Gael Álvarez

Club career Álvarez started at the Age of 9, at Tuzos Guasave FC. He then joined the academy of professional side Pachuca at under-13 level. In April 2023, Álvarez represented Pachuca at the Future Cup, hosted by Dutch side Ajax, where he caught the eye of a number of clubs across Europe. In August of the same year, he was taken on trial by Dutch Eredivisie side Feyenoord, though he was only allowed by Pachuca to spend fifteen days on the trial, as he was still a minor, with the club affirming that Álvarez was "non-transferrable".

On 11 October 2023, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2006 worldwide.

International career Álvarez was called up to Mexico's under-16 squad for the 2022 edition of the Montaigu Tournament, as Mexico finished in eighth position. For his performances, he was named 'player of the tournament', as Mexico won the competition, beating the United States 3–1 in the final.

Career statistics Club

Honours Individual CONCACAF Under-17 Championship Golden Ball: 2023 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship Best XI: 2023 IFFHS CONCACAF Youth (U20) Best XI: 2024