Julian Alvarez is an Argentine professional football player who currently plays for Manchester City in the Premier League. 

Alvarez made his first-team debut for River Plate in December 2018 and quickly established himself as a key player. He joined Man City in January 2022 for around £14 million ($17m), heading back to River Plate on loan for the rest of the season.

In addition to his success at club level, Alvarez has also represented Argentina internationally. He made his debut for the senior team in June 2021 and has since earned several caps. The striker helped the side to win the World Cup in 2022, midway through an extraordinary rookie season. 

He is a versatile attacking midfielder who can also play as a forward, and his skills on the ball and ability to score goals have earned him plaudits while playing next to Lionel Messi.

As a result, his rookie cards have become highly sought after by collectors looking to invest in the future of the sport. Let’s check out four of the best options. 

The best Julian Alvarez rookie cards

Here is the criteria we used to come up with the best Julian Alvarez rookie cards. 

• Values: We’ve factored in for some of the most valuable Julian Alvarez rookie cards on the market 
• Rarity: Rarity will always have a role to play in terms of interest and pricing 
• Popularity and branding: How popular is the brand, or the set itself?
• Rookie cards: RCs are always going to sell for a premium, as the first ever cards to feature an athlete
• Potential ROI: Arguably most important, can you expect a decent potential ROI if it’s a long-term hold? 

Here’s a rundown with some of the best Julian Alvarez rookie cards on the market. 

1. 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Manga Julian Alvarez RC #1 (eBay)

The 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup set is insanely popular with collectors, as it focuses on the biggest tournament in the sport. Manga inserts are no longer a case hit, but they’re short printed cards that you’re unlikely to find in the average 2022 Prizm World Cup pack. You’ll find some of the most important stars from the tournament, as well as a strong collection of rookie cards. 

Julian Alvarez played a major role in Argentina’s triumph, scoring four goals in the process, including a scintillating solo effort in the semi-finals. It’s easy to see why pristine graded copies of the Alvarez Manga rookie card have been selling for four figures. (Ungraded copies are comparable to players like Gavi in terms of values.)

Check prices of 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Manga Julian Alvarez RC on eBay

2. 2022 Donruss KABOOM! Julian Alvarez RC #1 (eBay)

Kaboom! inserts are proof that you don’t necessarily need a serial number or an autograph to make a card collectible. They typically come in at a rate of one per case, making these inserts some of the rarer options on the market. The Kaboom Julian Alvarez card is one of the most sought-after cards in the market. Produced by Panini America, the Kaboom series features stunning artwork of some of the biggest names in sports, and the Julian Alvarez Kaboom card is no exception. The card features a dynamic illustration of the young Argentine forward, in an international jersey. 

Check prices of 2022 Donruss Kaboom Julian Alvarez RC on eBay

3. 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Julian Alvarez RC #4 (eBay)

The 2022 Panini Prizm Julian Alvarez World Cup Rookie Card is a rare collectible item for soccer fans and card collectors. Released to coincide with the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the card features a striking image of the young Argentine midfielder and forward, with the World Cup logo prominently displayed at the bottom. The card’s bold design and vibrant colors make it stand out from other soccer trading cards, and it’s available in a range of parallels. 

As a highly touted prospect in the world of soccer, Julian Alvarez’s rookie cards are quickly becoming valuable investments for collectors. The 2022 Panini Prizm card in particular is highly sought after due to Alvarez’s impressive performances during the tournament. He won the tournament along with Lionel Messi and co, in one of the best finals in recent memory.

Check prices of 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Julian Alvarez RC on eBay

4. 2022-23 Panini Prizm Premier League Julian Alvarez RC #16 (eBay)

Sticking with Panini Prizm cards, it’s time to look at Alvarez’s RC from the flagship Premier League collection. This time, he’s in the blue and white of Manchester City, where he’s quickly established himself as a potent goalscorer, despite being outshone by Erling Haaland in his maiden season. 

The 2022 Panini Prizm Julian Alvarez Rookie Card is another popular item for soccer fans and card collectors alike. Released during the 2022/23 Premier League season, the card features a striking image of the young Argentine forward. There are numerous parallels to chase. 

Check prices of 2022 Panini Prizm Premier League Julian Alvarez RC on eBay

Are Julian Alvarez rookie cards a good investment?

As with all players, the value of Julian Alvarez rookie cards will depend on a variety of factors such as his career achievements, the rarity of the card, and its condition. As Alvarez’s career progresses, his rookie cards may become even more valuable, making them a worthwhile investment for collectors.

Player Comparison:

• Alvarez has also been compared to former Argentine forward Sergio Aguero, who also started his career in South America before moving on to play in Europe.

Off the Pitch:

• Alvarez is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality off the pitch.
• Alvarez has stated that he looks up to his mother as his biggest inspiration and role model.

Julian Alvarez rookie cards: our thoughts 

Julian Alvarez rookie cards are a hot commodity at the moment, especially given his increased profile and his collection of silverware. 

I’ve already picked up a couple of numbered rookie cards, and I think he has what it takes to be effective for club and country over the next decade.