Kevin Alvarez’s story is one that filled my heart with melancholy, hope, and happiness. You see, this footballer only became what he is today because he had one dream: To make his father’s wish come true. With this thought in mind, he climbed higher and higher in his football career, never letting go of the memory that drives him to this day. Yet, why would this make me melancholic? Well, let me share with you the details of how one event shaped the life of 7-year-old Kevin Alvarez.
Early Life and Childhood
Kevin Nahin Álvarez Campos was born on January 15, 1999 in Colima, Mexico. Growing up, Kevin had a deep love for soccer, a passion passed down to him by his father, Felipe de Jesus. The game captivated Kevin as a child, and he spent countless hours playing on the streets and empty fields in Colima. His father dreamed of becoming a professional footballer himself, but this dream never came true. Instead, Mr. Felipe put his wife, kids, and studies above all else. Tragically, Kevin’s father passed away in 2006 when Kevin was a little seven-year-old boy.
Image source: Instagram
Felipe was struck by lightning while playing amateur football, an event that left a mark on Kevin. Ever since his loss, Kevin turned this tragedy into the driving force in his life. Now, Kevin wears a T-shirt under his kit featuring a picture of his father in his football uniform, along with Hasta Arriba (Up High) and “F. Álvarez” printed below. He also has a tattoo that runs across his neck that reads, “Started with a promise,” a tribute to the vow he made to fulfill his father’s dream.
Football Career
Kevin’s football journey began at the tentative age of 10 when talent scouts from Club Pachuca discovered his impressive skills during a nationwide search for young talent. His blend of speed, technique, and determination made him outshine the crowd and earned him a spot on Pachuca’s final list of selected children.
Of course, following this dream meant he had to leave his friends and family behind. While any child his age would’ve stayed home, Kevin never wavered. He looked up to football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Rafa Márquez. His resolve to follow in the footsteps of his idols and make his father’s wish come true pushed him forward.
Image source: Instagram
Rise to Fame
Due to Kevin’s passion and desire to prove himself, his name quickly became known on the international stage. In April 2019, he was selected to represent Mexico at the U-20 World Cup in Poland. Later that year, Jaime Lozano called him to join Mexico’s under-23 squad for the 2019 Pan American Games, where the team secured a third-place finish.
In July 2021, Kevid made his senior debut for the Mexico national team in a friendly match against Nigeria. His consistent performances as an excellent right-back led to his inclusion in Mexico’s preliminary squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he eventually made the final 26-player roster.
Achievements and Future Dreams
Kevin’s career reached new heights in 2022 when he helped Club Pachuca snatch the Liga MX Apertura title win. Moreover, Kevin earned a spot in the Liga MX Best XI for the Guardianes 2021 and Clausura 2022 seasons. He was also chosen as Liga MX All-Star in both 2021 and 2022! Despite Kevin’s success, he has his sights set on Europe. He wants to play in Europe’s top leagues, with a particular interest in the Premier League and La Liga.
Image source: Instagram
Kevin Álvarez’s Stats
So, how does Kevin compare to other players when it comes to numbers? Here’s what his stats say:
International Career:
- FIFA World Cup
Appearances: 2
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
- U20 World Cup
Appearances: 3
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
- CONCACAF Nations League
Appearances: 2
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
- U20 CONCACAF Championship
Appearances: 7
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
- Pan American Games
Appearances: 4
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Club Career
- Liga MX – Default
Appearances: 161
Goals: 6
Assists: 16
Yellow Cards: 32
Red Cards: 3
- Copa Telcel
Appearances: 3
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
- League Cup
Appearances: 4
Goals: 2
Assists: 1
- CONCACAF Champions Cup:
Appearances: 7
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
- Copa Mexico
Appearances: 9
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
- MLS All-Star
Appearances: 2
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Important note: The above stats aren’t detailed. For a fuller picture of Kevin’s abilities, a quick look at his ESPN profile page or 365 Scores can help!
Image source: Instagram
Net Worth
When it comes to Kevin’s net worth, it’s estimated his fortune is around $1.5 million. Of course, this isn’t the end of it. As his career progresses, we can expect more contracts and endorsements that add to his wealth, especially with the possibility of playing in European leagues.
Final Thoughts
Do you now understand what’s so melancholic about Kevin Alvarez’s story? While he did make his father’s dream come true, and he does play in international games, he lost his dad. His entire motivation to move forward and be the best was because of that tragic event. This isn’t to say he wouldn’t have been a great footballer if his dad were here, but it’s clear that his father’s passing greatly shaped his path. Every match he plays is a tribute to the man who sparked his love for the spots, and that’s what makes his story truly special.
Featured image source: Instagram
