Viral Video Shows Thiago Almada as a Child at Vélez Youth Academy

A previously unseen video of Argentine footballer Thiago Almada as a child has surfaced, capturing his early days at Vélez Sarsfield. Almada, a key player expected to feature in the 2026 World Cup, joined Vélez at age five and progressed through their youth academy before his first-team debut in 2018.

The unearthed footage shows a young Almada, nicknamed "el Guayo," expressing his ambition to play for Vélez's senior team. His upbringing in the Fuerte Apache neighborhood, a tough area also home to Carlos Tévez, shaped his early footballing skills on dusty, uneven pitches.

Almada's successful stint at Vélez paved the way for his career in the United States and Brazil, leading to his debut for the Argentine national team in 2022. He was later called up to the Qatar World Cup squad as a replacement for an injured player. His development continued in Europe, first with Olympique de Lyon in France and now at Atlético de Madrid under compatriot Diego Simeone.

Despite his professional success, Almada remains connected to his roots, supporting a soup kitchen in Fuerte Apache managed by his grandparents. His journey exemplifies a path from humble beginnings to international football stardom.