Thiago Almada Nears River Plate Move, Returns to Argentina with Wife

Argentine footballer Thiago Almada is reportedly on the verge of a significant move back to his home country, with River Plate emerging as the likely destination from his current club, Atlético Madrid. The 25-year-old midfielder, a two-time World Cup participant for Argentina, is expected to become one of the most important signings in the history of Argentine football.

Almada's potential return follows a successful five-year stint in Europe and Major League Soccer, where he played over 100 matches for Vélez between 2018 and 2021 before transferring to Atlanta United for $16 million. After his time in the MLS, he moved to Botafogo in Brazil, where he won the Copa Libertadores in 2024, and later to Spain.

Accompanying Almada on this new chapter will be his wife, Antonella D’Alotta, also 25. The couple, who began their relationship in March 2024, tied the knot in a ceremony at the Alvear Icon Hotel in Buenos Aires on December 23, 2024. Their wedding was attended by notable figures, including AFA President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and fellow World Cup-winning teammates Exequiel Palacios and Ángel Correa.

Almada and D’Alotta have shared residences in Brazil, France, and most recently, Spain. Following a vacation in Ibiza after the World Cup, they are now preparing to relocate to Argentina as Almada finalizes his move to River Plate.