Edson Álvarez Velázquez was born on 24 October 1997 in Tlalnepantla, State of Mexico. He is one of Mexico's most important players of his generation, a versatile defensive midfielder who has succeeded at the highest level in European football and serves as both the anchor and captain of El Tri's midfield.
He came through the ranks at Club América, where his performances as a holding midfielder with excellent positioning, reading of the game and ability to win the ball quickly caught the attention of Ajax of the Netherlands, who signed him in the summer of 2019. At Ajax he became one of the Eredivisie's most consistent performers in the defensive midfield role, playing a key part in multiple Eredivisie title wins and their deep Champions League run in 2019.
In the summer of 2023 he completed a major move to West Ham United in the Premier League for approximately £35 million, becoming one of Mexico's most expensive exports to the English top flight. At West Ham he has been a regular and important performer, combining his defensive solidity with improved contributions in the team's build-up play.
For Mexico he is arguably the most important outfield player in the squad. He has been captain of El Tri across multiple Gold Cups, World Cup qualifying campaigns and the 2022 World Cup — where his performance against Argentina in the group stage drew widespread acclaim — and remains the leader of the Mexican midfield heading into the 2026 home tournament.
Standing 1.88 m, Álvarez is a powerful, right-footed defensive midfielder whose physical dominance, intercepting ability and composure under pressure have made him one of the best players in his position in world football. His combination of Ajax discipline and Premier League intensity reflects the complete midfield profile Mexico need from their captain.