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One To Watch

Thiago Almada: Lyon's playmaking whiz

Ahead of this evening's Europa League matchup against FCSB, we take a closer look at yet another blossoming talent within the ranks of Olympique Lyonnais -- Argentine playmaker Thiago Almada. The young creative midfielder was vital to his team's 2-0 win over fellow Champions League contender OGC Nice at the weekend with a pair of assists -- learn more about his story in our latest "One to Watch"
E. DEVIN
Published on 03/13/2025 at 12:00
2-minute read
With a pair of assists on Sunday against Nice, Thiago Almada made his influence felt for Lyon

A strong start in MLS... and a world cup!

Born in the Buenos Aires suburb of Ciudadela, the 23-year-old Almada joins a long history of Argentines who have made a difference for Olympique Lyonnais. Aside from current teammate Nicolás Tagliafico, the likes of Lisandro Lopez, César Delgado and Claudio Garcia have all played key roles for Les Gones, part of a larger tradition in Ligue 1 McDonald's alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María and Dellio Onnis, the division's all time top scorer. 

As a youngster, Almada joined the academy of Velez Sarsfield and blossomed under the guidance of another face sure to be familiar to fans of Ligue 1 -- Gabriel Heinze. Initially a winger, Almada really proved his value when deployed as a central playmaker, his goal and assist totals skyrocketing as he caught the eye of Major League Soccer's Atlanta United. Signed in 2021 for a league-record fee, Almada's star continued to shine in North America, as he was named the Newcomer of the Year and was even a surprise addition to his country's squad for the World Cup, helping them win the 2022 title.

 

Vital contributions

Following two seasons in MLS, Almada was on the move again last summer, joining Botafogo in Brazil's top flight. He continued to impress there as well, helping O Glorioso to a Copa Libertadores and league double under Artur Jorge. In January, he joined Olympique Lyonnais on loan, no small challenge in making the step to a top-five league to play for a side with European ambitions.

With the likes of Corentin Tolisso and Rayan Cherki in top form, chances have been hard to come by for Almada, but he's seized with both hands when they've come, as exemplified by his display on Sunday. Playing on the right in place of Cherki, he set up both the academy product and Ernest Nuamah in the span of five minutes to help his team pick notch a vital win. With the Europa League this evening and Le Havre to come in Ligue 1 McDonald's on Sunday, there will be opportunities aplenty for the youngster, and we can't wait to see what's next!

Read more:

>> UEL Preview: Lyon look to seal quarterfinal spot

>> Champions League: Donnarumma heroics see PSG past Liverpool

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