Early Years and Hardships: From a young age, Coutinho displayed an exceptional talent for football. However, his journey to stardom was not without its challenges. His family struggled financially, and his early football training took place on the streets of his neighborhood, where he played futsal (a variant of football) with his brothers and friends. These street games were where Coutinho honed his dribbling skills and quick thinking, traits that would later define his playing style.
At the age of seven, Coutinho joined the youth system of Vasco da Gama, one of Brazil’s most storied football clubs. Despite his small stature, his technical ability and vision on the pitch quickly caught the attention of scouts.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Stardom: Coutinho’s big break came when he was just 16 years old. Italian giants Inter Milan signed him in 2008 for a fee of €4 million, although he remained with Vasco da Gama on loan until 2010. Moving to Europe at such a young age was a significant challenge for Coutinho, who had to adapt to a new culture, language, and style of football. His initial years at Inter were marked by sporadic appearances, and he was loaned out to Espanyol in Spain in 2012 to gain more first-team experience.
It was during his time at Espanyol that Coutinho began to truly flourish, displaying his creativity, dribbling skills, and eye for goal. His performances in La Liga caught the attention of Premier League club Liverpool, who signed him in January 2013 for £8.5 million.
Liverpool Success and Personal Achievements: Coutinho quickly became a fan favorite at Liverpool, known for his flair, vision, and ability to score spectacular goals from long range. Nicknamed “The Magician” by Liverpool fans, he played a pivotal role in the club’s attack, forming a dynamic partnership with players like Luis Suárez and Daniel Sturridge. Coutinho’s performances earned him several individual accolades, including multiple Liverpool Player of the Month awards and a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
Move to Barcelona and Career Challenges: In January 2018, Coutinho made a high-profile move to FC Barcelona for a reported fee of €160 million, making him one of the most expensive footballers in history. However, his time at Barcelona was challenging, as he struggled to replicate his Liverpool form. Despite winning two La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey with the club, Coutinho faced criticism for inconsistent performances and was eventually loaned to Bayern Munich for the 2019-2020 season.
At Bayern, Coutinho had a mixed spell but managed to contribute significantly to the team’s success, helping them win the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League. Notably, he scored twice against his parent club, Barcelona, in an 8-2 victory in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Return to the Premier League and Current Status: After returning to Barcelona, Coutinho continued to struggle for form and fitness, leading to a loan move to Aston Villa in January 2022, where he reunited with former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who was the manager at the time. At Aston Villa, Coutinho showed glimpses of his old self, contributing goals and assists, but his form remained inconsistent.
As of 2024, Coutinho’s career has seen a mix of highs and lows, from his peak years at Liverpool to the challenges at Barcelona. Despite these ups and downs, he remains a highly respected figure in football, known for his technical brilliance and creativity on the pitch.
Real Name: Philippe Coutinho Correia
Date of Birth: June 12, 1992
Birth Place: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Residence: England (as of his time at Aston Villa), previously lived in Spain, Germany, and Brazil
Profession: Professional Footballer
Nationality: Brazilian
Religion: Christian (Roman Catholic)
Partner: Aine Coutinho (married since 2012)
Father: José Carlos Correia
Mother: Esmeralda Coutinho
Horoscope: Gemini
Age: 32 (as of 2024)
Weight: Approximately 68 kg (150 lbs)
Height: 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Dark Brown