Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Thiago Almada

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Thiago Almada made an impact.

Thiago Almada is an Argentine professional footballer known for his skills as an attacking midfielder or winger. He currently plays for Ligue 1 club Lyon, on loan from Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Botafogo, and represents the Argentina national team. Almada is recognized for his offensive capabilities and contribution to both club and country in the sport of soccer.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 2018: Almada Makes Professional Debut

In August 2018, just four months after his 17th birthday, Almada made his professional debut with Vélez Sarsfield.

2019: Plays for Argentina Under-20 Squad

In 2019, Almada played for the Argentina under-20 squad.

2020: Almada Moved to Midfield

In 2020, due to player departures, new manager Mauricio Pellegrino moved Almada to the midfield position, where he scored 15 goals in 42 matches.

December 2021: Agreement Reached for Almada Transfer to Atlanta United

On 4 December 2021, Vélez Sarsfield announced an agreement with Atlanta United for Almada's pre-transfer in February 2022.

2021: Features for Argentina Under-23 Squad

In 2021, Almada featured for the Argentina under-23 squad.

February 2022: Almada Officially Joins Atlanta United

On 9 February 2022, Atlanta United officially announced the transfer of Almada, reportedly worth a league-record $16 million. He was unveiled virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he apologized for a racially insensitive gesture.

September 2022: Almada Debuts for Argentina National Team

On 23 September 2022, Almada made his debut for the Argentina national team in a friendly match against Honduras in Miami.

November 2022: Almada Called Up to Argentinian World Cup Squad

In November 2022, Almada was called up to the Argentinian World Cup squad, replacing injured Joaquín Correa. He debuted against Poland in the final group stage game, substituting for Alexis Mac Allister as Argentina won 2-0.

2022: Argentina Wins 2022 FIFA World Cup

In 2022, Almada was a member of the Argentina team that won the FIFA World Cup, becoming the first active Major League Soccer (MLS) player to win the tournament.

February 2023: Almada Named MLS Player of the Week

On 25 February 2023, Almada scored two goals in the first game of the 2023 season, leading Atlanta to a 2–1 win. He was named MLS Player of the Week and featured in the Team of the Matchday.

March 2023: Almada Scores First International Goal

On 23 March 2023, Almada scored his first international goal for Argentina during a friendly against Panama, becoming the first MLS-based player to score for the national team.

July 2024: Almada Joins Botafogo

On 6 July 2024, Almada officially joined Campeonato Brasileiro Série A side Botafogo, signing a five-year contract. The deal was reportedly worth $21 million (€19,5 million) plus $9 million (€7,5 million) in add-ons, breaking transfer records for both the MLS and the Brazilian league.