Almirón’s $15,000 Gift Shows Atlanta United’s Real Heart
· Yahoo Sports
Miguel Almirón proved that true leadership goes far beyond the scoreboard on Thursday. The Atlanta United captain accepted the 2026 Media Ambassador Award and immediately pledged the $5,000 cash prize to a local charity. He did not stop there. The club matched his gift with another $10,000, bringing the total support for the Agape Youth and Family Center to $15,000. This move highlights a team that cares about its community even as its season struggles.
While the money matters, the words spoken by Almirón carry even more weight. He explained his drive to help during a media session at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. “Whenever it’s within our reach, you have to help,” Almirón said in Spanish Thursday, according to Atlanta United FC. He spoke from personal experience, noting that his own family found opportunity through football after moving to the United States. The donation targets a non-profit with a clear mission to end generational poverty for underserved families. Almirón visited the center last year and saw the need with his own eyes.
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Injury Woes Mount Before Decision Day
The on-field product faces a much harder test than the off-field goodwill. The roster is thin heading into the final match against Red Bull New York. Atlanta United lists Will Reilly as out due to an ankle injury. The team faces a long list of absent players across the league. Charlotte FC will miss Nimfasha Berchimas, Will Cleary, Archie Goodwin, Aron John, and Tim Ream. Chicago Fire FC loses Robin Lod and Sam Rogers to lower body issues. FC Cincinnati has Nick Hagglund in concussion protocol. The depth of these losses is staggering for a team trying to find momentum.
Atlanta United’s head coach Tata Martino sees a path forward despite the bad luck. He believes the team is building the right habits for the next season. “We have shown an attitude and willingness that is essentially focused on the future rather than what is happening right now,” head coach Tata Martino said in Spanish Thursday. The coach added that this mindset is crucial for the players. “We need that in order to believe in what’s coming.” The 4 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday will not decide playoff spots, but it will show if the squad can finish strong.
Atlanta Supporters Deserve Wins
Almirón acknowledges the gap between where the team is and where it needs to be. He admitted the campaign has been frustrating for everyone involved. Yet he remains committed to bringing back the winning style fans saw in 2018. He told the media that “Atlanta is a big club here in MLS.” The captain also praised the supporters, stating that the fanbase is one of the best in the league. He feels a debt to the people who fill the stands. “I think we owed the people a home win,” he said regarding the recent performance. The connection between the stars matters for the whole group. “A lot goes into the connection between those two that involves the entire team,” Martino said of the link between Alexey Miranchuk and Almirón.
The final game of the season is set for Saturday, November 7, against Red Bull New York. This match closes out the regular season for the 5-Stripes.