Olympique Lyonnais have announced the loan signing of Botafogo attacking midfielder Thiago Almada (23).
Full Announcement:
Born in 2001 in Ciudadela, Argentina, Thiago Almada began his career in his native region with Vélez Sarsfield. In 2018, at just 17 years of age, he took his first professional steps and gradually established himself with the team located in the heart of Buenos Aires. In almost four seasons, he played 100 games, scoring 23 goals and providing 24 assists, quickly confirming his promising talent.
In February 2022, Almada continued his ascent by joining Atlanta United in the United States. In three seasons in Major League Soccer, he played 80 games, scoring 26 goals and providing 24 assists. Voted the league's best young player in 2023, he was also selected as one of the season's star players and took part in the All-Star Game against Arsenal.
An Argentina international (6 caps, 2 goals), Almada reached a decisive milestone in his career when he took part in the 2022 World Cup, won by Argentina after a memorable final against France. This first major title marked a turning point in his young career.
In August 2024, after shining at the Olympic Games in France, where he scored twice at Groupama Stadium, Almada joined Botafogo. With the Brazilian club, he won the national championship and the Copa Libertadores, also helping his team qualify for the upcoming Club World Cup.
Thiago Almada's arrival at Olympique Lyonnais marked a new stage in his career. With an exceptional technique and versatility, he becomes the seventh Argentine international in the club's history, reinforcing the strong links between Olympique Lyonnais and Argentina.
Considering Lyon and Botafogo share the same owner in Eagle Football’s John Textor, the Ligue 1 side won’t pay a penny to the Brazilian outfit, which means Les Gones could circumvent the transfer ban handed by the DNCG – French football’s financial watchdog. The Argentine will spend the remainder of the 2024-2025 with Pierre Sage’s Olympique Lyonnais and has been already presented to his new teammates.
In Lyon, Almada will reunite with fellow 2022 World Cup winner Nicolás Tagliafico (32). The Argentina international joined Botafogo in July 2024 from MLS franchise Atlanta United FC, making a big impact and helping the Brazilian outfit win the Copa Libertadores as well as the league title. L’Equipe understands that Almada will wear Lucas Perri’s No. 23 jersey as the Brazilian goalkeeper now takes the No. 1 jersey left vacant by Anthony Lopes. Almada could make his Lyon debut on Saturday when Les Gones host Toulouse FC.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval