Miguel Almirón’s Dream of Representing Paraguay at the World Cup

Atlanta, Georgia, September 29, 2025

News Summary

Miguel Almirón is determined to represent Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, marking a significant milestone in his football career. From his early challenges at the Cerro Porteño academy to overcoming biases, Almirón’s journey has been inspiring. Supported by his devoted family, he rose through the ranks, achieving success with clubs like Atlanta United and Newcastle United. His perseverance has paid off as Paraguay qualifies for the World Cup, and he aspires to merge his identities on the big stage, reflecting his hard work and dedication throughout his career.

Atlanta, Georgia – Miguel Almirón is set to fulfill his lifelong dream of representing Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, a significant achievement that comes after a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a sports hero. Almirón’s football career began at the age of 14 in the Cerro Porteño academy, where he initially faced numerous challenges, including being regarded as skinny and quiet. These early perceptions led to him being frequently underestimated by coaches who often left him on the bench.

During his time at the Cerro Porteño academy, Hernán Acuña, a head coach, commented on Almirón’s lack of playing time in the U-15 squad due to doubts about his physical capabilities. Despite these initial setbacks, Almirón’s supportive family played a significant role in his perseverance. His mother worked two shifts at a supermarket to help realize his football dreams, and his grandfather, described as his “guardian angel,” ensured he made it to training sessions.

Initially placed in the weakest team at the academy, Almirón contemplated quitting football but was motivated by his mother to keep pushing forward. His breakthrough came under Acuña’s guidance in the under-17s, where he demonstrated exceptional speed and creativity, subsequently earning a promotion to the first team. His hard work paid off, as he secured titles with Cerro Porteño in 2013 and 2015.

Almirón went on to represent Paraguay at the U-20 level, notably finishing as runner-up in the South American Championship and participating in the U-20 World Cup. He made his senior debut for Paraguay in 2015 and competed in the Copa América Centenario. However, despite his evident talent, Almirón faced significant criticism from fans and media as Paraguay struggled to qualify for the World Cup for 16 years.

A breakthrough arrived in 2025 when Paraguay qualified for the 2026 World Cup, with Almirón playing a vital role in this historic achievement. After this milestone, he made the decision to return to Atlanta United, where he was received with a hero’s welcome. Almirón’s impact on Atlanta United has been profound, leading the team to lift the MLS Cup in 2018 and earning several accolades, including MLS Newcomer of the Year.

Widely admired for his signature smile and humility, Almirón is known for going above and beyond in training, often dedicating extra hours to enhance his skills. He has publicly acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family, saying these sacrifices have fueled his relentless pursuit of success. His career trajectory also included a transformative move to Lanús in Argentina, where he contributed to the team winning the league title and Bicentennial Cup in 2016.

In 2019, Almirón transferred to Newcastle United for a club-record fee of £20 million ($26 million). He made significant contributions during his time there, including scoring the club’s first Champions League goal in over 20 years. Throughout his career, Almirón has expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from his family, fans, and coaches that have helped shape his journey.

As he prepares for the World Cup, Almirón emphasizes maintaining a high fitness level through a personal trainer and training rigorously to handle a busy schedule. He aspires to bridge his identities from Atlanta and Paraguay during the World Cup and hopes to possibly play a match at his club’s home, Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This moment cements not only his athletic talent but also reflects the hard work and determination that has defined his career.

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Additional Resources

• Atlanta United: The Journey of Miguel Almirón
• Wikipedia: Miguel Almirón
• Atlanta United: Miguel Almirón Visits Agape Youth and Family Center
• Google Search: Miguel Almirón
• ESPN: Miguel Almirón Completes Move to Newcastle
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Miguel Almirón

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