Julián Álvarez was booed by Atlético de Madrid fans on his return to the Metropolitano

After his vacation following the 2026 World Cup, Julián Álvarez had an uncomfortable return to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The Argentine forward was called up again by Diego Simeone after the tension generated during the transfer market and received a resounding boo from the fans of Atlético de Madrid before the match against Villarreal, for the second round of LaLiga.

The situation arose when the stadium announcer announced the starting lineup and substitutes. When Álvarez's image appeared on the stadium screens wearing the number 19 jersey, the boos came down from the stands and accompanied the announcement of his name.

The forward started the match on the bench and experienced the moment with visible sadness. While he remained sitting and downcast, Juan Musso, his teammate both at Colchonero and in the Argentine National Team, approached to support him.

The reception was a continuation of a discomfort that began during the transfer market. Álvarez had publicly expressed his intention to leave the Madrid team to seek a transfer to Barcelona, although ultimately the operation did not go through and the attacker remained at the club.

The fans' reaction was not a surprise either. Days earlier, at Atlético's training ground, some supporters had expressed their discontent with banners that carried the phrase "Julián out" and the number 19 crossed out with a prohibition symbol.

The match also had another chapter for Álvarez. With the score at 1-1, Simeone decided to send him onto the field during the second half instead of Pubill. His entrance was again accompanied by a strong boo from the supporters present at the Metropolitano.

Thus, the Argentine faced a day marked by tension with a significant part of the public, amid a relationship that was affected by his statements during the market and that now must be repaired with performances on the field.

Julián Álvarez's numbers at Atlético Madrid

Since his arrival at Colchonero in mid-2024, the native of Calchín has played 7,540 minutes, distributed over 107 matches, in which he scored 49 goals, provided 17 assists, and received 8 yellow cards.