Julian Alvarez, the Argentina and Atletico Madrid striker, was the subject of an extraordinary fan petition that garnered 20,000 signatures, urging him to end his relationship with girlfriend Maria Emilia Ferrero. The petition was sparked by a viral clip showing Ferrero appearing to prevent fans from taking pictures with Alvarez after the couple left a dinner at her family home in Cordoba, following Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph.
Background of the Relationship
Alvarez and Ferrero, who goes by her middle name Emilia, have known each other since their teenage years in Cordoba. They kept their relationship private for years, only going public in 2022 after Alvarez's high-profile transfer from River Plate to Manchester City. Ferrero relocated to Manchester to support the striker during his time at the Etihad.
The Viral Incident and Petition
After Argentina's World Cup win, the couple returned to Cordoba, where a group of young fans gathered outside Ferrero's family home. In a viral clip, Ferrero looked visibly annoyed and appeared to block fans from taking individual selfies with Alvarez. This prompted a fan to launch a petition on Change.org demanding Alvarez break up with her. The petition quickly reached 20,000 signatures.
Ferrero, a former hockey player and PE teacher, later issued a statement on social media explaining that the fans were actually her school pupils and she was trying to organize a group photo instead of multiple individual ones. Alvarez ignored the petition entirely.
Relationship Deepens Despite Controversy
Far from splitting, the couple's bond strengthened. Ferrero followed Alvarez to Spain after his £81 million transfer to Atletico Madrid in 2024. In January 2026, they welcomed their first child, a son named Amadeo. Ferrero and baby Amadeo traveled to North America to support Alvarez during the 2026 World Cup.
Ferrero's Growing Social Media Presence
Ferrero's Instagram following has grown to 791,000, where she shares content about motherhood, supporting Alvarez at matches, gym selfies, and bikini photos. She recently posted, "Nuestro primer mundial juntos" ("Our first World Cup together"), expressing pride in Alvarez after Argentina's semi-final win against England.
Alvarez's Future Club Moves
Amid reports linking Alvarez to a potential transfer to Barcelona or Arsenal, the family of three may relocate again this summer. Alvarez has reportedly informed Atletico of his desire to leave, having scored only one goal at the 2026 World Cup, against Switzerland.
