The reinvention of Thiago Almada: he was a bottle seller, helped his father from a young age, and today is a key piece of La Scaloneta

Thiago Almada's journey from selling bottles and vegetables in Fuerte Apache to becoming a vital player for Atlético Madrid and the Argentine national team is a testament to his resilience and talent. Growing up in Ciudadela, Almada's childhood was marked by hardship, where he helped his father, Diego, with his beverage delivery route in the neighborhood. His father encouraged his early steps in football, guiding him away from the dangers of the barrio and towards the sport. Almada channeled his focus into work and sacrifice, finding joy and competition at the Santa Clara club in Fuerte Apache. Coaches there guided him until he joined Vélez Sarsfield at the age of eight, beginning his path through the club's youth divisions. His time in the youth system, including living in the club's boarding house, rigorous training, and official matches, forged his character. He debuted in the first division in 2018 under Gabriel Heinze. Almada quickly adapted to top-flight football, delivering standout performances against major clubs like Boca and River. His experience in the league, coupled with appearances in the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores, solidified his status as a rising star. At 20, he moved from Vélez to Atlanta United, having played 100 official matches and scored 24 goals. His performances in the U.S. caught the eye of Lionel Scaloni, who called him up to the senior national team for a friendly against Honduras in 2022. Later that year, he was included in the World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Joaquín Correa, ultimately becoming part of the team that secured Argentina's third World Cup title. Despite his success, Almada remains grounded, maintaining a low profile and not frequently giving media declarations. He is now preparing for his second World Cup, showing more composure than in his previous appearance. He has also established a soup kitchen in Fuerte Apache, managed by his grandparents, giving back to the community that shaped him.

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Football saved Thiago Almada's life.