Almada and Atlanta United: What Atlanta Fans Should Know About Thiago Almada

If you live in Atlanta or follow soccer in the city, “Almada Atlanta United” almost certainly refers to Thiago Almada, the Argentine playmaker who became one of the biggest stars in Atlanta United FC history.

This guide walks through who he is, how he fit into Atlanta United, what his move means for local fans, and how to keep up with the team now that he’s gone—all from an Atlanta-focused perspective.

Who Is Thiago Almada?

Thiago Almada is an Argentine attacking midfielder/winger who joined Atlanta United as a Designated Player and quickly became:

• One of the most creative attackers in Major League Soccer (MLS)
• A World Cup–winning player with the Argentina national team
• A major focal point of Atlanta United’s offense during his time in the city

For Atlanta residents, the name “Almada” became almost interchangeable with Atlanta United’s attacking identity: quick passing, long-range shots, and clever through balls at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Almada’s Time With Atlanta United

When Almada Played for Atlanta

Atlanta United signed Thiago Almada from Vélez Sarsfield in Argentina ahead of the 2022 MLS season. He was brought in as a Young Designated Player, a category that lets MLS teams invest heavily in top young talents.

During his time in Atlanta:

• He played mainly as an attacking midfielder (No. 10 role) and sometimes out wide.
• He was known for goals from distance, set pieces, and late-game creativity.
• He regularly featured in highlight reels shown around Atlanta sports bars and MLS coverage.

Impact on the Team and the City

For Atlanta fans:

• Matchday experience: Almada was often the player people came to see at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, especially on big rivalry matches or Saturday night games downtown.
• Style of play: Atlanta United leaned on him to unlock defenses with passes and dribbles, making him central to how the team attacked.
• Local chatter: Sports radio, local podcasts, and fan groups frequently debated how long he would stay before a big transfer abroad.

He quickly became one of those players whose name you’d hear all over the Gulch tailgate area, in bars around Castleberry Hill, and in soccer conversations across the metro area.

Did Thiago Almada Leave Atlanta United?

Yes. As of now, Thiago Almada has moved on from Atlanta United to pursue the next step in his career.

The club has historically operated with the expectation that some top players—especially young international stars—may develop in Atlanta and later transfer to clubs abroad. Almada followed that path.

What His Departure Means for Atlanta Fans

For people in Atlanta, Almada leaving typically means:

• No longer seeing him in person at regular MLS home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Changes in the team’s attack, with new or existing players stepping into the creative role he once filled.
• Ongoing interest from fans who still follow his career abroad and take pride in his time in Atlanta.

If you’re searching “Almada Atlanta United” today, you’re likely trying to confirm whether he’s still with the team, learn about his time here, or understand how his exit impacts the current roster.

How Almada Fit Into Atlanta United’s Identity

Atlanta United has marketed itself as an ambitious, attacking club since launch, and Almada fit right into that identity.

Playing Role

Almada was typically:

• The central playmaker, receiving the ball between the lines
• A set-piece taker, especially on free kicks near the box
• A creative outlet who could shoot from range or slide passes in behind defenders

For Atlanta-based supporters, this meant that when you went to a match downtown or watched from home, you expected Almada to be involved in goals, assists, or dangerous chances.

Connection With the Fanbase

Around Atlanta, you would often see:

• Almada kits (jerseys) worn in neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, and East Atlanta
• His name on the backs of fans’ shirts at local supporters’ bars
• Highlights replayed on TVs in restaurants on match nights

He helped keep Atlanta United in the broader Atlanta sports conversation alongside the Falcons, Braves, Hawks, and local college teams.

Watching Atlanta United in Atlanta (Post-Almada)

Even without Almada, Atlanta United remains a major part of the city’s sports scene. If you live in or are visiting Atlanta and want to experience the club that Almada once starred for, here’s how to get involved.

Home Matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Stadium location:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Key points for Atlanta visitors and residents:

• Accessible via MARTA (Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station on the Blue/Green line).
• Parking is available in nearby decks and surface lots; many fans also use rideshare to avoid traffic.
• Matchdays often include fan zones, pregame music, and food options inside and around the stadium.

Where to Buy Tickets

You can usually purchase tickets:

• Through Atlanta United’s official ticketing platforms
• At or near the stadium’s official ticket office on matchdays (subject to availability)
• Via official resale partners authorized by the club

For locals, season tickets and partial plans are common among fans in neighborhoods across Intown Atlanta and the suburbs.

Where Atlanta Fans Talk About Almada and Atlanta United

If you’re in Atlanta and want to talk about Almada’s legacy or the current team, supporters often gather in:

• Supporter group sections at the stadium (behind the goal, with standing/singing)
• Neighborhood bars and restaurants known to show soccer around:
  • Downtown and Centennial Park District
  • Midtown bars along Peachtree
  • East Atlanta, Inman Park, and Old Fourth Ward spots that skew younger and soccer-friendly
• Local soccer leagues and pickup fields, where Atlanta United and Almada are frequent conversation topics

The club also hosts events, viewing parties, and community activities throughout the year around the metro area.

Quick Reference: Thiago Almada & Atlanta United

If You’re New to Atlanta United and Found Almada by Name

If your search for “Almada Atlanta United” is your first step into Atlanta soccer:

• Almada is a big part of the club’s recent history, but
• Atlanta United continues with new stars, homegrown talents, and international signings.

To get to know the team in today’s Atlanta:

• Attend a home match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Watch a televised or streamed game at a local bar.
• Explore supporters’ culture through official fan groups based throughout the metro area.

You’ll still hear Almada’s name when people talk about the club’s top talents, even as new players take the spotlight in Atlanta’s fast-growing soccer scene.