Efraín Álvarez (born 19 June 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy. Born in the United States, he represents the Mexico national team.
Club career 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.
International career Álvarez was eligible for the United States and Mexico, having been born and raised 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 U15s. 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.
