Thiago Almada bids farewell to Atlanta United with incredible goal

If Thiago Almada has played his final game for Atlanta United, he chose a memorable night to do so. The young Argentinian midfielder, tipped for an imminent move, scored his final goal in a dramatic 2-1 win over Toronto FC. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium was in raptures when Jamal Thiare sealed the victory in added time, but it was Almada who really stole the show.

The 23-year-old Almada, a star of undeniable talent, has been Atlanta United’s star since joining from Velez Sarsfield in 2022. His stats are impressive: 23 goals and 33 assists in 77 games. Even without a title to cap his career, he has won the hearts of the fans and become one of the team’s key players. The victory against Toronto FC, his first at home since March, was a fitting farewell.

In the 90th minute, Thiare surprised everyone by stealing the ball from goalkeeper Luka Gavran and scoring the winner, but Almada’s goal was just as special. For a player who has been the backbone of the team, scoring in his possible farewell was a fairytale ending.

“Scoring a goal at home and coming away with a victory is a happy ending. Even though the only thing I haven’t done yet is win a title here, I tried to do my best and do everything to the club,” said Almada, who also showed that his connection with Atlanta goes beyond the field: “The fans, my teammates, the people who work at the club, the leaders They will have a big part of my heart. I will remember this club as one of the greatest in MLS.”

As Almada was saying his goodbyes, rumors of his transfer were flying. And it seems that Botafogo got what many clubs wanted. John Textor of Eagle Football Group sealed Almada’s deal for around $19 million, with a future set at Lyon. The move is part of an ambitious multi-club project that has convinced Almada to stay in America, at least for now.

According to the Brazilian press, Botafogo would have agreed salary terms with Almada’s staff, initially reluctant to leave North America. But the project proposal, which includes a possible transfer to Lyon, was enough to convince him. With a World Cup under his belt and a member of Argentina’s three-time world champion team, Almada is a major signing for Botafogo.

Thiago Almada, although young, has already proven himself in MLS and at international level. His versatility on the pitch, playing both as a central midfielder and on the left side of the attack, makes him a key player for Botafogo in the current transfer window. His ability to create plays and finish with precision is an asset that any team would like to have.

The move marks the end of an era for Atlanta United and the beginning of a new one for Botafogo. Almada brought joy and unforgettable moments to Atlanta fans, and now Botafogo fans can expect big things from their new star. The Argentinian bids farewell to North American football with his head held high and his eyes fixed on a new challenge in Brazil.