{"id":264056,"first_name":"Edson Omar","last_name":"Álvarez Velázquez","short_name":"E. Álvarez ","common_name":"Edson Álvarez","place_of_birth":"Tlalnepantla de Baz, Estado de México","gender":"male","height":185,"weight":71,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T07:01:16.825Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:06:40.979Z","locale":"en","age":27,"stb_id":"edson-alvarez","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Edson Álvarez","top_position":null,"introduction":"Edson Omar Álvarez Velázquez, born on 24 October 1997, is a prominent Mexican professional footballer known for his versatile roles as a defensive midfielder and center-back. Currently, he showcases his talents at Premier League club West Ham United and serves as the captain for the Mexico national team. Álvarez is celebrated for his commanding presence on the field, his strategic defensive abilities, and his leadership qualities. His career is marked by significant achievements both at club and national levels, including key contributions to victories and numerous individual accolades.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years \nEdson Álvarez was born in Tlalnepantla de Baz, a municipality located just north of Mexico City, to his parents Adriana Velázquez and Evaristo Álvarez. Growing up in a family involved in the manufacturing of football kits, Álvarez was introduced to football from a young age, sparking his interest in the sport. Despite facing challenges due to his short stature as a child, his parents' belief in his potential played a crucial role in his perseverance in pursuing a career in professional football.\n\n## Youth Career \nÁlvarez's initial foray into professional football began at the age of 10 when he joined Pachuca. However, after two years, he left the club, contemplating ending his football aspirations. Encouraged by his parents, he decided to try out for Club América's youth team, which marked a turning point in his journey. After a challenging three-month tryout, he successfully joined the team, enduring a grueling daily commute from his home in Tlalnepantla to Coapa for practice, dedicating nearly 70 percent of his salary to transportation expenses. His early years at Club América laid the foundation for a successful professional career.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career \n### América \nIn 2014, Álvarez joined Club América's youth system at the age of 16, playing initially for the under-17 team. Over time, his talent and dedication led to rapid progress, and by 2015 he was part of América's second division team. Álvarez's potential was recognized by first-team coach Ignacio Ambríz in 2016, leading to his debut with the senior squad in October of the same year under coach Ricardo La Volpe. He first made a significant impact by playing the full 90 minutes in a win over Santos Laguna and scored his first career goal in the Apertura final against Tigres UANL.\n\nÁlvarez's reputation grew as he played a pivotal role in Club América, highlighted by his performances in the 2018 Apertura final against Cruz Azul, where he scored twice, leading his team to clinch the league title. By 2019, he had reached the milestone of 100 competitive appearances for América.\n\n### Ajax \nOn 19 July 2019, Álvarez transitioned to European football when Dutch club AFC Ajax secured his services on a five-year contract for a reported fee of US$17 million, with an official transfer sum of €15 million. At Ajax, he was given the number 4 shirt. Álvarez marked his Ajax debut as a substitute in a league victory over VVV-Venlo and made immediate impact by scoring in his first start against APOEL in the UEFA Champions League play-off round. His performance in the Champions League was further solidified when he scored in the group stage against Lille.\n\nDuring his tenure at Ajax, Álvarez won the Eredivisie title twice and the KNVB Cup, and was nominated for league Player of the Year. His consistent performances earned him a contract extension until 2025.\n\n### West Ham United \nIn August 2023, Álvarez made a significant move to the Premier League, signing with West Ham United on a five-year deal for a reported £35 million fee. He made his debut in a victory against Chelsea and quickly adapted to the league, scoring his first goal for the club in a Europa League win over SC Freiburg.\n\n## National Team Career \n### Youth National Teams \nÁlvarez's international career began with the Mexican under-20 team, where he shone brightly, being included in the best XI at the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. His performances were instrumental in Mexico's journey to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.\n\n### Senior National Team \nÁlvarez debuted for the senior Mexico team in February 2017 in a friendly match against Iceland. His participation in major tournaments kicked off in the same year with the Gold Cup, where he became the youngest Mexican player to score in the event. Álvarez took part in the 2018 World Cup, serving as the youngest member of the squad, and was notably part of Mexico's 2019 Gold Cup-winning team. He continued to represent Mexico in the 2022 World Cup, showcasing his skills on the international stage.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics \nÁlvarez is renowned for his versatility, adept at playing both as a defensive midfielder and center-back, roles that require a blend of tactical intelligence and physical prowess. His key skills include excellent ball interception, strong aerial ability, and tactical acumen. His leadership on the field is highlighted by his ability to read the game and make crucial defensive contributions.\n\n## Performance Statistics \nÁlvarez has consistently demonstrated high performance levels, reflected in his appearances for both club and country, with notable statistics in goals and key defensive metrics.\n\n## Records \nÁlvarez holds the record as the youngest Mexican player to score in a Gold Cup tournament, among several honors achieved throughout his club and international career.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements \n### Team Achievements \n- América: Liga MX Apertura (2018), Copa MX Clausura (2019) \n- Ajax: Eredivisie titles (2020–21, 2021–22), KNVB Cup (2020–21) \n- Mexico: CONCACAF Gold Cup (2019, 2023)\n\n### Individual Achievements \n- CONCACAF U-20 Championship Best XI (2017) \n- CONCACAF Best XI (2018, 2021) \n- CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI (2021) \n- Eredivisie Team of the Month: April 2021, May 2022, January 2023, February 2023 \n- IFFHS CONCACAF Best XI (2020)\n\n## Awards and Recognition \nÁlvarez has received numerous awards recognizing his contributions and performance in both domestic leagues and international tournaments, solidifying his status as one of the prominent figures in Mexican football.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview \nEdson Álvarez has carved out a significant legacy in football through his contributions to both club and national team successes. He is celebrated for his ability to perform consistently at the highest levels and his impact as a central figure in various tournaments.\n\n## Off the Field \nOff the field, Álvarez maintains a positive public image, engaging in various community activities, though specific commercial and charitable engagements are not detailed in the source.\n\n## Personal Life \nDetails about Álvarez's personal life, including family and off-field interests, are limited in the provided source. However, his early background and dedication to the sport reflect a commitment that extends beyond the pitch.","stb_internal_id":"0193056d-66e3-7de7-9c9a-706cad5418ed","overrides":null,"type_code":"defender","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"defensive-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Edson Omar Álvarez Velázquez, born on 24 October 1997, is a prominent Mexican professional footballer known for his versatile roles as a defensive midfielder and center-back. Currently, he showcases his talents at Premier League club West Ham United and serves as the captain for the Mexico national team. Álvarez is celebrated for his commanding presence on the field, his strategic defensive abilities, and his leadership qualities. His career is marked by significant achievements both at club and national levels, including key contributions to victories and numerous individual accolades.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Edson Álvarez was born in Tlalnepantla de Baz, a municipality located just north of Mexico City, to his parents Adriana Velázquez and Evaristo Álvarez. Growing up in a family involved in the manufacturing of football kits, Álvarez was introduced to football from a young age, sparking his interest in the sport. Despite facing challenges due to his short stature as a child, his parents' belief in his potential played a crucial role in his perseverance in pursuing a career in professional football.

Youth Career

Álvarez's initial foray into professional football began at the age of 10 when he joined Pachuca. However, after two years, he left the club, contemplating ending his football aspirations. Encouraged by his parents, he decided to try out for Club América's youth team, which marked a turning point in his journey. After a challenging three-month tryout, he successfully joined the team, enduring a grueling daily commute from his home in Tlalnepantla to Coapa for practice, dedicating nearly 70 percent of his salary to transportation expenses. His early years at Club América laid the foundation for a successful professional career.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

América

In 2014, Álvarez joined Club América's youth system at the age of 16, playing initially for the under-17 team. Over time, his talent and dedication led to rapid progress, and by 2015 he was part of América's second division team. Álvarez's potential was recognized by first-team coach Ignacio Ambríz in 2016, leading to his debut with the senior squad in October of the same year under coach Ricardo La Volpe. He first made a significant impact by playing the full 90 minutes in a win over Santos Laguna and scored his first career goal in the Apertura final against Tigres UANL.

Álvarez's reputation grew as he played a pivotal role in Club América, highlighted by his performances in the 2018 Apertura final against Cruz Azul, where he scored twice, leading his team to clinch the league title. By 2019, he had reached the milestone of 100 competitive appearances for América.

Ajax

On 19 July 2019, Álvarez transitioned to European football when Dutch club AFC Ajax secured his services on a five-year contract for a reported fee of US$17 million, with an official transfer sum of €15 million. At Ajax, he was given the number 4 shirt. Álvarez marked his Ajax debut as a substitute in a league victory over VVV-Venlo and made immediate impact by scoring in his first start against APOEL in the UEFA Champions League play-off round. His performance in the Champions League was further solidified when he scored in the group stage against Lille.

During his tenure at Ajax, Álvarez won the Eredivisie title twice and the KNVB Cup, and was nominated for league Player of the Year. His consistent performances earned him a contract extension until 2025.

West Ham United

In August 2023, Álvarez made a significant move to the Premier League, signing with West Ham United on a five-year deal for a reported £35 million fee. He made his debut in a victory against Chelsea and quickly adapted to the league, scoring his first goal for the club in a Europa League win over SC Freiburg.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Álvarez's international career began with the Mexican under-20 team, where he shone brightly, being included in the best XI at the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. His performances were instrumental in Mexico's journey to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Senior National Team

Álvarez debuted for the senior Mexico team in February 2017 in a friendly match against Iceland. His participation in major tournaments kicked off in the same year with the Gold Cup, where he became the youngest Mexican player to score in the event. Álvarez took part in the 2018 World Cup, serving as the youngest member of the squad, and was notably part of Mexico's 2019 Gold Cup-winning team. He continued to represent Mexico in the 2022 World Cup, showcasing his skills on the international stage.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Álvarez is renowned for his versatility, adept at playing both as a defensive midfielder and center-back, roles that require a blend of tactical intelligence and physical prowess. His key skills include excellent ball interception, strong aerial ability, and tactical acumen. His leadership on the field is highlighted by his ability to read the game and make crucial defensive contributions.

Performance Statistics

Álvarez has consistently demonstrated high performance levels, reflected in his appearances for both club and country, with notable statistics in goals and key defensive metrics.

Records

Álvarez holds the record as the youngest Mexican player to score in a Gold Cup tournament, among several honors achieved throughout his club and international career.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

América: Liga MX Apertura (2018), Copa MX Clausura (2019)
Ajax: Eredivisie titles (2020–21, 2021–22), KNVB Cup (2020–21)
Mexico: CONCACAF Gold Cup (2019, 2023)

Individual Achievements

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, May 2022, January 2023, February 2023
IFFHS CONCACAF Best XI (2020)

Awards and Recognition

Álvarez has received numerous awards recognizing his contributions and performance in both domestic leagues and international tournaments, solidifying his status as one of the prominent figures in Mexican football.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Edson Álvarez has carved out a significant legacy in football through his contributions to both club and national team successes. He is celebrated for his ability to perform consistently at the highest levels and his impact as a central figure in various tournaments.

Off the Field

Off the field, Álvarez maintains a positive public image, engaging in various community activities, though specific commercial and charitable engagements are not detailed in the source.

Personal Life

Details about Álvarez's personal life, including family and off-field interests, are limited in the provided source. However, his early background and dedication to the sport reflect a commitment that extends beyond the pitch.

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Edson Álvarez: Career