Damián Álvarez (footballer, born 1979)
A dynamic winger who left Argentina to become a beloved, tricky attacker for Mexico's national team and its top clubs.
Born 1979 (age 47)·Mexican footballer·Birthday: May 21·Generation X
Biography
Damián Álvarez's story is one of cross-border reinvention. Born in Argentina, he carved out his most significant legacy in Mexico, a journey that culminated in him pulling on the green jersey of the Mexican national team. His playing style was defined by clever dribbling, incisive passes, and a low center of gravity that earned him the affectionate nickname 'La Chilindrina,' after a petite and mischievous character from a classic Mexican sitcom. Álvarez became a central figure for CF Pachuca during a golden era, helping them secure multiple league titles and the 2006 Copa Sudamericana, a rare international triumph for a Mexican club. His career was a testament to adaptability and flair, making him a fan favorite who proved that footballing identity isn't always bound by birthplace.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Damián was born in 1979, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Damián Was Born
The biggest hits of 1979
#1 Movie
Kramer vs. Kramer
Best Picture
Kramer vs. Kramer
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Damián's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1979Born
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1984Started school
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1992Became a teenager
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1995Could drive
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1997Could vote
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Turned 21
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2009Turned 30
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2019Turned 40
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 47 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2006 Copa Sudamericana with CF Pachuca, a historic first for a Mexican club.
- Earned multiple Liga MX championships with Pachuca and later with Tigres UANL.
- Represented the Mexico national team after becoming a naturalized citizen.
- Played a key role in Pachuca's 2007 CONCACAF Champions' Cup victory.
Did You Know?
His nickname, 'La Chilindrina,' comes from a beloved character on the Mexican TV show 'El Chavo del Ocho.'
He began his professional career in Argentina with San Lorenzo.
He played for two major rival clubs in Mexico, Pachuca and Tigres, and was successful with both.
He retired from professional football in 2015 after a stint with Chiapas FC.
“The ball does the work if you give it the right touch.”
