Álvaro Recoba Biography: Net Worth, Football Club, Wife, Age, Height, Ethnicity, Awards, Parents, Contracts

Álvaro Alexánder Recoba Rivero, widely known as Álvaro Recoba or “El Chino,” is a Uruguayan football coach and former player regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation.

He became famous for his free-kick ability, technique, and vision, particularly during his 11-year spell at Inter Milan from 1997 to 2008, where he won multiple titles including two Serie A championships and the UEFA Cup.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Álvaro Alexánder Recoba Rivero
• Stage Name: Álvaro Recoba
• Born: March 17, 1976
• Age: 50 years old
• Birthplace: Montevideo, Uruguay
• Nationality: Uruguayan
• Occupation: Football Coach and Former Professional Footballer
• Height: 1.77 m
• Parents: Raúl Antonio Recoba
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Lorena Perrone (m. 1997)
• Children: Jeremía Recoba, Julio Recoba
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Álvaro Alexánder Recoba Rivero was born on March 17, 1976, in Montevideo, Uruguay.

He grew up in the city, where his father, Raúl Antonio Recoba, worked as a salesman dealing in used car parts, supporting the family during his early years.

Details about his mother are not publicly available. No siblings are mentioned in public records.

Specific information on his formal education or schools attended remains undisclosed, as his path focused early on football development through youth academies rather than higher academic pursuits.

His ethnicity is Uruguayan, and his religion is unknown.

Career

Álvaro Recoba began his professional career in Uruguay with Danubio in 1994, quickly showing promise as a talented left-footed player.

He moved to Nacional in 1996, where he topped the Uruguayan Primera División scoring charts in the 1997 Apertura, attracting European attention.

His big break came in 1997 when he joined Inter Milan, making an explosive debut by scoring two stunning goals — including a memorable free kick — on the same day Ronaldo debuted for the club, instantly cementing his reputation despite high expectations tied to his hefty transfer fee.

At Inter Milan, Recoba enjoyed his most successful period, contributing to key trophies like the 1998 UEFA Cup, two Serie A titles (2006, 2007), two Coppa Italia wins, and two Supercoppa Italiana crowns over 11 seasons (with brief loans to Venezia and Torino).

Known for his spectacular free kicks and flair, he became a cult hero despite inconsistent form and injuries.

He later returned to Uruguay with Nacional in 2011, winning two Primera División titles (2012, 2015), before brief stints at Panionios and back with Nacional, retiring in 2016 at age 40 after a farewell match.

Álvaro Recoba has built a solid coaching career since retirement.

He served as an assistant and reserve team manager at Nacional from 2020, stepping up as first-team manager in 2023 before departing in 2024.

In 2025, he took on a technical director role with Deportivo LSM before becoming head coach of Deportivo Táchira in Venezuela.

His legacy endures as one of Uruguay’s most gifted players, admired for technical brilliance and influence on South American attacking styles, while his sons follow in football footsteps.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @chino_recoba20

Personal Life

Álvaro Recoba married Lorena Perrone on December 18, 1997, and their relationship has remained strong over the years.

Together, they have raised two sons, Jeremía and Julio, both of whom have followed their father’s path into football.

Throughout Recoba‘s playing and later coaching career, the family has often shown their support from the stands, with Lorena and other relatives regularly attending matches and celebrating important moments alongside him.

Net Worth

Álvaro Recoba has an estimated net worth of around $10 million.

His wealth primarily accumulated from a lucrative playing career, highlighted by a high-profile contract at Inter Milan that once made him one of the world’s top-paid footballers, along with bonuses, endorsements, and trophy winnings.