The Story of Edson Alvarez: Growing Up in a Family of Kit Makers

In this article, we dive into the full life story of Edson Alvarez. As a child, he started out working in his family’s business, making football kits for local teams, which sparked his initial interest in the sport. Despite his early passion, Álvarez struggled with his small stature, which led to his first attempt at joining a soccer team ending in disappointment. At just 10 years old, he joined Pachuca but left the club two years later for the same reason. Although he considered quitting football, his parents, who believed in his talent, encouraged him to keep chasing his sporting dream of becoming a professional footballer.

The Story of Edson Alvarez: Growing Up in a Family of Kit Makers

The Story of Edson Alvarez: Growing Up in a Family of Kit Makers

Preamble:

Our biography of Edson Alvarez delves deeper than just his career highlights. It covers his childhood and early life, including details about his parents, Adriana Velázquez and Evaristo Álvarez, as well as his family background. We also explore his personal life, including his wife, Sofia Toache, their daughter, Valentina Álvarez, his siblings, and other relatives. Additionally, this bio provides insight into his family origins, ethnicity, religion, hometown, and personal lifestyle.

We hope to spark your interest in autobiographies as you explore this biography of Edson Álvarez. To start, take a look at this gallery that traces his journey from childhood to becoming a key member of the Mexican national team. Edson Álvarez’s remarkable soccer career has truly been a long and inspiring journey.

Edson Álvarez's Childhood Story and Biography - Behold his story from boyhood until his rise to fame.

Edson Álvarez’s Childhood Story and Biography – Behold his story from boyhood until his rise to fame.

It’s well-known that Álvarez excels in midfield with his impressive stats, combining skill and grit to dominate the centre of the pitch. Full-back Emerson Palmieri recently praised him in an interview with The Athletic, saying,

“Edson is a defensive powerhouse and works incredibly hard. You might not always notice him with the ball, but without it, he’s exceptional—constantly running and covering ground for the team.”

However, in writing about Mexican footballers, we notice a knowledge gap. The truth is, not many fans have read Edson Alvarez’s Biography, which is quite interesting. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

Edson Alvarez’s Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, the professional football player was born Edson Omar Álvarez Velázquez is the third child of his parents – Mother (Adriana Velázquez) and Father (Evaristo Álvarez) on the 24th day of October 1997 in Tlalnepantla, north of Mexico City.

Edson Alvarez Velázquez arrived on earth on a favourable Friday to his daddy and mummy.

The Tlalnepantla-born sportsman came amid his elder brother and sister from the union of their parents (Adriana Velázquez and Evaristo Álvarez), whose photos we have displayed.

Behold Edson Alvarez's Parents - Mother(Adriana Velázquez) and Father (Evaristo Álvarez).

Behold Edson Alvarez’s Parents – Mother(Adriana Velázquez) and Father (Evaristo Álvarez).

Growing-up years:

As a child, he worked for his family’s business, producing football jerseys for local teams. The job was his first invasion into the sport.

At 14, Álvarez tried out for the youth team of Pachuca, though Álvarez did not make the team because of his short stature.

Considering quitting football, to the defiance of his parents, who believed he had the talent to pursue his dream of playing professionally, Álvarez tried out for Club América’s youth team, finally making the team after a three-month tryout.

A collage of Edson Alvarez's earliest pictures.

A collage of Edson Alvarez’s earliest pictures.

Herrera would make it to the daily team practices through a three-to-four-hour round trip commute from his home in Tlalnepantla and the club’s drill ground in Coapa.

Corresponding to Álvarez, he would spend 70% of his monthly salary on transportation. The talented football player is not the only child of his parents.

So he grew up with his brother and sister. His brother enjoyed it and played football. Thus, we can crucially say that his passion for the foot game stemmed from his childhood interactions with his elder brother.

At 14, Álvarez tried out for the youth team of Pachuca, though he did not make the team.

At 14, Álvarez tried out for the youth team of Pachuca, though he did not make the team.

Edson Alvarez Family Background:

The Baller, back in the years, would help his father and mother run the household business as a child. Álvarez’s parents (Adriana Velázquez and Evaristo Álvarez) is in the business of manufacturing football jerseys for local teams.

The family had an undying love for the football game. So, we could say that Edson Álvarez belonged to a middle-class home.

The Mexican football player had hardworking parents who were ready and capable of seeing their children’s successful careers. The essential needs of food, housing and clothing were not a concern.

Edson Alvarez Family Origin:

As stated earlier, the sportsperson’s full name is Edson Omar Álvarez Velázquez. In this Spanish name, the paternal surname is Álvarez, and the second or maternal family name is Velázquez.

It is cultural for Mexicans to have two surnames. The two surnames of any name are ancestral, with the father’s family name followed by the mother’s family name.

The football talent Edson Alvarez bears a surname of Spanish origin. In this Spanish name, the paternal surname is Álvarez, and the second or maternal family name is Velázquez.

Álvarez (sometimes Alvarez) is a Spanish surname, a patronymic meaning “son of Álvaro”. Likewise, the name Velázquez, also Velazquez, Velásquez or Velasquez, is the last name from Spain. It is a family name that means “son of Velasco.”

In line with the above, Edson Alvarez was born in one of 125 communities in the state of Mexico, north of Mexico City. We know the municipality as Tlalnepantla de Baz. Thus, He speaks Spanish, though with a distinct Mexican flavour.

So, we can imperatively say that the AFC Ajax Baller is Hispanic. His nationality is Mexican. Following next is a photographic representation of Edson Alvarez’s ethnic roots.

A pictorial display of Edson Álvarez's family roots.

A pictorial display of Edson Álvarez’s family roots.

Edson Álvarez Ethnicity:

Regarding his cultural identification, the Defensive midfielder and centre-back footballer identifies with the Mexican people. He belongs to the Latino ethnic group that is indigenous to Mexico. So, Edson Álvarez speaks Spanish.

Research has it that his ethnic identification (the Tlalnepantla de Baz people of Mexico) is one of 125 communities in the state of Mexico, north of Mexico City. Tlalnepantla runs from the Náhuatl words tlalli (land) and nepantla (middle) to mean the middle land.

He belongs to the Latino ethnic group that is indigenous to Mexico.

He belongs to the Latino ethnic group that is indigenous to Mexico.

Edson Alvarez Education:

Despite how difficult it is to combine professional football with conventional education or schooling, the Mexican football star attended good schools.

Alvarez got and completed his academic qualifications in his hometown. His football talent got discovered and honed during elementary and secondary school.

Following this, Edson Alvarez joined the América youth academy, a Mexican football club and school with a notably high standard for player intelligence and mental strength. The academy is the most successful and popular club in Mexico.

He joined the América youth academy for player intelligence and mental strength.

He joined the América youth academy for player intelligence and mental strength.

Career Buildup:

With lots of determination, he began his career as a teenager. At 16, Álvarez entered Club América’s youth system, playing for the under-17 team. The succeeding year, while playing for the under-17 squad, Álvarez got promoted to América’s second division team.

In August 2016, the first team coach, Ignacio Ambríz, gave Álvarez his initial call-up, sitting on the bench in América’s week five league game against Monarcas Morelia, using jersey number 282.

At 16, Álvarez entered Club América's youth system, playing for the under-17 team.

At 16, Álvarez entered Club América’s youth system, playing for the under-17 team.

Shortly after, the new coach, Ricardo La Volpe, gave 19-year-old Álvarez his Liga MX debut in a match against Santos Laguna. He played the full 90 minutes and was voted third in a Man of the Match poll conducted online by the club’s fans.

On the 25th day of December of the same year, he scored his first professional goal in the Apertura final against Tigres UANL.

Before the start of the 2017–18 season, Álvarez received the number four shirts, which got vacated following the departure of Erik Pimentel.

Edson Alvarez Biography – Football Story:

Rising through the ranks, Álvarez was selected for the under-20 team camp as they prepared for the CONCACAF U-20 Championship, which was a stepping stone to the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He got included in the tournament’s best XI.

They included Alvarez in the World Cup under-20 squad and scored the goal in Mexico’s 3–2 win over Group B minnows Vanuatu.

On the 16th day of December 2018, Álvarez got the start for the return leg of the Apertura final over Cruz Azul, playing in midfield in place of the injured Mateus Uribe and recorded two wins as América won its 13th league title following a 2–0 aggregate score.

Álvarez established his 100th competitive appearance for América in the team’s 3–0 victory in 2019.

Edson Alvarez Biography – Rise to Fame:

Since Alvarez joined Ajax on the 22nd of July 2019, he has become a different footballer. On the 21st day of March 2021, Álvarez scored his initial Eredivisie goal for Ajax in a 5–0 victory against ADO Den Haag.

After his second season, he was nominated for best league player. Next was the announcement on the 27th day of October 2021 that Álvarez signed a contract extension with Ajax until 2025.

On April 30, 2022, Edson was inducted into the club’s Van 100, recognizing his 100th appearance in a 3–0 victory against PEC Zwolle. He became the 174th player in the club’s history to reach this milestone.

Love Life with Sofia Toache:

The Mexican Baller’s career has been pretty interesting. He met with his girlfriend in 2018. However, we are not pretty sure how they met. Who knows? It could have been love at first sight.

The two were quickly drawn to each other’s charm, and it was just a matter of time before one of them made the first move.

After they started going out more often, they realized they had to spend the rest of their lives together. But then, they became separated when Alvarez moved to the Netherlands.

Due to the country’s law, Sofia, a minor then, couldn’t enter Dutch territory. It was tough for the couple, but they survived the separation because of solid understanding. Sofia later moved to join him in Amsterdam when she came of age.

Edson Álvarez Wife – Sofia Toache:

Sofia Toache is widely recognized as the girlfriend of Ajax star Edson Alvarez. Despite her youth, she has achieved considerable success in her career, making a name for herself as a leading model and Instagram influencer.

Sofia attended a local high school in Mexico, where her curiosity drove her to seek out detailed explanations and spend hours researching topics that intrigued her.

She later enrolled at the Autonomous University of Mexico on the Azcapotzalco campus. Unfortunately, there isn’t much information available about her specific major.

The Mexican beauty, Sofia Toache, with her husband and daughter.

The Mexican beauty, Sofia Toache, with her husband and daughter.

Sofia Toache and Edson Alvarez Kids:

Sofia Toache and Edson Alvarez welcomed their first child just a year after their marriage. Sofia gave birth to their daughter, Valentina Alvarez, on October 23, 2019. At that time, Toache had to remain in London with her baby because she was unable to enter the Netherlands.

Sofia Toache Social media:

Toache has earned a vital fan following on Instagram. Many know Edson Álvarez’s wife, Sofía Toache, for lightning up the beach with her daring bikinis. She mostly shares captivating pictures of her beach attires on her social media handles.

Sofía Toache has over 128k loyal followers, and her fanbase is continuously growing. She also posts reels from her gym training sessions and shares photos of her daughter, Valentina Alvarez, and her partner on her feed.

Sofia Toache mostly shares captivating pictures of Edson Álvarez and their daughter, Valentina Alvarez.

Sofia Toache mostly shares captivating pictures of Edson Álvarez and their daughter, Valentina Alvarez.

Edson Alvarez Family Life:

Despite many barriers in his life, Edson Álvarez has achieved enormous success in his professional and personal life. He has the backing of a caring family that has helped him become the outstanding person he is today.

In a report, Edson stated that as far as Mexico and Central America are concerned, family is an essential thing. Thus, follow along to learn about the Baller’s household members and his Family Life.

Edson Alvarez’s Father:

To start with, his name is Evaristo Álvarez. Likewise, a Mexican, he is an ardent lover of the foot game. So, he engaged in businesses that revolved around football outfits and equipment.

Evaristo Álvarez got involved in manufacturing jerseys worn by his neighbourhood’s local football clubs. With hard work and consistency, the venture became a family business. So far, He must have played a crucial role in the upbringing of the talented footballer.

Despite the massive task of raising his kids, Evaristo Álvarez gave his best duty as a father to see to the outstanding performance of Edson and his siblings. He maintains a close bond with his dad.

A photo of Edson Álvarez' with his dad, Evaristo Álvarez.

A photo of Edson Álvarez’ with his dad, Evaristo Álvarez.

According to Edson, one saying about life that he would never forget about his dad is, ‘You have to battle for the life you want.’

His parents recognized his talent and supported his dream of becoming a professional player. After being refused by a youth club at 14, they encouraged him to keep trying out for teams.

Edson Alvarez’s Mother:

Adriana Velázquez is her name. She has also supported her Son, Edson Álvarez and his siblings. She remains happy and so proud of Edward’s performances. To help keep their home running smoothly, she joined her husband, Evaristo, in the family’s jersey manufacturing business. It is evident that her hard work and unrelenting efforts is part of what made Edson a successful soccer star.

A photo of Edson Álvarez with his mum, Adriana Velázquez.

A photo of Edson Álvarez with his mum, Adriana Velázquez.

Together with her husband, Adriana Velázquez gave their kids a good education, good ethics and values that moulded the personalities of their children. The duo come to watch their son play at the stadium.

Edson reports what his mum said to him at one time: ‘You have to make smart decisions in life, including football.’ I’ve understood a lot from both of them.”

Edson Alvarez’s Siblings:

As mentioned before, the professional footballer was born with his brother and sister. Even though there is little information about each of his siblings, it is clear that his elder brother supported him right from childhood.

Edson says, “If I got picked on in the street, my brother was always there to protect me.” He was always there to defend Edson and support him.

A picture of little Edson Álvarez with his elder brother.

A picture of little Edson Álvarez with his elder brother.

Edson Alvarez’s brother sends messages before and after every game, like, “Success, the bro, be careful. You’re the best.” Good enough, their faces have striking resemblances.

On the other hand, not much is recognized about Alvarez’s sister. However, she joins the family always sees Edson play and give him the needed moral support.

Edson Alvarez Relatives:

Relatives provide support and encouragement, give advice and learning and do their best to help you have the best life possible. The celebrity winger and midfielder have lots of relatives.

Since Edson Alvarez has parents and siblings, he should have grandparents, uncles, aunts, nephews, cousins, and even in-laws. However, he has shared no information about his uncles, aunts, and grandparents.

Personal Life:

The Ajax footballer has an athletic body and maintains a good physique with a good body posture. His steady workout schedule and nutrition have helped keep him fit and maintain his agility and stamina.

His strength while at play includes tackling, interceptions, marking, jumping, passing and crossing. He is tall at 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) but maintains a weight of about 73 kg (161 lbs).

Aside from his profession, Edson Alvarez enjoys traveling, movies, swimming, and music. He is a Non-Vegetarian. Other hobbies include Reading, horse riding and surfing the net.

Edson Álvarez enjoys travelling, Movies, workouts, swimming and music.

Edson Álvarez enjoys travelling, Movies, workouts, swimming and music.

However, we cannot rule out his intense love for football. The Mexican Defensive midfielder and centre-back also enjoys watching online and onsite football matches. His most admired player is Cristiano Ronaldo. For the love of animals, Edson Álvarez has a dog as a pet.

Like most Mexican footballers, in the offseason, Edson Álvarez goes on vacations with teammates, family or close friends.

Edson Álvarez tries to keep up with his growing fans via social media. Álvarez has over 1.4 million followers on his Instagram account @edsonnalvarez.

Lifestyle:

As a star footballer, he can afford to have a lavish lifestyle. He can gain whatever luxury he deems fit.

Besides, their extremely wealthy owners pay football players, who get their payment from the team’s sponsor, TV deals, merchandise deals, and, to a smaller extent, ticket sales.

However, the Mexican midfielder spends a little more on Villas, cars, and luxury goods. He has a juicy car collection and prefers his pair of wheels to be sporty, and Edson has a couple of car collections.

Edson Álvarez has a juicy car collection and prefers his pair of wheels to be sporty.

Edson Álvarez has a juicy car collection and prefers his pair of wheels to be sporty.

His Salary and net worth afford him the splendid appearance of both the good things of life and services. The Ajax Defensive midfielder and centre-back live comfortably with his wife and daughter, Valentina, in a grandeur apartment in the Netherlands.

Edson Alvarez’s Salary and Net Worth:

Álvarez enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, which comes at an attractive price. He has gained so much fame and recognition for his outstanding passing and defending skills in the field, which has earned him good fortune from his successful ongoing career.

According to football arroyo, the Tlalnepantla-de-Baz-native Edson Álvarez’s Net Worth is approximately $1.5 Million. Furthermore, his annual salary is about €1,690,000.

Edson Alvarez is in the XI of the most expensive footballers in the Eredivisie Elijah ‘Count.’ The Ajax player and ​América youth squad are in the XI of players with the highest market value in the Dutch league, along with other stars from the Amsterdam team.

The estimated value of the ‘Machín’, according to the specialized portal Transfermarkt, is 13 million euros. Almost the entire XI is comprised of Ajax players, except for two, Steven Bergwijn and Donyell Malen, both from PSV and teammates of Erick Gutierrez.

Edson Álvarez has the lowest market value of the selected XI, with his 13M. Next up is Noussair Mazraoui, worth 15M. The most expensive player in this lineup is Donny van de Beek, a midfielder who has caught the attention of Real Madrid with his good performances.

Untold Facts:

What’s more? Below are a few profound additional facts about the experienced Mexican attacking midfielder and now wingers. Things you probably didn’t know about Edson Álvarez.

Edson Alvarez Salary (Ajax):

In terms of what he goes home with, our calculation reveals €1,692,600 (yearly) or Mex$ 33,115,969.

How rich is the Mexican Footballer?

Where Edson Alvarez’s family comes from, the average person from Mexico makes around MX$ 398,400 yearly. Do you know?… Such a person would need 83 years to make Edson’s yearly salary with Ajax. Now, here is how much the Mexican Baller has made since you came to read his life story.

Edson Alvarez’s FIFA:

Many fans who love the career mode (football manager) have confessed that the Eredivisie club Ajax player is among FIFA’s best midfielders. Yes, Edson is one of the giants of Mexican nationality, and that’ll make your FIFA career mode exciting. This is the stats Edson Alvarez brings to the game, which is quite similar to that of Martín Zubimendi.

Edson Alvarez is a complete package of intelligence and skills; his defending ranks as one of the best.

Edson Alvarez is a complete package of intelligence and skills; his defending ranks as one of the best.

Honours:

Edson Álvarez made more honours with his first club, América, which includes winning the Liga MX: Apertura and the Copa MX: Clausura in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Furthermore, together with Ajax, they won the Eredivisie in 2020–22 and the 2021 KNVB Cup. Not forgetting the CONCACAF Gold Cup for Mexico in 2019. Individually, Edson Álvarez has bagged the best player at:

  • CONCACAF U-20 Championship Best XI: 2017
  • CONCACAF Best XI: 2018
  • IFFHS CONCACAF Best XI: 2020
  • CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI: 2021
Alvarez was flaunting his success as CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI: 2021.

Alvarez was flaunting his success as CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI: 2021.

Edson Álvarez Religion:

The Tlalnepantla-de-Baz-native belongs to the Christian religion. It is most likely that he belongs to the Roman Catholic faith because over 80% of the population identifies as Catholic.

Roman Catholicism is the dominant faith and is deeply culturally pervasive in Mexico. Many Mexicans view Catholicism as an integral part of their identity, a tradition passed down through family and cultural heritage.

Relationship with Lisandro Martinez:

Brothers are biologically bonded by blood, but a brother seems even closer than a biological relation. This is the history that exists between Lisandro Martinez and Edson Álvarez.

The strength of the bond got revealed when Manchester United signed Lisandro Martinez. Lisandro confessed to missing Edson Álvarez.

“He is like a brother to me. We have built such a strong friendship in such a short time.” He said.

A photo of Lisandro Martinez and Edson Álvarez after a major win in 2021.

A photo of Lisandro Martinez and Edson Álvarez after a major win in 2021.

He admitted he’s hoping to have the chance to play alongside Álvarez again at a different club. Given that he has just signed a contract with Manchester United until 2027, it’s likely he’s hoping it will be at Old Trafford.

Does Edson Álvarez have a tattoo?

Tattoos come in various shapes and sizes, but the powerful symbolism associated with them makes them so unforgettable. Arms Tattoos are also fun to show off your personality or sentimentality.

Some other tattoos have served as amulets, status symbols, declarations of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments and even forms of punishment.

Álvarez has many tattoos on his body, and he could still have more in the future. His notable tattoos include that on his left hand and chest.

Álvarez has many tattoos on his body, and he could still have more in the future.

Álvarez has many tattoos on his body, and he could still have more in the future.

Chelsea Want To Sign Edson Alvarez:

There has been a rise in players looking to move to other clubs. Aside from Chelsea attempting to push through multiple deals on Alvarez’s transfer deadline, Mohammed Kudus is also set to move.

As of September 2022, he was Thomas Tuchel‘s next top target. Before he joined West Ham, Chelsea placed €50m on the table for Edson Alvarez, and whilst Ajax is yet to react to the bid, Alvarez is very much sensitive on the switch to Stamford Bridge.

The 24-year-old champ even went as far as reportedly skipping training to push through the move, as he doesn’t believe the opportunity will appear again.

However, the Dutch club is worried about giving up on another significant figure in the squad following Brazil’s joining Manchester United earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, Ajax told Mohammed Kudus that they wouldn’t support his move to Everton, even though the Ghanaian refused to train. On the other hand, Álvarez is set on joining Chelsea, as he worries that this opportunity might not come around again.

EndNote:

Our Edson Álvarez Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts wrap off. However, before we call it to quit, we guess you picked up a few lessons.

Out of all the talents at Ajax, Alvarez seems to be the next one destined for a move–he’s been at Ajax since 2019 and has seen several players go–this may now be his time.

Additionally, he’s also great on the ball, as an Ajax player has to be. Unlike some holding players, he can progress the ball forward, which is why he’s such a popular figure amongst various coaches.

We expected that, but the way he spoke about it impressed me. He approached the game as a final, as he always does.”

It is important to note that his dad and mum were crucial catalysts in his triumph story. His career would not be the same without their input, and they deserve all the accolades for what they have done.

His parents saw his talent and believed in his dream of becoming a professional player. After being rejected by a youth club at 14, they encouraged him to keep trying out for teams.

For people in Mexico, there are often two routes as a kid: school or drugs. In Edson Álvarez’s case, there were three paths: school, drugs or football.

He often went to play football without doing his homework, which got his mother angry. But in the end, it helped him make the right decision in life.

In addition, his siblings, and friends’ backing should not be overlooked. So, he did not experience loneliness or depression during his childhood. Edson Alvarez has grown into a cheerful youth because of them.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for reading this fascinating article about the life journey of the Mexican footballer. Hopefully, Edson Alvarez’s childhood story has made you believe patience and persistence can overcome anything.

We strive for equity and accuracy in our duty to give you the Biography of Footballers from the American Continent. In addition to Edson Alvarez’s Biography, we’ve got other great Mexican Soccer Stories for you. The History of Uriel Antuna and Alexis Vega will interest you. Approach us or leave a comment below if you find anything that doesn’t look right in the article on Edson Alvarez’s History.

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