Born in Marchena, Seville, and a product of hometown Sevilla FC's youth system, Álvarez made his La Liga debut during the 1975–76 season, scoring once in eight games as the team finished in 11th position.
[1] At the end of the 1987–88 campaign, still with Sevilla in the top division, the 33-year-old Álvarez – having made just 17 league appearances – opted to move on, and signed with neighbouring CD Málaga.
[2] After retiring, Álvarez eventually worked again with main club Sevilla, serving as assistant under several coaches, the first Joaquín Caparrós in 2000.
In March 2010, after roughly two years as Sevilla's director of football, Álvarez replaced former teammate Manolo Jiménez as first-team manager following his dismissal,[1] after Luis Aragonés, recently departed from Beşiktaş JK, declined an offer to coach the side.
[4] On 19 May 2010, Álvarez was also on the bench as Sevilla won the Spanish Cup, with goals from youth graduates Diego Capel and Jesús Navas (2–0).