Efraín Álvarez

LA Galaxy II

Born in Los Angeles, California, Álvarez signed with LA Galaxy II of the United Soccer League on August 2, 2017. In signing with the side, Álvarez became the youngest signing in USL history, ahead of the previous holder Alphonso Davies, at 15 years, one month, and 14 days. Álvarez 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 3–2. In playing, Álvarez became the youngest player to ever play a USL match. Álvarez was moved to parent club LA Galaxy ahead of their 2018 season, but was loaned back to the reserve team.

LA Galaxy

Álvarez made his senior team debut on March 2, 2019, and assisted on a goal during a 2–1 victory over the Chicago Fire. On September 2, 2020, Álvarez scored his first MLS goal against the Portland Timbers, the first in a 3–2 win.

Tijuana

On 8 September 2023, Álvarez joined Liga MX club Tijuana. He made his debut shortly after in Tijuana's 2–1 victory over Toluca on September 15, 2023, being substituted in for Eduardo Armenta in the 90th minute.

Guadalajara

On May 31, 2025, Guadalajara reached a 4-year agreement to sign Álvarez 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 Álvarez would wear the number 10 jersey. Álvarez made his debut with the club on July 19 on 2nd Matchday of the Apertura against León, coming on…

Álvarez 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." Álvarez 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, Álvarez scored three goals and assisted two more goals in a 5–1 victory. He also scored against Uruguay U15s in a 2–0 win. In June 2016, Álvarez 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. Álvarez began playing for Mexico U15's in September 2016. He scored a brace for them in a friendly 7–0 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. Álvarez debuted for the Mexico U17's team in a 1–0 win over the Argentina U17's, and scored the only goal in the match. He was included in the roster that…

Club

As of match played on 13 September 2026

International

As of match played on 25 February 2026

International goals

Scores and results list Mexico's goal tally first.

Efraín is the younger brother of professional soccer player Carlos Alvarez.