How much did River Plate pay for Thiago Almada?

Thiago Almada moved from Atlético Madrid to River Plate for €20 million, making him the most expensive player in the history of the Argentine league.

Until when did Almada sign his contract with River Plate?

Almada signed a contract with River Plate that runs until 2029.

Which clubs did Almada play for before joining River Plate?

Before returning to Argentina, Almada played for Vélez Sarsfield, Atlanta United, Botafogo, Lyon, and Atlético Madrid.

What has Almada won with the Argentine national team?

With the Argentine national team, he won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and a silver medal at the tournament in North America earlier this summer.

Football

River Plate breaks record: World champion arrives for €20 million

A.R. · Prije 3h | 2 min

Thiago Almada became the most expensive player in the history of the Argentine league, returning home from Atlético Madrid and signing with River Plate until 2029.

Summary

River Plate has brought in Thiago Almada from Atlético Madrid for a record €20 million.
Almada has signed a contract until 2029 and returns to Argentina after four years.
He has played 21 matches for the Argentine national team and won the World Cup in 2022.
At Atlético Madrid, he made 40 appearances and scored four goals in one season.

Argentine football giant River Plate has completed one of the most high-profile transfers in its history. The club has brought in 25-year-old international midfielder Thiago Almada, who arrives at the Monumental stadium from Atlético Madrid. The transfer fee of €20 million makes him the most expensive player in the history of the Argentine league.

This breaks last year's record held by Colombian Kevin Castano, who joined River from Russian club Krasnodar for €16 million. Almada has signed a contract with his new club that keeps him at the "Millionaires" until 2029.

World champion returns after four years and four clubs

This transfer marks Almada's return to his homeland after four years, during which he has played for four different clubs across three continents. His European adventure began in January last year, and before that he played for Atlanta United in the United States and Botafogo in Brazil. He spent the spring of 2025 on loan at Lyon, before playing the 2025/26 season in the colors of Atlético Madrid.

Under Diego Simeone, his compatriot in charge of the Madrid club, Almada made 40 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals. However, his time in Europe ended after just one season in Madrid.

Proven international with two medals

Almada arrives at River as an already established Argentine international. He has played 21 matches for the national team and scored five goals. He was part of the golden generation that won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, and earlier this summer he also won a silver medal at the tournament in North America.

With his arrival, River Plate continues to seriously strengthen its squad. This is not the only major addition to arrive at the Monumental this summer. The club has also brought in Tobías Andrada, one of the most talented young Argentine footballers, who many see as a potential successor to Enzo Fernández.

The attacking midfielder, who can also cover wide positions, began his senior career at Vélez Sarsfield. Now he is expected to be one of the team's key figures in the coming period and lead River in the fight for domestic and international trophies.