Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Thiago Almada

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 18, 2025

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

Thiago Ezequiel Almada is an Argentine professional footballer recognized for his role as an attacking midfielder or winger. He currently plays for La Liga club Atlético Madrid and represents the Argentina national team. Almada is known for his attacking prowess and versatility on the field.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 2018: Almada Makes Professional Debut

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

October 2018: Almada Included in The Guardian's "Next Generation 2018"

In October 2018, Thiago Almada was included in The Guardian's "Next Generation 2018".

2019: Almada plays for Argentina under-20 squad

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

2020: Almada moved to midfield

In 2020, due to the departure of several players, new club manager Mauricio Pellegrino moved Thiago Almada to the midfield. Following this positional change, Almada scored 15 goals in 42 matches.

December 2021: Vélez Sarsfield announces agreement with Atlanta United

On 4 December 2021, Vélez Sarsfield announced an agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Atlanta United for the pre-transfer of Thiago Almada in February 2022.

2021: Almada Features for Argentina under-23 squad

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

February 2022: Almada Transfer to Atlanta United Finalized

In February 2022, Thiago Almada's transfer to Atlanta United was officially announced for a league-record $16 million. His unveiling was met with scrutiny due to a racially insensitive gesture, for which he apologized.

September 2022: Almada Debuts for Argentina National Team

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

November 2022: Almada Called Up to Argentina World Cup Squad

In November 2022, Thiago Almada was called up to the Argentinian World Cup squad. He made his 2022 World Cup debut against Poland, coming on as a substitute in the 83rd minute. Argentina was victorious by 2–0.

2022: Argentina wins the 2022 FIFA World Cup

In 2022, Thiago Almada was part of the Argentina team that won the FIFA World Cup. He made history as the first active Major League Soccer (MLS) player to win the tournament.

March 2023: Almada Scores First International Goal

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

July 2024: Almada Joins Botafogo

On 6 July 2024, Thiago Almada officially joined Campeonato Brasileiro Série A side Botafogo, signing a five-year contract. The deal commanded a fee of $21 million plus $9 million in add-ons, breaking transfer records for both the MLS and the Brazilian league. He also scored his first goal for Botafogo in a 2-0 win against Corinthians for the Brasileirao.