Miguel Ángel Almirón Rejala Bio
Miguel Ángel Almirón Rejala (born 10 February 1994) 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. Almirón began his career at Cerro Porteño and transferred to Lanús in 2015. After winning the 2016 Argentine Primera División, he signed for Atlanta United for $8 million. He was named in the MLS Best XI for both of his seasons in Major League Soccer, as well as MLS Newcomer of the Year for 2017. After helping Atlanta to the MLS Cup in 2018, Almirón signed for Premier League side Newcastle United for £21 million, a club record and the highest fee for an MLS player. In January 2025, Almirón returned to Atlanta United.
Early Life and Background
Miguel Almirón was born into an impoverished family in the San Pablo neighborhood of Asunción, Paraguay. His father, Rubén Almirón, worked 18-hour shifts as a security guard, while his mother, Sonia Rejala, worked at a supermarket. The seven members of his household shared three bedrooms, and he had to share a bed with his mother until he was 18. Almirón trained with Club 3 de Noviembre from the age of seven and trialed with other teams but was often considered too frail to become a professional footballer. Despite these challenges, he persevered and eventually found a place at Cerro Porteño.
Path to Soccer
After being rejected by Club Nacional for being too lightweight, Almirón moved to Cerro Porteño. Initially, the club had reservations about his physique, and he did not play regularly until he joined their under-17 side. In August 2015, Almirón signed for Club Atlético Lanús in the Argentine Primera División. He was introduced slowly in his first season by manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto, but emerged as a key player the following season under Jorge Almirón, contributing significantly to Lanús’ title win in the 2016 Argentine Primera División.
Miguel Ángel Almirón Rejala Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Almirón began his professional career at Cerro Porteño in 2013, where he played until 2015. His performances caught the attention of Lanús, where he signed in August 2015. During his time at Lanús, he played a pivotal role in their 2016 Argentine Primera División title win, scoring crucial goals and assisting in key matches.
Breakthrough (2016–2019)
Almirón’s breakthrough came when he joined Atlanta United on December 5, 2016, as a Young Designated Player. The club paid a transfer fee of around $8 million, making him a significant acquisition. He quickly became an integral part of the team, scoring his first goals in a 6–1 victory over Minnesota United FC and later achieving a hat-trick against the Houston Dynamo. His outstanding performances earned him a spot in the MLS Best XI and the MLS Newcomer of the Year award in 2017.
Notable Works and Milestones
Almirón’s signature work includes his contributions to Atlanta United’s MLS Cup victory in 2018. He was named Player of the Month in April 2018 and was again included in the MLS Best XI for his impressive season.
Miguel Ángel Almirón Rejala Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Miguel Almirón has received numerous nominations for his performances in Major League Soccer, particularly during his time with Atlanta United.
Miguel Ángel Almirón Rejala Awards Won
Almirón has won several awards, including MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2017 and has been named to the MLS Best XI multiple times.
Miguel Ángel Almirón Rejala Family
Miguel Almirón is married to Alexia Notto, a dancer and influencer. The couple married on August 29, 2016, and welcomed their first child, a son named Francesco, on June 6, 2021.
Personal Life
Almirón was raised in a family marked by economic constraints, which shaped his work ethic and determination. He is known to be a devout Catholic, with religious quotes tattooed on his arms. His early life experiences have instilled in him a strong sense of resilience and ambition.