Thiago Almada

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Almada was a member of the Argentina team that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making history by becoming the first active Major League Soccer player to win the tournament. He also won the 2024 Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Série A with Botafogo. He was born in Ciudadela, Buenos Aires, and grew up in the neighborhood Ejército de los Andes, also referred to as Fuerte Apache. He sold fruit and vegetables door-to-door as a child. He began playing football at age four for Santa Clara, joined Vélez Sarsfield at age five, and made his professional debut for Vélez on 10 August 2018. He was included in The Guardian's 'Next Generation 2018'. On 4 December 2021, Vélez announced an agreement with Atlanta United for his pre-transfer in February 2022, for a reported $16 million. He made his official debut for Atlanta on 14 February 2022 against C.D. Guadalajara in preseason, and his MLS debut on 27 February 2022. He scored his first goal for Atlanta on 19 March 2022. He was awarded 2022 MLS Newcomer of the Year. On 6 July 2024, he joined Botafogo for a reported $21 million plus add-ons. He scored his first goal for Botafogo in a 2–1 win against Corinthians. He made his Argentina senior debut on 23 September 2022. He was called up to the 2022 World Cup squad replacing Joaquín Correa, and made his World Cup debut against Poland. He scored his first international goal on 23 March 2023 against Panama. He competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics. He was selected for the 2026 World Cup squad. On 29 July 2026, FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against him for unsporting behaviour after a brawl following Argentina's defeat in the final. In December 2020, he was reported for alleged sexual abuse; he and Miguel Brizuela were charged in February 2021, and are still awaiting sentencing.

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

Almada plays as an attacking midfielder or left midfielder. He is known for his technical skill and goal-scoring ability from midfield. He has won the FIFA World Cup, Copa Libertadores, and Brazilian Série A.

Did You Know?

• Almada was the first active MLS player to win a FIFA World Cup.
• He sold fruit and vegetables door-to-door as a child.
• He was included in The Guardian's 'Next Generation 2018'.
• His transfer from Atlanta United to Botafogo broke the MLS record for a transfer out.
• He was charged with sexual abuse in February 2021 and is still awaiting sentencing.

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.