that participated in the 2022 Maurice Revello Tournament, scoring two goals, Mexico finished third.
On May 31, 2024, in a friendly match against Bolivia, ÃÂlvarez scored his first goal with Mexico in a 1âÂÂ0 victory.
ÃÂlvarez was included in the Mexico national team roster by Javier Aguirre to participate at the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League Finals and the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where Mexico won both competitions.
EfraÃÂn is the younger brother of professional soccer player Carlos Alvarez.
Mexico U17
Mexico
Individual