Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez, at just 24 years old, stands on the verge of achieving what many would consider the pinnacle of a footballing career. Over the next few weeks, Alvarez has the chance to clinch an Olympic gold at Paris 2024, completing an already illustrious collection of titles.
Less than two years ago, Alvarez was part of the Argentina squad that secured victory in Qatar, winning the 2022 World Cup. This monumental achievement was followed by an extraordinary debut season with Manchester City, where he captured the treble – the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
This feat made him the first player in history to become a world champion and a domestic treble winner in the same season. Additionally, Alvarez has won the Copa America and the Finalissima, leaving him just short of an Olympic gold to claim he has won every major football accolade.
Argentina at Paris 2024: The Journey So Far
Argentina is no stranger to Olympic success, having won gold in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. The team's current campaign, led by Javier Mascherano, himself a two-time gold medalist, aims to replicate this success.
However, their journey at Paris 2024 began with controversy. In their opening match against Morocco, Argentina faced a dramatic 2-1 defeat. The game, marred by a late offside ruling, saw the players temporarily leave the field before returning to play the final minutes, ultimately unable to equalize.
Determined to bounce back, Argentina faced Iraq in a must-win match. Alvarez shone brightly, providing two assists and leading his team to a decisive 3-1 victory. This win bolstered their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
The Road Ahead
With a game against Ukraine on 30 July, Argentina's fate hangs in the balance. A victory would secure their place in the knockout stages and provide Alvarez the opportunity to add an Olympic gold to his list of accolades.
While domestic trophies are always coveted, nothing surpasses the achievement of a treble. In international football, Alvarez has already ticked off every major accolade. An Olympic gold would be the crowning glory of his career, cementing his status as one of football's all-time greats... Read more