Get to Know Thiago Almada: Inspired by Tevez, Sold Vegetables & Fruits

Thiago Almada’s inspiring story begins with a young boy whose dream was to emulate his idol, Carlos Tevez. Raised by Diego and Uma Almada, he spent his early years selling vegetables and fruit door-to-door to help support his family. In 2008, while Tevez started his journey with Manchester United, seven-year-old Almada could be found playing on the dirt pitches of Santa Clara club every Saturday. It’s at this very club where Tevez himself took his first steps in football, captured in the photo below.

Carlos Tevez remains the Biggest Football Hero in the neighbourhood of Fuerte Apache, where Almada spent his childhood.

Carlos Tevez remains the Biggest Football Hero in the neighbourhood of Fuerte Apache, where Almada spent his childhood.

In those days, inside Monoblock 2 of Fuerte Apache, young Thiago Almada and his family would eagerly gather to watch their town’s idol, Carlos Tevez, on television, especially every weekend. Fourteen years later, Thiago Almada found himself living his childhood dream. His unexpected call-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup brought immense joy to his family members.

Thiago’s journey is buoyed by the support of his siblings and partner, Alanis Poza, weaving a tapestry of love, encouragement, and soccer. This biography delves into Almada’s early life, family background, and the cultural influences from Argentina that have shaped him. It offers insights into his personal life, lifestyle choices, and the financial dynamics of his career. Join us as we explore the path of a prodigy who embraces his heritage while making significant strides in the world of football.

Thiago Almada's Untold Story: Inspired by Carlos Tevez, Sold Vegetables & Fruits to Survive

Thiago Almada’s Untold Story: Inspired by Carlos Tevez, Sold Vegetables & Fruits to Survive

Preamble:

Thiago Almada’s biography starts by recounting significant events from his childhood. We’ll then uncover details about his early career with Santa Clara. Finally, we’ll explore how he, a promising talent in Argentine football, ascended to fame in the sport. We aim to captivate your interest in Thiago Almada’s life story. To begin, we invite you to view this gallery that chronicles his journey from infancy to his remarkable rise. Indeed, Almada has travelled a remarkable path.

The Biography of Thiago Almada - From his boyhood Years to the Moment of National Fame.

The Biography of Thiago Almada – From His Boyhood Years to the Moment of National Fame.

Thiago Almada hails from Fuerte Apache, the same resilient neighbourhood that produced Carlos Tevez. Known for his skills as an attacking midfielder and supporting forward, Almada possesses exceptional ball control, ground duel prowess, finishing abilities, and a killer final pass.

As we explored the history of Argentina footballers, we discovered a notable gap in knowledge. Surprisingly, few fans have delved into a comprehensive version of Thiago Almada’s biography. We’ve put together an exciting narrative, so let’s dive right in.

Thiago Almada Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he bears the nickname “Guayo” His Full Names are Thiago Ezequiel Almada. Thiago Almada was born on the 26th day of April 2001 to his Mother, Uma Almada, and Father, Diego Almada, in Ciudadela, Argentina.

The Fuerte Apache native is among other children (including a sister he is very fond of) born to the marital union between his Dad and Mum. Now, let’s introduce you to Thiago Almada’s Parents. Uma and Diego are super proud of what their son does for football.

Meet Thiago Almada's Parents, who are in their early 40s (as I write this Bio).

Meet Thiago Almada’s Parents, who are in their early 40s (as I write this Bio).

Growing Up:

The Argentine, known to have an explosion of cute charm from his boyhood years, was well cared for by his parents.

Thiago was a carefree baby with zero worries about life. To this day, he never forgets this picture of him in the comforting arms of his Mum, a woman with the most alluring smile.

Young Uma Almada and her son, Thiago.

Young Uma Almada and her son, Thiago.

Guayo, as he is nicknamed, spent his childhood years at an apartment at Monoblock 2 in the neighbourhood of Fuerte Apache. In that vicinity contains his grandparents’ apartment, at knot 3, where he enjoyed visiting and spending a lot of time at.

Early Life:

The Argentine Jewel, as a boy, fell in love with the game by learning to be a playmaker and make final killer passes. Thiago dreams of following in the footsteps of Carlitos (Carlos Tevez). He had known the Argentine Lenegd before he achieved fame in England.

Back in the day (especially the Saturdays of 2008), young Thiago would get up very early, perform his house chores and get ready to watch Carlos Tevez matches.

Afterwards, he would go play soccer at the dirt court of the Santa Clara club. This place ( Monoblock 2 of Fuerte Apache) was also the place where Carlos Tevez received his first footballing steps.

Do you know? Both Mentor and Mentee (as pictured below) have crossed paths on several occasions in their Fuerte Apache neighbourhood.

For the Argentine Baller, Carlos Tevez was more than a Role Model, but his best friend.

For the Argentine Baller, Carlos Tevez was more than a Role Model, but his best friend.

Thiago Almada Family Background:

The Argentine comes from a household whose members aren’t just soccer fans who have something to do with the sport. Diego, his Dad, once played for San Lorenzo de Almagro. This is a sports club in Argentina, located in the Boedo district of Buenos Aires.

Thiago Almada’s dad’s soccer career took him to play in Portugal. Upon Diego’s return to Argentina, he abandoned his career in the sport. Thiago Almada’s uncle was a footballer who played for River Plate. His older brothers grew up kicking soccer for small clubs at Fuerte Apache.

Regarding the income status of his family, Thiago Almada’s parents identified with the lower middle class. Diego, his Dad, operated a close-knit family, one whose strength lies in their togetherness.

Let's introduce you to Thiago Almada's Family members.

Let’s introduce you to Thiago Almada’s Family members.

The youngster, at a time in his early life, found ways to earn little income for himself.

When Thiago was little, he earned money to buy coke and snacks to eat by accompanying his neighbour, who sold vegetables door to door. In the words of one of his older  brothers;

“I have the image of Thiago playing football with coins from vegetable sales in his hand.”

Thiago Almada Family Origin:

The 2022 World Cup star has his roots in the Barrio Ejército de los Andes neighbourhood. This place, which is near the city of Buenos Aires, is popularly known as Fuerte Apache. Put more succinctly, Thiago Ezequiel Almada holds Argentine nationality.

Where Thiago Almada’s family come from (Fuerte Apache) is notorious for its high crime rates and prevalent drug use. The neighbourhood, which is 25.7 km from Buenos Aires, arose during the Juan Carlos Onganía dictatorship era.

Do you know?... Thiago Almada's Origins (Fuerte Apache) was created by Juan Carlos Onganía in 1966 as part of his plan to eradicate illegal settlements.

Do you know?… Thiago Almada’s Origins (Fuerte Apache) was created by Juan Carlos Onganía in 1966 as part of his plan to eradicate illegal settlements.

Thiago Almada Ethnicity:

The Attacking Midfielder’s country of origin is often called a “melting pot” simply because all races are fused into one national identity.

Our odds are in favour of Thiago Almada being a Spanish Argentine. Rather, the athlete is of mixed or partial Spanish descent.

Likely, Thiago Almada’s ancestors are Spanish emigrants. They (in large numbers) arrived in Argentina during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Thiago Almada Education:

The Attacking Midfielder had his early schooling at Fuerte Apache, which is the same place where Carlos Tevez lived during his childhood. Learning from the trajectory of his Idol, Thiago Almada dedicated his early years to the Santa Clara soccer school.

The Santa Clara soccer school was where the beautiful game began for Thiago Almada.

The Santa Clara soccer school was where the beautiful game began for Thiago Almada.

Career Buildup:

Again, he attended the same soccer school where Tevez took his first footballing steps. Thiago was very good at playing soccer as a child, and many of his neighbours came to see him. His good performance also attracted coaches from other clubs who offered to give him an allowance.

These coaches wanted Almada at some of the best soccer academies in Argentina. For example, the likes of Boca, Argentinos Juniors, and River Plate. Thiago was also in high demand from other baby soccer clubs that worked together with the above institutions.

When asked about his desire to leave Santa Clara soccer school, Thiago Almada’s response was always the same. The little boy would always say,

“I stay in Santa Clara because I like to play with my friends from the neighbourhood.”

Thiago Almada Biography – Untold Football Story:

As he progressed with the Santa Clara buffet, the youngster moulded his gameplay in the image of Carlos Tevez. Thiago Almada always stood out for his dedication and his desire to become a professional footballer.

The Early Career Years of the Argentine Jewel from Fuerte Apache.

The Early Career Years of the Argentine Jewel from Fuerte Apache.

In Fuerte Apache, there are many soccer kids like Almada who have technique quality. It’s just that many of these kids were often left on the road due to social issues.

The Barrio Ejército de los Andes neighbourhood shaped Thiago as a footballer and also as a person.

Back then and up to this day, there were a lot of people in the Fuerte Apache who chose the wrong path. There were soccer-living kids who committed crimes, and they ended up playing soccer in the courtyards of juvenile prisons.

Some afternoons, football games would come to an end due to shootings by criminal gangs. When that happens, Almada and his teammates would be forced to go inside his house. When things subside, he returns back to the field to kick the ball.

Learning his skills at the little courts in Fuerte Apache gave Thiago an advantage in technique, tricks, going forward and making mischief with the ball.

Aside from playing the game, the youngster sold vegetables and fruit (door-to-door) to earn extra money.

Road to Fame Story:

The youngster, who dreamt of becoming a professional, found the need to progress to greater challenges. One way to achieve that was to join a bigger team. So in 2006, Thiago Almada found himself in the books of Vélez Sarsfield, a Buenos Aires soccer academy.

Like many other youngsters, Thiago Almada made his way through the youth ranks of the academy. Almada held on to his dreams of being the next Carlitos Tevez. Everyone saw Almada as an incredibly gifted, Speedy footballer.

He was more of a playmaker winger who takes pride in making killer final passes, with gigantic agility and balance. Almada always had the ball at his feet; he knows how to dribble so fast and can glide effortlessly past his numerous markers, as seen here.

Almada was so good that it took at least three opponents to make an attempt to

Almada was so good that it took at least three opponents to make an attempt to

Thanks to the above qualities, an incredibly gifted Almada saw his academy graduation being fast-tracked. In August 2018, just four months before his 17th birthday, the Rising Star (to the joy of his family) made his professional debut with the club.

Thiago Almada Biography – Rise to Fame Story:

At the time he graduated from Vélez Sarsfield Academy, the Fuerte Apache Athlete began receiving honours. Almada was recognized by The Guardian as part of their “2018 Next Generation Talents.”

Next, Thiago Almada was called to the 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup as one of the sparring footballers for Jorge Sampaoli’s Argentine team. While there, he shared a training pitch with Legends like Lionel Messi. Having face-to-face meetings with Messi, Almada said,

On this day, the boy from Fuerte Apache met the Legendary Lionel Messi.

On this day, the boy from Fuerte Apache met the Legendary Lionel Messi.

This is a dream I don’t want to wake up from.

He had a solid start to his first-team career under manager Gabriel Heinze, the Ex-Man United and Real Madrid Legend.

Almada (whom many say has the feet of Lionel Messi) achieved a meteoric rise in his first two years of playing with Heinze. Here is a video proof.

In 2020, Vélez Sarsfield saw a new club manager, Mauricio Pellegrino. He moved Almada to midfield because of the departure of several players.

Since the move to midfield, Almada discovered a new swagger in his gameplay, earning him an extra 15 goals and transferring him to Atlanta United.

Walking his way into the Argentine National Team:

Almada, in February 2022, opened a new chapter in his career with Major League Soccer club Atlanta United. He said he was ready to fight for everything with the club. Shortly after his debut, Almada scored his first-ever MLS goal.

The goal, which came shortly after a Charlotte FC game (on the 19th of March 2022), ended up winning the MLS’ Goal of that Week. Thiago Almada’s continued performance earned him the 2022 MLS Newcomer of the Year honour.

On the 23rd day of September 2022, The Speedy Athlete made his debut in the Argentina National Football Team. And to the joy of Thiago Almada’s Parents, their son got into the roster of the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad as a replacement for Joaquin Correa.

Uma and Diego are super proud of their son, who remains their pillar of strength.

Uma and Diego are super proud of their son, who remains their pillar of strength.

The Attacking Mideiflder was one of the surprise call-ups by Lionel Scaloni. He was chosen ahead of Alejandro Garnacho and Giovanni Simeone just five days before Argentina’s first match at Qatar.

On that day, Angel Correa was a replacement for an injured Nicolás González. Fast forward to seasons later, he, alongside Igor Jesus (footballer, born in 2001), helped Botafogo achieve the historic feat of winning the Copa Libertadores. The rest, as we say, is now history.

Thiago Almada Love Life:

There is a saying that behind any Argentine World Cup star comes a glamorous woman. In the case of Thiago Almada, Alanis Poza exists a lady who makes him complete.

From the moment the Baller shared this photo on his Instagram, it became clear that they were both dating.

Introducing Alanis Poza, she is Thiago Almada's Girlfriend.

Introducing Alanis Poza, who is Thiago Almada’s girlfriend.

Personal Life:

Who is Thiago Almada?

Everyone who knows the Argentine comments positively about his behaviour off the pitch. On the pitch, people say Almada looks like a bloodthirsty wolf who always runs with his prey (the soccer ball). But on the pitch, he remains a tamed lamb with a contagious smile.

Introducing Alanis Poza, she is Thiago Almada's Girlfriend.

Introducing Alanis Poza, who is Thiago Almada’s girlfriend.

Thiago Almada Lifestyle:

Together with members of his family, the Argentine Athlete never takes his holiday life for granted. During soccer breaks, Thiago takes his family to some of the best family-friendly aquatic havens.

Looking for the perfect family lake vacation isn't a difficult thing for the Almadas.

Looking for the perfect family lake vacation isn’t a difficult thing for the Almadas.

Thiago Almada Car:

The need for mobility, especially to attend training, has become a necessary evil for the Argentine. Thiago Almada began driving as soon as he turned 17, which is the required age for driving in Argentina.

The Argentine Baller is pictured alongside his sister inside his car.

The Argentine Baller is pictured alongside his sister inside his car.

Thiago Almada Family Life:

The boy from Fuerte Apache achieved career success not because he played with talented teammates. Rather, it is because Thiago Almada is highly motivated by the people he calls family. Now, let’s tell you more about them.

Thiago Almada Father:

Thanks to his knowledge of the soccer business, Diego, these days, works closely with Augustin Jimenez. This is his son’s agent, who also handles Rodrigo de Paul‘s career.

Thiago Almada’s Dad once revealed how he found out about his son’s call-up to the FIFA World Cup. In Diego’s words,

“Thiago made a video call to the family. When I saw the video call, I imagined it, but I wanted Thiago to confirm it for me.

I don’t even know what my son said. ‘Dad, they called me, I’ll be travelling in a while’.”

At the moment Almada announced his call-up, his whole family began screaming. Diego Almada is super proud to see his son achieve more than he did in his short-lived playing career.

Thiago Almada Mother:

Uma, who celebrates her birthday every 2nd of June, is best described as a devoted Mum. Also, she is the most understanding person her son (Thiago) has ever met.

Uma Almada’s present means a lot to the entire family. She (who shares a great bond with her son) creates a perfect balance in his personal life. Thanks to her son’s career success, Uma Almada enjoys a better living standard with her husband.

Thiago Almada Sister:

The Atlanta United Footballer cares so much about sibling bonds. Almada believes that having a sister like her (the last born of the family) is synonymous with having a best friend you can’t get rid of. It is always a special feeling for Thiago’s sister when she introduces your celebrity brother to your friends.

While he treats his Girlfriend (Alanis Poza) and Mum (Uma) like a Queen, Thiago treats his little sister like a princess.

While he treats his Girlfriend (Alanis Poza) and Mum (Uma) like a Queen, Thiago treats his little sister like a princess.

Thiago Almada Brothers:

According to research, the Argentine has two older male siblings who also play soccer at the club level. When compared to himself (the family’s breadwinner), Thiago Almada’s Brothers had had less illustrious careers. All male sons of Diego and Uma grew up kicking football for clubs in Fuerte Apache.

Uma Almada takes a photo with her sons and daughter.

Uma Almada takes a photo with her sons and daughter.

Thiago Almada Relative:

By her close resemblance to Uma, the Superstar’s mother, you can tell that she is a relative of the Argentine footballer. Our odds are in favour of her being Thiago Almada’s Grandmother (from his mother’s side). On this day, the Atlanta United youngster celebrated these women for making his childhood worthwhile.

These two were among those who made Almada feel blessed from childhood.

These two were among those who made Almada feel blessed from childhood.

Thiago Almada Grandfather:

Every home needs a grandad to nourish it, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Star is glad to have one. Thiago Almada enjoyed living at his Granddad’s house in those early years when he sold fruit and vegetables door-to-door. Today, these two are

Having a supportive grandpa who he lived with helped shape Thiago's career foundation.

Having a supportive grandpa who he lived with helped shape Thiago’s career foundation.

Thiago Almada Relatives:

One of the reasons he enjoyed a fruitful senior career start in Santa Clara and Vélez Sarsfield is because of these set of persons. Among these persons are Thiago Almada Relatives, who make up his greatest fan base in Argentina.

For these people, it is always a great feeling to experience a National Celebrity spring up in the family.

For these people, it is always a great feeling to experience a National Celebrity spring up in the family.

Untold Facts:

In this final section of Thiago Almada’s Biography, we’ll unveil more information you might not know about him. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

The Apologetic Bad Gesture:

On the 11th day of February 2022, Thiago Almada asked for forgiveness from his Atalanta supporters. He was apologetic for making a racially insensitive gesture with his eyes after scoring a goal.

The Accusation:

A year before his apology to Atalanta supporters, Almada, in February 2021, was identified by Argentine police as a person of interest in a case involving a woman being manhandled by some boys.

The incident was said to have happened on the 4th of December 2020 after a party in San Isidro, Buenos Aires. A 28-year-old woman claimed several people abused her in a rented house.

Almada’s club suspended him and his teammate, Miguel Brizuela, after the news broke out. After a week of suspension, the footballer got reinstated with the club, and the whole issue died off.

Thiago Almada Salary:

According to DirtySouthSoccer, his contract with Atlanta United sees him earning a 2022 Guaranteed Compensation amount of $2,332,000. Converting this to Argentine currency, we have 379,614,620 pesos.

How rich is the Argentine?

Where Thiago Almada’s family comes from, the average Argentine earns around  542,400 pesos every year. Do you know?… Such a person would need to work for 58 years to earn Thiago Almada’s monthly salary with Atlanta United.

Thiago Almada FIFA:

The Argentine from Fuerte Apache has agility, acceleration and balance as his greatest assets. This makes Thiago Almada comparable to Christopher Nkunku and Rodrygo. As a FIFA career mode lover, you should sign youngsters like Ethan Nwaneri and Thiago Almada on your team because of these attributes.

At the age of 20, Guayo lacks nothing (below average) in football except for his Defending and Heading Accuracy.

At the age of 20, Guayo lacks nothing (below average) in football except for his Defending and Heading Accuracy.

Are you looking for young FIFA talents with great potential in Argentina? If yes, then Thiago Almada is someone you can buy at a low transfer budget. More importantly, he has the capacity to develop into one of the World’s Best footballers. Here is a video of Almada’s FIFA growth test.

Thiago Almada Religion:

Barrio Ejército de los Andes, where the footballer grew up, is an overwhelmingly Catholic neighbourhood. Thiago Almada is a Christian, and he joins about 62.9% of Argentines who attend the Roman Catholic Church.

What happened days before his World Cup Call:

Thiago, along with his father, Diego Almada, and Ángel Correa, all played football together at Cañuelas Partido, Buenos Aires Province in Argentina. They, who just preferred to enjoy local football, never planned to travel to Qatar. Shockingly, their destiny changed days later.

Angel and Thiago had given up on being called by Lionel Scaloni for the World Cup. Little did they know they would be going to Qatar to represent Argentina.

Angel and Thiago had given up on being called by Lionel Scaloni for the World Cup. Little did they know they would be going to Qatar to represent Argentina.

EndNote:

Thiago Almada was born to his Parents, Diego Almada (Dad) and Uma Almada (Mum). He, alongside his siblings (a sister and older brothers), grew up in the famous neighbourhood of Fuerte Apache. This place, also known as the home of Carlos Tevez, is known for its high crime rates and prevalent drug use.

The Argentine Attacking midfielder comes from a family that has the beautiful game in their DNA. Diego Almada, his Dad, played locally at San Lorenzo de Almagro before he moved to Portugal. Upon Thiago Almada’s Dad’s return to Argentina, he abandoned his career.

Our findings also reveal that his uncle was in the books of Club Atlético River Plate. Thiago Almada’s brothers, who are older than him, played for the local clubs of Fuerte Apache. In those early years, he played soccer; young Thiago lived at his grandparents’ house.

Although Thiago Almada’s parents worked, he found it necessary to relieve them of the stress of spending meeting his financial needs. So, in order to earn monies for himself, the youngster engaged in a door-to-door selling of fruits and vegetables.

Almada began his youth career with his Fuerte Apache neighbourhood club, Santa Clara. In 2006, he enrolled at Vélez Sarsfield, where he spent 12 years before actualizing his dreams of becoming a professional. Moving a step closer to Europe, Almada joined the MLS side, Atlanta United.

In less than a week before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two casualties for Lionel Scaloni’s National Team were confirmed. Guayo became the lucky name that was called up to replace injured Joaquin Correa. As I conclude this Bio, Thiago Almada’s Girlfriend, Alanis Pose, and family members should be in Qatar to watch him showcase his talent to the world. Aside from Thiago Almada’s Bio, we’ve got other great Albicelestes that’ll interest you. Surely, the Life History of Enzo Fernandes, defensive Midfield master Guido Rodriguez, and Gonzalo Montiel are definitely one to read.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Thiago Almada’s Biography. We care about accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver you Argentine Soccer Stories. Thiago Almada’s Story is part of our wilder collection of attacking midfielders, as seen on the article we’ve made about Facundo Buonanotte and Kenan Yildiz.

Kindly let us know if you find something that doesn’t look right in our story about the boy from Barrio Ejército de los Andes. Also, please tell us what you think about the Fuerte Apache native who made his time on the squad list for the 2022 World Cup.

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