ATLANTA (Jan. 31, 2025) – The energy inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium was electric Friday afternoon as Miguel Almirón was officially reintroduced as an Atlanta United player. The Paraguayan playmaker, a fan favorite and 2018 MLS Cup champion, returned to the club on a Designated Player deal through 2027, bringing both nostalgia and renewed ambition.
As club president & CEO Garth Lagerwey opened the press conference, he couldn’t help but acknowledge the anticipation in the room. When he finally prompted, “Anyone want to do it?”—applause erupted, led by Lagerwey and chief soccer officer & sporting director Chris Henderson, both of whom were beaming at the man seated between them: Miggy was home.
A Signing Years in the Making
For Henderson, this was a long time coming. The former Seattle Sounders executive had wanted to bring Almirón to MLS nearly a decade ago. At that time, Atlanta United beat Seattle to the punch, securing Miggy’s signature in 2016. So when Henderson took over Atlanta’s front office in December 2024, one of his first directives to Lagerwey was simple:
“We have to go sign Miguel.”
Lagerwey himself got a taste of Almirón’s unwavering bond with the city in 2023, when Newcastle United played Chelsea in a Premier League summer friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Almirón’s goal for Newcastle ignited a standing ovation from Atlanta United fans, confirming what Lagerwey now describes as a “mental note” that led to his return.
“We all remember when Miggy came in and scored,” Lagerwey recalled. “Spontaneously, the whole stadium stood up and started applauding like crazy. I was sitting next to [former club president] Darren Eales, and he just smiled and said, ‘Oh yeah, this is what it’s always like.’”
Atlanta’s Playstyle Gets a Boost
Beyond the emotional homecoming, Almirón’s return is strategic. Atlanta United needed a high-energy, hard-working, dynamic attacker—and Henderson believes Miggy checks every box.
“When we assessed the team and what we needed, Miguel fit perfectly,” Henderson said.
Head coach Ronny Deila has emphasized a fast, aggressive, pressing style of play—and there’s no better player to execute that vision than Almirón. Known for his speed, relentless work rate, and selfless mentality, Miggy summed up his approach in a simple Spanish phrase:
“Trabajo por el equipo.” (Work for the team.)
“He’s the type of player who sacrifices for the team,” Henderson added. “That’s what you want in a Designated Player—someone who leads by example.”
A New Chapter, Same Responsibility
At 30 years old, Almirón returns to a club that looks very different from the one he left in 2019. Only one teammate remains from his first stint—goalkeeper Brad Guzan. But Miggy embraces the new challenge, knowing that his experience, leadership, and passion will be key to Atlanta’s success.
“When I arrived the first time, I was very happy,” Almirón said. “We were starting a new project, and we felt a great responsibility as players. But now, I think I’m even happier to be back—because I have an increased responsibility to help this team.”
That responsibility begins February 22, 2025, when Atlanta United kicks off the new season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. If his airport welcome, press conference, and fan excitement are any indication—Miguel Almirón’s second chapter in Atlanta is about to be just as special as his first.
🔥 Welcome home, Miggy. The 5-Stripes are ready. 🔴⚫
