Julián Álvarez welcomes first child as Atlético Madrid star becomes a dad in 2026

Julián Álvarez is now a father. The Argentine striker, nicknamed 'La Araña' for his Spider-Man-inspired goal celebrations, welcomed his first child with partner María Emilia Ferrero in January 2026.

Who is Julián Álvarez’s partner?

Julián Álvarez and María Emilia Ferrero grew up together in Calchín, a small village in Argentina’s Córdoba province. They reconnected around 2020 after Álvarez moved to Buenos Aires for his career. Ferrero, a former field hockey player and now a certified physical education teacher, relocated to the UK in 2022 to be with Álvarez after he signed with Manchester City.

What’s behind the Spider-Man connection?

Álvarez’s 'La Araña' nickname ties into his signature goal celebration, where he mimics Spider-Man’s web-shooter hand gesture. Ferrero has been part of his life since childhood. In a 2024 Manchester City documentary, Álvarez recalled their shared roots: 'Her father is from there and her grandfather too. She used to visit her grandfather in our town.' They went public with their relationship in 2022.

How did they announce the pregnancy?

The couple shared the news of Ferrero’s pregnancy in June 2025. Amadeo was born in January 2026 at a hospital in Spain, where Álvarez was playing for Atlético Madrid after leaving Manchester City in late 2024. Álvarez attended the birth with Atlético’s permission before returning to training.

What else is new in their lives?

Ferrero, a digital creator with over 793,000 Instagram followers, balances her career with motherhood. The family also includes a Samoyed named Tarzan, who joined in 2024 as a puppy and now weighs up to 65 pounds. Álvarez posted a photo of himself holding Amadeo’s hand in his Spider-Man pose to announce the birth.