Thiago Almada

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Almada joined Atlanta United from Vélez Sarsfield in February 2022, following an agreement reached in December 2021. The transfer fee of $16 million (for 75% of his economic rights, with the total deal potentially rising to $21 million with add-ons) set a new club record for Atlanta United but not a league record. His introduction to the club was marked by a virtual ceremony on February 9, 2022, where he donned the number eight jersey. Early on, his path faced a hurdle when fans scrutinized a racially insensitive eye gesture from a previous goal celebration; Almada apologized shortly after being questioned about it. However, his performance quickly silenced critics. He made his preseason debut against C.D. Guadalajara on February 12, 2022, and his official competitive debut on February 27, 2022, against Sporting Kansas City in the MLS regular season. On March 19, 2022, he scored his first goal for the club in a 3–3 draw with CF Montréal, earning MLS Goal of the Week for Matchday 4.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium shifted instantly when Thiago Almada received the ball in the midfield during that March 2022 match against CF Montréal. With Atlanta trailing or drawing, he looked to create. The crowd watched as he unleashed a shot that found the back of the net, leveling the score at 3–3. It was his first goal for the club, but it felt like a statement. Four days after his MLS debut, this strike earned him the Goal of the Week honor. Later in the season, on November, Almada's consistency paid off as he was named the 2022 MLS Newcomer of the Year. He had been selected for the MLS Team of the Week five times that year, including back-to-back appearances on September 12 and 15, becoming only the second Atlanta United player ever to win the newcomer prize.

Reader's Guide

Thiago Almada officially joined Atlanta United on February 9, 2022, after Vélez Sarsfield announced an agreement for his pre-transfer in December 2021. He made his official debut on February 14 against C.D. Guadalajara during a preseason tour, though the team lost 3–0. His MLS debut came on March 15 as a substitute in a 2–1 victory over Charlotte FC. Almada scored his first goal for the club four days later against CF Montréal in a 3–3 draw, which won him MLS Goal of the Week for Matchday 4. In February 2023, he continued his stellar form by scoring two goals, including one free kick, in a 2–1 win over San Jose Earthquakes, earning him MLS Player of the Week and a spot in the league's Team of the Matchday. He departed Atlanta United in July 2024 to join Botafogo for a record-breaking fee.

Did You Know?

• Almada spent his early years selling fruit and vegetables door-to-door to help support his family.
• He became the first active Major League Soccer player to win the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
• In 2022, he became the first Atlanta United player ever to win the MLS Newcomer of the Year award.
• On March 19, 2022, he scored his first goal for Atlanta United, which won MLS Goal of the Week.
• He made his World Cup debut as an 83rd-minute substitute against Poland in Argentina's final group stage game.

Humble Origins in Ciudadela

Thiago Ezequiel Almada was born on April 26, 2001, in Ciudadela, Buenos Aires. He grew up in the neighborhood of Ejército de los Andes, also known as Fuerte Apache, an area noted for high crime rates and drug use. During his early years, he spent much time with his grandparents while his parents worked. To earn extra money, Almada sold fruit and vegetables door-to-door. His football journey began at age four with a local club called Santa Clara before he was picked up by Vélez Sarsfield at age five.

Rise Through the Ranks

Almada progressed through the Vélez Sarsfield youth academy before making his professional debut on August 10, 2018, just four months after his 17th birthday. He played against Newell's Old Boys in a 2–0 victory. His breakthrough came on November 5 when he scored his first two goals in a 3–2 loss to Defensa y Justicia. In October 2018, The Guardian included him in their 'Next Generation 2018' list. He moved to Atlanta United in February 2022 after a $16 million transfer agreement was reached in December 2021.

Global Glory with Argentina

Almada represented the Argentina under-20 squad in 2019 and the under-23 squad in 2021. His senior national team debut occurred on September 23, 2022, against Honduras in Miami. In November 2022, he was called up to the World Cup squad five days before the tournament started to replace an injured Joaquín Correa. He became the first active MLS player to win the FIFA World Cup. He made his 2022 World Cup debut as a substitute for Alexis Mac Allister in the 83rd minute against Poland, a match Argentina won 2–0. On March 23, 2023, he scored his first senior international goal against Panama, becoming the first MLS-based player to score for Argentina.

Controversy and Career Transitions

In December 2020, Almada was reported for alleged sexual abuse following a party in San Isidro. The investigation led to his suspension by Vélez Sarsfield alongside Miguel Brizuela, but he was reinstated a week later due to new evidence. He moved to Botafogo on July 6, 2024, for $21 million plus add-ons, breaking transfer records. On December 19, 2024, he announced a loan move to Lyon until June 30, 2025. Finally, on July 15, 2025, Atlético Madrid announced an agreement with Botafogo for his transfer.