Julian Alvarez has completed his mega-money move from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid.
The 24-year-old was directly involved in five World Cup goals in Argentina's triumph back in 2022, netting four times to ensure only Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi had outscored him.
Manchester City can be accused of wild spending on occasion but the £14 million ($17.3m) they paid River Plate for Alvarez in January 2022 proved to be a bargain.
It also helps explain why Diego Simeone and Atleti were prepared to shell out €95 million on the forward.
But it is not just his on-pitch profile that has got people talking, but his character off it, too — and in particular, his arachnid-themed nickname. Here, we explain more.
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What is Julian Alvarez's nickname?
When he was playing in older age groups as a youngster at Atletico Calchin in Argentina, Alvarez earned the nickname 'The Little Spider'.
Alvarez has graduated to become simply 'Spider' as a senior pro, and the name has been in the spotlight again during his rise to greater prominence because of his performances for City and Argentina.
Why is Julian Alvarez called 'Spider'?
One of the first topics Alvarez was asked to address following his move to City was his curious nickname. "I've been called 'Spider' since I was four or five years old," he explained.
"Hardly anyone would call me Julian anymore, so it's always felt very comfortable for people to call me 'Spider'."
Alvarez's father went into more detail: "It was always complicated for people to steal the ball off him," he said as part of a family interview with the current Premier League holders.
"He always looked like he had several legs. He was so small and he used to go crazy-fast and no-one could take the ball from him."
Julian Alvarez goal celebration
Alvarez has been known to celebrate goals by spreading his arms and extending his thumb, forefinger and little finger to imitate Spiderman.
Alvarez was once asked if his decision to use the celebration after his first City goal was inspired by a similar pose struck by City all-time top scorer and Argentina icon Sergio Aguero during his playing days.
¡Spiderman Álvarez en esplendor! pic.twitter.com/OfKxWsdZN4
— Lucas Ferrero (@LucasFerrero83) December 14, 2022
"In 2019, some friends suggested it when I was playing for River Plate," said Alvarez. "It was generally down low, but then one time a teammate got me to do it above my head... but generally, when I score, I do it by my waist."
Where does Julian Alvarez play?
While City signed Erling Haaland as an out-and-out striker, Alvarez can operate across the forward line. Manager Pep Guardiola has also deployed him in tandem with Haaland, operating slightly deeper as a No. 10.
Alvarez showed the ruthlessness with which he had impressed Guardiola in pre-season when the newcomer, who remained with River Plate until June 2022, scored 12 minutes after coming on in the 3-1 Community Shield defeat to Liverpool.
Julián Álvarez #ARG joins 1958 Pelé #BRA, 1938 Gyula Zsengeller (HUN) and 1930 Carlos Peucelle #ARG as the only players under 23 years old with multiple goals in a #FIFAWorldCup Semifinal or later. pic.twitter.com/WFXJQ4zwTI
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 13, 2022
“Always, I try to give my best in training. I’ve shown I can play in different positions at my clubs and with the national team," he said.
“I can offer alternatives to the team with this versatility. I can offer different solutions and I want to give my best to help the team."