Almirón and Atlanta United: What Fans in Atlanta Should Know
For soccer fans in Atlanta, the phrase “Almiron Atlanta United” instantly brings back memories of electric nights at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Whether you’re a long-time supporter, a newer fan, or a visitor trying to understand the buzz, this guide breaks down who Miguel Almirón is, his legacy with Atlanta United, and how that still shapes the Atlanta soccer experience today.
Who Is Miguel Almirón and How Is He Connected to Atlanta United?
Miguel Almirón is a Paraguayan attacking midfielder who became one of the most important players in Atlanta United FC’s early history.
- He joined Atlanta United for the club’s inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) season in 2017.
- He quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his pace, work rate, and creativity in the attack.
- Almirón played a central role in building Atlanta’s identity as a fast, attacking team.
If you live in Atlanta or attend games, you’ll still hear his name come up when people talk about the club’s early success and style of play.
Why Almirón Matters So Much to Atlanta United Fans
A Key Figure in the Club’s Golden Start
Almirón is often mentioned along with Atlanta legends like Josef Martínez because he was:
- One of the first marquee signings for the club
- A major part of the team’s 2018 MLS Cup–winning run
- A symbol of Atlanta United’s ambition to play exciting, attacking soccer
Many Atlanta supporters remember Almirón for:
- Dynamic dribbling through midfield
- Quick one-twos and creative passes in the final third
- Constant pressure and high-energy defending from the front
Shaping the Atmosphere in Atlanta
If you’re going to your first match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, understanding Almirón’s history helps explain:
- Why long-time fans talk about the early seasons with so much pride
- Why Atlanta United’s attacking style is such a big part of the club’s identity
- Why some fans compare new signings to “the Almirón era”
His time in Atlanta helped set expectations that:
- The club should compete for trophies
- The team should play exciting, front-foot soccer
- Atlanta can be a soccer city on par with larger, older MLS markets
Did Almirón Leave Atlanta United?
Yes. Miguel Almirón left Atlanta United after the 2018 season to join a club overseas. But his departure didn’t sever his connection to the city.
For many Atlanta fans:
- His transfer is viewed as a success story, showing that players can come to Atlanta, perform at a high level, and move on to major global stages.
- It reinforced Atlanta United’s role as a serious club in worldwide soccer conversations, not just within MLS.
You’ll still see Almirón jerseys at matches around Atlanta, especially in and around Mercedes-Benz Stadium and in supporters’ sections.
How Almirón’s Legacy Still Shows Up on Matchday in Atlanta
If you’re attending a game or just exploring soccer culture in the city, here’s where the “Almirón Atlanta United” connection is most visible.
At Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
On matchdays, especially big games:
- Fans still wear Almirón #10 shirts from past seasons.
- Long-time supporters in groups like The Faction, Terminus Legion, Footie Mob, and Resurgence sometimes reference the early years, including Almirón’s role in the 2018 title.
- Commentators and fans will compare current attacking midfielders to what Almirón brought to the team.
If you’re new to Atlanta United, this is a big part of why fans are so passionate and have such high expectations for creative play.
In Supporter Culture Around the City
You may also see Almirón’s influence in:
- Bars and restaurants around downtown, Midtown, and the Westside that show Atlanta United matches and still celebrate the 2017–2018 squads.
- Conversations at soccer-specific pubs where longtime fans talk about “the Almirón years” as a benchmark.
- Local youth soccer players who wear his name and number because they grew up watching him in Atlanta.
What “Almirón Atlanta United” Means for Today’s Fans
Even though he no longer plays for Atlanta United, Almirón’s name still comes up in several ways that matter if you’re following the club from within the city.
1. A Standard for Future Playmakers
Atlanta United often brings in talented attacking midfielders and wingers. Fans in Atlanta will naturally ask:
- “Is this the next Almirón?”
- “Can this player impact games the way Almirón did?”
Understanding Almirón’s style and impact helps you see why certain signings generate excitement (or skepticism) among local supporters.
2. A Reference Point in Club History
If you’re new to the team, you might hear things like:
- “Back when we had Almirón and Martínez, the attack was unstoppable.”
- “We haven’t fully replaced Almirón’s creativity in midfield.”
Knowing his place in club history helps you follow those conversations and understand how the fan base views different eras of Atlanta United.
3. Pride in Atlanta as a Soccer Destination
For residents and visitors, Almirón’s story reinforces that:
- Atlanta is now a serious soccer market, able to attract and develop top-level talent.
- The success of players like Almirón gives the club and city global visibility, which many local fans take pride in.
Quick Reference: Almirón and Atlanta United
| Topic | What It Means in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Who Almirón Is | Former star attacking midfielder for Atlanta United |
| Years With the Club | Key player during 2017–2018 seasons |
| Major Achievement | Helped lead Atlanta United to the 2018 MLS Cup |
| Why Fans Still Talk About Him | Symbol of the club’s early success and attacking identity |
| What You’ll See Today | Almirón jerseys at Mercedes-Benz, constant comparisons to current players |
How to Experience the “Almirón Era” Vibe in Atlanta Today
Even if Almirón is no longer on the field in Atlanta, you can still tap into that era’s energy.
Attend an Atlanta United Home Match
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Look for:
- Supporters’ section in the lower bowl behind the goal, where many longtime fans sit or stand.
- Fans in older Almirón kits, especially the early red-and-black stripes.
Arriving early lets you take in:
- Pre-match tifo displays and chants that have roots going back to the Almirón era.
- Conversations and traditions that formed when Almirón was at his peak in Atlanta.
Visit Atlanta United-Oriented Spots Around the City
While specific businesses change over time, many Atlanta neighborhoods have bars and restaurants that:
- Show Atlanta United matches on TV
- Display photos, scarves, or jerseys from the 2017–2018 seasons
- Attract long-time fans who still talk about players like Almirón
Checking areas like Downtown, Midtown, West Midtown, the Gulch, and the neighborhoods around the stadium can put you close to the heart of the club’s fan culture.
Tips for Newer Fans in Atlanta Who Keep Hearing About Almirón
If you live in Atlanta and are just getting into the team:
- Ask long-time supporters about the 2018 playoffs and Almirón’s role; most are happy to share stories.
- When watching current matches, pay attention to attacking midfielders and how fans react to their performances compared to “how Almirón used to play.”
- If you’re buying your first Atlanta United jersey, you might still see some fans choosing Almirón on the back as a nod to the club’s roots.
What “Almirón Atlanta United” Ultimately Represents in the City
For people in Atlanta, “Almirón Atlanta United” isn’t just a search phrase—it represents:
- The foundational years when the club exploded onto the MLS scene
- A style of soccer that matched the city’s energy: fast, bold, and attacking
- A player whose success helped cement Atlanta as one of the most passionate soccer cities in the United States
Whether you’re attending your first match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, exploring local soccer culture, or deepening your understanding of the club’s history, knowing Miguel Almirón’s connection to Atlanta United helps you appreciate why this team means so much to the city—and why those early seasons still shape expectations today.