As he pursues a historic accomplishment this season, Julian Alvarez, who is still only 23 years old, is on track to rank among the most decorated football players.
Alvarez, who is just in his first season playing in Europe, has established himself as a key member of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who on Wednesday crushed Real Madrid 4-0 (5-1 on aggregate) to go to the Champions League final.
The result gave City renewed optimism for a European Triple. With an FA Cup final against Manchester United and a Champions League final against Inter Milan this weekend, the defending Premier League champions have a chance to win another domestic championship.
Alvarez, who has contributed to 20 goals for City this season, wants to win more than just the Triple Crown after helping Argentina win the World Cup in December. The forward had a significant impact in Qatar, scoring four goals in seven games.
If City wins all three games, the Argentine will become the first player in history to win the World Cup and a European Treble in the same season.
Only 11 players in football history—men like Franz Beckenbauer, Roberto Carlos, and current Manchester United star Raphael Varane—have won the Champions League, also known as the European Cup, and the World Cup in the same year.
Despite opposition from fellow Argentinian and Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez, who can accomplish the same accomplishment, Alvarez is attempting to join that distinguished company.
When Inter plays Fiorentina on May 24, Martinez, who has already won the Italian Super Cup this season with Inter, will have the opportunity to also win the Coppa Italia.
Alvarez made history on Wednesday night by becoming the youngest Argentine to score in a Champions League semi-final. Although he is now just pursuing records, Alvarez has already cemented his place in history.
He accomplished this accomplishment at the age of 23 years, three months, and seventeen days, while the previous champion, his idol and fellow Argentinian Lionel Messi, did so at the age of 23 years, ten months, and three days.
Alvarez now focuses on the Premier League, where City only needs one victory out of their remaining three games to clinch their third consecutive championship. Should Arsenal lose to Nottingham Forest on Saturday night, their Sunday matchup with Chelsea might already be determined before they take the field.
The FA Cup final will follow on June 3, with Man United and Manchester City facing off at Wembley Stadium.
A week later, on June 10, City will play in the Champions League final, which will be held at Istanbul, Turkey’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium.