‘Miguel Almirón: The Return of Atlanta United’s Star Son – A Tale of Glory and Redemption’ | MLSSoccer.com

Miguel Almirón may not hail from Atlanta, a distant 4,000 miles separating him from his humble beginnings in the San Pablo area of Asunción, Paraguay. His two-year adventure with Atlanta United from 2017 to 2018 could easily be dismissed as a brief interlude, overshadowed by lengthier spells at Cerro Porteño and Club Lanús, as well as his time with Newcastle United. Yet, the truth couldn’t be further from that perception, as his eagerly-anticipated return to Atlanta last month underlined the deep-seated affection felt by the fans. This homecoming was nothing short of spectacular—a grand affair, as evidenced by the throngs of supporters and flashing cameras that greeted him at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The jubilant chorus of the Five Stripes faithful filled the terminal, while heartfelt moments were deftly captured by the club’s social media crew, showcasing warm embraces from those who knew him during his formative days at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. “Remember? I told you I was going to come back one day,” Almirón fondly recalled to Silvia Cisneros, a cherished member of the kitchen staff who played a pivotal role in making international players feel at home in Marietta. It's worth noting that while both of Almirón’s transfers to ATLUTD included seven-figure fees, neither of these transactions ranks among the club's top five historical outlays. However, there’s something uniquely palpable in the aura of the unpretentious Paraguayan midfielder, whose contagious smile lights up every space he occupies. Eddie Howe, his manager at Newcastle, aptly described him as possessing an “infectious character.” Those familiar with him reveal that his magnetic personality ranks alongside his mighty left foot and indefatigable work ethic. “It was a breeze connecting with Miguel,” reminisced Mario Cruz, ATL’s first-team physical therapist and one of the club’s original employees. “He’s genuine, friendly, and refreshingly low-maintenance—always radiating positivity. Before he’s a footballer, he’s simply a lovely bloke who treats everyone with respect, no matter their role. It feels reminiscent of a son who left home and returned—there’s a genuine eagerness among everyone to see him back.” The narrative of the prodigal son resonates deeply in this context, echoing the significant emotionality surrounding this adored figure from the early euphoria of Atlanta's debut seasons. This vibrant No. 10 enchanted an entire region, long familiar with a troubled sports history, fostering a love for the club and leading them to MLS Cup victory before securing a record transfer to a globally renowned club. “As a lifelong Atlanta sports enthusiast, seeing Miguel step onto that pitch was electrifying,” said Leo Walker, an ATLUTD devotee and sports historian who hosts the ATL 3 Style podcast. “His fervour was unlike anything I’d witnessed from any other player in the city’s storied sports landscape. He showcased an unyielding desire to win from the get-go. He immersed himself in the city, embracing it wholeheartedly during his first time here, and his exuberance and prowess on the field endeared him to fans despite sharing the limelight with the then-preeminent striker in MLS, Josef Martínez.” Undeniably, Almirón has imprinted his essence on the capital of the South, and it left a lasting impact on him as well. “From the very moment I boarded the flight from Atlanta to Newcastle back in 2019, I discussed with my wife the prospect of returning,” Almirón shared during his re-introduction to the Atlanta faithful. “Above all, it’s the bond I share with the fans and the city that brings me immense joy.” Now, he finds himself sharing the pitch with homegrown defender Efraín Morales, who once idolized him while navigating ATL’s Under-15 academy setup. Morales vividly recalls snap memories of parading through downtown after the MLS Cup victory, snapping selfies alongside his hero. “That victory parade was spectacular. The first-team bus alongside the U-15 bus with throngs of fans congratulating us was surreal,” Morales recounted. “I have videos of celebrating with the cup, and the connection I felt with the city during that occasion has stayed with me.” Almirón embodied the exuberant Latin American spirit of those early ATLUTD squads, bolstered by the tactical brilliance of coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, whose attacking philosophy charmed audiences across the board. This unique flavour inspired many, including Morales, who proudly carries Bolivian heritage, and resonates profoundly in a rapidly diversifying metropolis. “I’ll always remember how, in those days, it wasn’t merely Latino fans but all supporters of Atlanta embraced the notion of ‘La Banda’ to encapsulate our squad—players like LGP, Almirón, Josef, and Barco,” shared Felipe Cardenas, an Atlanta-based journalist covering ATLUTD for The Athletic. “The word ‘culture’ is often thrown around, but in Atlanta’s instance, it truly mattered. It wasn’t South Florida or Los Angeles; it was distinctly Atlanta. The Latin vibe struck a chord across the stadium, connecting fans to the emotional highs and lows of the team’s journey. Miguel was a significant part of that, smiling and engaging with a fanbase hungry for a standout star.” Morales would later represent Bolivia on the international stage, recently squaring off against Almirón’s Paraguay in a tense World Cup qualifier, where Almirón equalized with a dramatic injury-time goal to secure a 2-2 draw. Following the match, Morales approached Almirón, sharing how he had inspired him as a youth player, blissfully unaware that they would soon be teammates. “That was the first time I faced him. After the match, I pulled him aside and said, ‘Hey, I remember you. I played for Atlanta United when I was 11 or 12,’” Morales recounted. “You can’t help but be aware that you’re playing alongside a winner. He’s tasted victory with this club, so his experience is invaluable.” As the club seized the opportunity to bring Almirón back this winter, along with elite signings like Emmanuel Latte Lath and Mateusz Klich, club president Garth Lagerwey and newly appointed sporting director Chris Henderson recognized the magnitude of this triumphant return. - Resource: "https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/miguel-almiron-atlanta-united-s-prodigal-son-relishes-homecoming