Thiago Almada is one of Argentina’s most talented attacking midfielders and wingers, and by 2026 he has already built an impressive career across Argentina, the United States, Brazil, France, and Spain. He is best known for his technical skill, creativity, and ability to contribute goals and assists from midfield.
Thiago Almada’s Biography
| Category | Information |
| Full Name | Thiago Ezequiel Almada |
| Nickname | “Guayo” |
| Date of Birth | April 26, 2001 |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Birthplace | Ciudadela, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Religion | Christianity (Christian) |
| Height | 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Weight | 63 kg (139 lbs) |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder, Winger |
| Youth Clubs | Santa Clara (2005-2006), Vélez Sarsfield (2006-2018) |
| Senior Clubs | Vélez Sarsfield, Atlanta United, Botafogo, Lyon (loan), Atlético Madrid |
| Jersey Number | 11 (Atlético Madrid) |
| International Debut | September 23, 2022 vs Honduras |
| Turned Professional | August 10, 2018 (age 17) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5-8 million |
| Annual Salary | €4.7 million (~$5.1 million) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Antonella D’Alotta |
| Children | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @thiago_almada23 |
Thiago Almada is a 25-year-old Argentine professional footballer who married Antonella D’Alotta in December 2024 after publicly revealing their romance in February 2024. He follows Christianity and grew up in the challenging Fuerte Apache neighborhood of Buenos Aires, where he sold fruits and vegetables to help his family while spending time with his grandparents.
Early Career
Almada started football at Santa Clara at age four before joining Vélez Sarsfield’s youth academy at age five in 2006. Just four months after turning 17, he made his professional debut on August 10, 2018, against Newell’s Old Boys in a 2-0 victory.
He scored his first two goals on November 5, 2018, in a 3-2 loss to Defensa y Justicia. By October 2018, The Guardian included him in their “Next Generation 2018” list, recognizing him as one of the world’s top young prospects. Over his Vélez career (2018-2022), he made 45 league appearances and scored 10 goals.
Professional Career
Almada transferred to Atlanta United in February 2022 for a record $16 million, becoming the most expensive MLS signing at that time. He won MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2022 and earned MLS Best XI in 2023 with 23 goals in 77 matches.
In July 2024, he broke another record by joining Botafogo for $21 million plus $9 million in add-ons, winning both the 2024 Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Série A. After a loan to Lyon (January-June 2025), Atlético Madrid signed him permanently on July 15, 2025, for approximately €25 million. He currently has 38 league goals in 182 appearances across all clubs.
Wife
Thiago Almada is married to Antonella D’Alotta. The couple publicly revealed their romance in February 2024 when Antonella posted a photo together at a paradisiacal beach and wrote “Te amo” (I love you), with Thiago responding “Yo más, mi amor” (I love you more, my love). They married by civil ceremony first, then held their wedding celebration on Monday night, December 23, 2024, at Nuestra Señora de las Nieves church in the Liniers neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The wedding was a huge party with music, color, and fun. The couple is currently expecting their first child together, though no children have been publicly announced yet as of 2026.
Thiago Almada’s Net Worth Details
Thiago Almada’s estimated net worth in 2026 ranges between $5 million to $8 million. Most sources cite approximately $5 million as of 2025, but with his massive €4.7 million annual salary at Atlético Madrid starting in July 2025, his net worth has likely grown significantly. His wealth comes primarily from his football contracts, including his record-breaking transfers ($16 million from Vélez to Atlanta, $21 million from Atlanta to Botafogo, and €25 million from Botafogo to Atlético), plus bonuses and endorsements.
Contract
Thiago Almada signed a 5-year contract with Atlético Madrid on July 15, 2025, running through June 30, 2030. His base salary is €4.7 million per year (approximately €90,000 per week or $5.1 million annually).
He can also earn €702,000 per year in bonuses, making his total contract worth €26.9 million over 5 years. The transfer fee from Botafogo to Atlético Madrid was reported at about €25 million ($29 million), with Botafogo receiving a percentage of any future transfer.
Salary
Thiago Almada currently earns €4.7 million annually at Atlético Madrid, which translates to approximately $5.1 million per year or €90,000 per week. This makes him one of the highest-paid players in La Liga. Before joining Atlético, his salary at Atlanta United was around $2.332 million annually (guanteed compensation), making him the 24th highest-paid player in MLS and the most-paid player in Atlanta United’s lineup.
At Botafogo, his salary was estimated around €3.45 million for the 2024-2025 season. His current salary at Atlético represents a massive increase from his MLS earnings and reflects his status as a World Cup-winning midfielder with European experience.
Career Earnings
| Club/Period | Transfer Fee | Annual Salary | Estimated Total Earnings |
| Vélez Sarsfield (2018-2022) | N/A | Undisclosed | ~$500,000 |
| Atlanta United (2022-2024) | $16 million (to club) | $2.332 million | ~$5.5 million |
| Botafogo (2024-2025) | $21 million + $9M add-ons | ~$3.8 million | ~$3.8 million |
| Lyon (loan 2025) | Loan | ~$3.7 million | ~$1.8 million |
| Atlético Madrid (2025-2030) | €25 million | $5.1 million | €26.9 million total |
| International (Argentina) | N/A | N/A | Bonuses included |
| TOTAL CAREET EARNINGS | $62M+ transfers | $5.1M current | ~$17-18 million |
Endorsements
Thiago Almada’s primary endorsement partner is Nike, which provides him with footwear and apparel. While specific details about his other endorsement deals aren’t publicly disclosed, as a World Cup champion playing for Atlético Madrid, he likely has several sponsorship agreements.
His market value of €15-25 million makes him attractive to brands looking to associate with young, successful football talent. Almada’s Instagram presence (@thiago_almana23) and public appearances with his wife Antonella also generate brand opportunities, though he maintains relatively private social media compared to other football stars.
Career Records
| Record / Milestone | Detail |
| Youngest stage of career | Turned professional with Vélez Sarsfield in 2018 at age 17 |
| Argentina senior debut | Debuted on 23 September 2022 against Honduras |
| FIFA World Cup winner | Part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad |
| First active MLS player to win the World Cup | Became the first active MLS player to win the tournament |
| First senior international goal | Scored against Panama on 23 March 2023 |
| First MLS-based player to score for Argentina | Achieved that milestone with his goal against Panama |
| Club honors | Won the 2024 Copa Libertadores and 2024 Brazilian Série A with Botafogo |
| MLS individual honors | MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2022, MLS Best XI in 2023, MLS Young Player of the Year in 2023 |
FAQs
1. Who is Thiago Almada?
Thiago Ezequiel Almada is an Argentine professional footballer born on 26 April 2001 in Ciudadela, Argentina. He plays mainly as an attacking midfielder or winger and has represented the Argentina national team, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
2. What position does Thiago Almada play?
Almada primarily plays as an attacking midfielder, operating centrally behind the striker. He can also play as a winger on either flank and has occasionally been used as a second forward.
3. Which clubs has Thiago Almada played for?
Almada came through the youth system at Vélez Sarsfield and made his professional debut there. He later moved to Atlanta United in MLS before transfers and loans involving Botafogo, Lyon and Atlético Madrid.
4. Is Thiago Almada a World Cup winner?
Yes, Thiago Almada was part of Argentina’s squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He became the first active Major League Soccer player to win a World Cup while playing for Atlanta United.
5. What are Thiago Almada’s main strengths as a player?
Almada is known for his close control, dribbling and agility in tight spaces. He is also a creative passer with good vision and is dangerous from set pieces and long‑range shots.
6. What shirt number does Thiago Almada usually wear?
Almada has worn different numbers at club level, including 23 and 11 depending on the team. For the Argentina national team he has typically worn numbers in the attacking midfield range, such as in the 20s.
7. Has Thiago Almada won any major club trophies?
Yes, Almada has won major honours at club level, including the Copa Libertadores with Botafogo. His club career also includes domestic campaigns in Argentina, Brazil, France and Spain.
8. How did Thiago Almada perform in MLS with Atlanta United?
During his time at Atlanta United, Almada quickly became a key creative player. He won the 2022 MLS Newcomer of the Year award and contributed double‑digit goals and assists in league play.
9. Is Thiago Almada still involved with the Argentina national team?
Almada has been called up multiple times to the Argentina national team and has scored for the senior side. His involvement depends on form and selection, but he remains in contention as a creative attacking option.
10. What playing style does Thiago Almada resemble?
Almada’s style resembles a modern South American playmaker who combines dribbling with incisive passing. He often drifts between the lines, links midfield and attack, and looks to create chances rather than stay fixed in one zone.