Ex-Atlanta United star Thiago Almada moves from Botafogo to Olympique Lyon on loan after winning Copa Libertadores with Brazilian side

Former Atlanta United superstar Thiago Almada has joined Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyon on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Botafogo through June 30, 2025.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder lands in France via a free loan, as both Lyon and Botafogo are part of the Eagle Football Group multi-club model led by owner John Textor, who also owns Premier League side Crystal Palace and Belgian club RWB Molenbeek.

Almada set the MLS outgoing transfer fee record last July when he joined Botafogo for a reported $21M that could ultimately rise to $30M if conditions for additional payments are met.

A part of Argentine's 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning roster, Almada also led La Albiceleste in the 2024 Olympics, where he scored two goals. With Atlanta, the Argentine scored 26 goals and recorded 24 assists in 80 matches.

He helped Botafogo claim the national championship in Serie A and the Copa Libertadores, also helping contribute to their qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in a short six-month span.

The 23-year-old's move was announced by Lyon on social media Wednesday. The club's humorous post featured fellow Argentine Nicolas Tagliafico, with a fabricated "text message" from Lionel Messi himself.

In the video, a message shows up on the phone of Almada reading "don’t listen to Cristiano, Ligue 1 is incredible" - a slight aimed at Messi's longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal star, who plays in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, recently claimed that the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, adding that there is "only PSG" in France.

Almada has six caps with the Argentina national team, where he's scored two goals. At Lyon, he becomes the seventh Argentine in the club's storied history.

With Almada already in France, he will begin training with the club immediately, looking to make his Ligue 1 debut in the coming weeks. The Argentine attacking midfielder could feature against Toulouse on Jan. 18 in Ligue 1 action as sixth place Lyon look to climb up the table - they sit just three points out of Champions League qualification.

Per European competition rules, Almada could also be registered for Lyon's UEFA Europe League roster, but the club are only allotted three new additions to their squad ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. Their next UEL match is on Jan. 23 against Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce.