Cristian Edgardo Álvarez Cruz (born 19 April 1978 in Santa Ana) is a former Salvadoran professional footballer and currently manager.
In 1999, he joined Portuguese Second Division club Espinho on loan, but returned to El Salvador after only one season for play with C.D.
Álvarez made his debut for El Salvador in an October 2000 FIFA World Cup qualification match against St Vincent & the Grenadines and has earned a total of 17 caps, scoring no goals.
He has represented his country in 3 FIFA World Cup qualification matches[29] and played at the 2001 and 2005 UNCAF Cups.
His final international game was a November 2006 friendly match against Panama.