OL formalizes the arrival of Thiago Almada, on loan from Botafogo

23-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder Thiago Almada officially joins OL until the end of the season (June 2025) as part of a free loan. He arrives from Botafogo, a club in John Textor's Eagle Football galaxy.

Unsurprisingly, Thiago Almada arrives for free at OL. The 23-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder was officially announced on Wednesday January 15 as a new player for Olympique Lyonnais on loan until June 2025.

He arrives from Botafogo, another club in the Eagle Football galaxy which belongs to John Textor, the president of OL.

In July 2024, the Brazilian club spent nearly 20 million euros with Atlanta in MLS to recruit the 2022 world champion. In the space of half a season with Botafogo, Thiago Almada achieved the championship double -Copa Libertadores. He appeared in 26 matches in all competitions for three goals and two assists.

Almada announced himself to OL

The Argentinian announced himself on the OL side during an interview for Cazé TV after Botafogo's defeat against the Mexicans of Pachuca (3-0), in the second round of the Fifa Intercontinental Cup on December 11: “When I arrived at Botafogo, the idea was to stay six months and then go to Lyon. I think that's what will happen. I thank all the supporters of Botafogo for their love.”

Last summer, when Almada signed for Botafogo, Textor was very clear about his future: “Thiago was recruited by our staff in France. We convinced him to join us at Eagle. He wants to play at Botafogo and help us win titles before going to Europe. His contract foresees his departure for France in January.

Despite its ban on recruitment by the DNCG, Olympique Lyonnais can afford to recruit Thiago Almada since it is a free loan, without compensation or declared purchase option. “The arrival of Thiago Almada at Olympique Lyonnais constitutes a new stage in his career. Endowed with exceptional technique and great versatility, he becomes the seventh Argentinian international in the history of the club, thus strengthening the links strong between Olympique Lyonnais and Argentina”, greets OL in its press release.