Before Miguel Almirón became one of Paraguay’s biggest football stars, he was just a young boy with a dream and two parents who refused to let it fade. Growing up in a modest neighborhood, Almirón was often told he was too slight to succeed in professional football. But while others questioned his future, his parents, Rubén Almirón and Sonia Rejala, stood firmly behind him. They made countless sacrifices, supported him through every setback, and gave him the confidence to keep chasing his ambition. Their belief never wavered, and today, Almirón’s journey from Paraguay to the biggest stages in world football is as much their story as it is his.

Who are Miguel Almirón’s parents?

Miguel Almirón was raised by his parents, Rubén Almirón and Sonia Rejala, in the San Pablo neighborhood of Asunción, Paraguay. The family lived modestly, with seven relatives sharing a three-bedroom home, and his parents worked tirelessly to provide for their children while supporting Miguel’s football dream.

His father, Rubén, worked as a dock security guard along the Paraguay River, often enduring exhausting 12- to 18-hour shifts that occasionally stretched to 24 hours. Despite the physical demands and sleepless nights, he remained deeply involved in Miguel’s upbringing. After finishing work, Rubén would pick his son up from school and take him straight to training sessions at Club 3 de Noviembre, ensuring he never missed an opportunity to develop as a footballer.

Miguel’s mother, Sonia, was equally dedicated. She worked as a supermarket cashier, frequently taking double shifts to help support the household. Her days often began at 4:00 a.m. with a long bus ride to work and ended late in the evening, yet she continued to encourage her son’s ambitions and make sacrifices for his future.

As Miguel’s career progressed, his parents continued to put his dreams first. When he signed for Argentine club Lanús, they agreed to relocate so he could settle into a new country with his family’s support. Rubén even moved with Miguel during the early stages of his career, giving him a trusted presence as he adjusted to life away from home.

Almirón has often spoken about the close relationship he shares with his family. Even after establishing himself as a professional footballer, he continues to seek his parents’ advice before making major career decisions, reflecting the trust and gratitude he feels for the people who stood by him from the very beginning.

What ethnicity are Miguel Almirón’s parents?

Miguel Almirón’s parents, Rubén Almirón and Sonia Rejala, are Paraguayan and share the country’s rich cultural heritage. Like many Paraguayans, their family background reflects a blend of European, primarily Spanish, and Indigenous Guaraní ancestry, which has shaped Paraguay’s identity for centuries.

Although Miguel has spent much of his professional career abroad, he has remained closely connected to the culture his parents passed down to him. He grew up speaking Spanish and has embraced Paraguayan traditions throughout his life. One of those traditions is drinking tereré, the country’s iconic cold herbal infusion, which he has continued to enjoy while living overseas.

His full legal name, Miguel Ángel Almirón Rejala, also reflects traditional Hispanic naming customs. “Almirón” is his paternal surname, inherited from his father, Rubén Almirón, while “Rejala” is his maternal surname, inherited from his mother, Sonia Rejala. Together, his name and upbringing highlight the strong cultural identity his parents instilled in him from an early age.

Miguel Almirón’s relationship with his parents 

Miguel Almirón has never hidden the immense gratitude he feels toward his parents. Throughout his career, he has repeatedly credited Rubén Almirón and Sonia Rejala for the sacrifices they made to help him chase his football dream.

In a heartfelt letter published on June 14, 2026, Almirón reflected on the people who shaped his life. As quoted by MLS Soccer, he wrote: “My mother, my father, my grandparents – you all played a crucial role in my development, both as a man and as a soccer player. Now, my wife Alexia is the most important person in my life, along with our son, Francesco.”

Almirón paid special tribute to his mother, acknowledging the extraordinary effort she put into supporting the family. He wrote, “Mom, you’ve been such an important pillar for this family. You dealt with so much, always helping my sister and me. You’d wake up every morning at 4 a.m. to wait for the bus and go to work until 9 or 10 p.m.” Her long hours as a supermarket cashier never stopped her from putting her children first.

He also recalled the sacrifices his father made. Working nights as a dock security guard, Rubén would still find the energy during the day to pick Miguel up from school and take him to football training. Those everyday acts of love left a lasting impression on the future Paraguay international.

One memory, in particular, has stayed with Almirón. He remembered accompanying his father to collect his wages before the family planned to buy groceries, only to discover that Rubén had not been paid. That difficult experience made Miguel realize just how hard his parents worked to provide for the family despite constant financial challenges.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Almirón thanked both of his parents for believing in him unconditionally. “You both always supported me, never criticized me, and never stopped helping me to achieve my dream of becoming a soccer player. And my grandmother and grandfather as well… You also raised me. You were so important because you’d take me to training sessions and games, always by my side.”

Today, Almirón’s success is inseparable from his parents’ sacrifices. Their tireless work, encouragement, and belief in his potential gave him the opportunity to pursue a career that once seemed out of reach. From a modest home in Paraguay to playing on some of football’s biggest stages, his journey is as much a tribute to his parents’ dedication as it is to his own talent and perseverance.