Miguel Almirón

Miguel Ángel Almirón Rejala is a Paraguayan professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or right winger for Major League Soccer club Atlanta United and the Paraguay national team. Known for his explosive pace, close ball control, and relentless work rate, Almirón has become one of the most recognizable Paraguayan footballers of his generation. He first gained international attention during his two seasons at Atlanta United, where he won the MLS Cup in 2018 and was named to the MLS Best XI both years. His transfer to Newcastle United in 2019 for £21 million made him the most expensive MLS export at the time. After six seasons in the Premier League, he returned to Atlanta United in 2025, where he continues to be a key player. Off the pitch, Almirón is admired for his humility and dedication to family, frequently sharing his Christian faith and love for his wife and children with his millions of followers.[edit]

Almirón grew up in the San Pablo neighborhood of Asunción, Paraguay, in a household with limited financial means. He often played football barefoot in the streets, using a makeshift ball made of rags because his family could not afford proper boots. His mother encouraged his passion despite the hardships. At age 12, he joined the youth academy of Cerro Porteño, one of Paraguay's biggest clubs, where his dribbling and speed quickly stood out. He left formal schooling early to focus on football. In 2014, he was loaned to Club Sportivo Luqueño for first-team experience, which led to a transfer to Argentine club Lanús in 2015. That move proved pivotal, as it set the stage for his rise to prominence.[edit]

Almirón made his professional debut for Cerro Porteño in 2012. After moving to Lanús in 2015, he won the Argentine Primera División in 2016 and helped the club reach the Copa Libertadores final. In 2017, he joined Atlanta United for a then-club-record $8 million. He immediately made an impact, scoring 9 goals and providing 14 assists in his debut season, earning MLS Newcomer of the Year and a spot in the MLS Best XI. The following year, he led Atlanta to the MLS Cup title, scoring 13 goals and adding 11 assists, and was named MLS Cup MVP. His performances attracted European interest, and in January 2019, Newcastle United signed him for £21 million, a club record. At Newcastle, he became a fan favorite under manager Eddie Howe, known for his tireless pressing and dribbling. In the 2022–23 season, he scored 11 goals and helped Newcastle qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 20 years. He scored his first Champions League goal against AC Milan in September 2023. In January 2025, he returned to Atlanta United, signing a contract through 2027. As of mid-2026, he has started the season strongly, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists in the first 15 matches, and was named MLS Player of the Week in May 2026.[edit]

On the pitch, Almirón is known for his explosive pace, close ball control, and relentless pressing, which have made him a fan favorite at every club he has represented. Off the field, he maintains a low-profile, family-oriented public image, often sharing glimpses of his life with his wife and two children on social media. His trademark celebration—a heart hand gesture—reflects his devotion to family. Despite his success, he is seen as humble and grounded, rarely engaging in controversy. Among Paraguayans, he is a national hero, frequently praised for putting Paraguayan football on the global stage. Fans affectionately call him 'Migue' or 'El Rayo' (The Lightning Bolt). His social media presence is positive and professional, focusing on match highlights, training, and family moments, which has earned him millions of followers across platforms.[edit]

Miguel Almirón currently holds no placement in the published iFANN Global Top 1,000 rankings or any Top-100 scope list, reflecting a status where his global fame has been evaluated but does not yet secure a specific ordinal position. While he remains a beloved figure across South America and a respected veteran in North American soccer, his international profile sits just outside the current ranked strata. His support is deeply rooted in the communities of his clubs rather than a singular, named movement; he commands the loyalty of Atlanta United's "5 Stripes" and the historic "Toon Army" at Newcastle United, alongside the passionate Paraguayan national team faithful. Unlike pop icons who inspire dedicated subcultures with unique monikers, Almirón's fanbase operates through these established club identities, united by his playing style and family values. The atmosphere surrounding him is one of steady admiration rather than frenzied cult worship, with supporters valuing his humility and work rate above viral stunts. Although he lacks a formal fandom name like an "Almiron Army," the connection between the player and his supporters is tangible, particularly during his return to Atlanta where fans celebrated his homecoming as a reunion with a hometown hero. His influence extends beyond the pitch, serving as a cultural bridge for Paraguayan players in major leagues, though this impact manifests through respect within the football world rather than organized fan campaigns or chart-topping social media trends.[edit]

Miguel Almirón's trademark celebration involves forming a heart shape with his hands, a gesture he dedicates to his wife and children. A devout Christian, he frequently shares Bible verses on his social media platforms. Before achieving professional success, he played barefoot in the streets until age twelve because his family could not afford boots. His first name, Miguel, serves as a tribute to his father. He holds the record for the most assists in a single MLS season for Atlanta United, tallying 14 in 2017. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he learned the latter after moving to the United States in 2017. Almirón cites Lionel Messi as his idol. In June 2026, he made history at the FIFA World Cup by becoming the first player ever sent off for covering his mouth while speaking during an altercation under new FIFA regulations. This incident occurred during a Group D match against Turkey and resulted in a one-game suspension, marking a unique moment in disciplinary lore. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in Paraguay's run to the Round of 16, where they famously upset Germany before falling to France.[edit]

Almirón's father, Miguel Almirón Sr., and his mother raised him in Asunción. He has not publicly named his siblings. He married his long-time girlfriend, Valeria Almada, in a private ceremony in Paraguay in 2018. The couple has two children: a son named Thiago (born 2019) and a daughter named Mía (born 2021). Almirón is known as a devoted family man, often sharing photos with his wife and children on social media. As of 2026, the family lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where Almirón plays for Atlanta United. He also owns a property in Asunción.[edit]

Almirón has shared the pitch with notable teammates including Josef Martínez and Ezequiel Barco at Atlanta United, and Bruno Guimarães and Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United. He was managed by Gerardo Martino at Atlanta and Eddie Howe at Newcastle. For Paraguay, he has played alongside veteran goalkeeper Antony Silva and forward Ángel Romero.[edit]

Almirón met Valeria Almada in Asunción when they were teenagers. They began dating in 2013 and were together for several years before marrying in a private ceremony in Paraguay in 2018. The couple has two children: son Thiago (born 2019) and daughter Mía (born 2021). They are known for their stable, private relationship, with Almirón often dedicating his goal celebrations to his family. As of 2026, Almirón is married to Valeria Almada and they live together in Atlanta, Georgia. No other public relationships have been reported.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Miguel Almirón's net worth at $48 million as of 2026, a figure accumulated primarily through his extensive professional football career. His largest earnings stem from lucrative contracts in the Premier League with Newcastle United, where he signed a five-year deal worth approximately $14 million. His tenure in Major League Soccer with Atlanta United also contributed significantly. Almirón generates additional income through endorsements, though specific deals remain undisclosed. His total career earnings from salaries and bonuses are estimated to exceed $30 million, with the remainder derived from investments and other ventures.[edit]

Almirón has won several notable individual and team honors. He was named MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2017 and was selected to the MLS Best XI in both 2017 and 2018. He won the MLS Cup MVP award in 2018, leading Atlanta United to the championship. At the club level, he won the Argentine Primera División with Lanús in 2016 and the MLS Cup with Atlanta United in 2018.[edit]