A Brazilian player who plays for Spanish giant Barcelona, Philippe Coutinho could easily be considered one of the very important players for the future of the sport. That’s why his former club Liverpool fought to keep him and his country called him up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Here’s everything you need to know about him.
Philippe Coutinho Biography
The Barcelona striker was born Philippe CoutinhoCorreia on June 12, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. He was raised alongside three brothers in the suburb of Rocha, which is also in Rio. Like many Brazilian stars, including Marcelo, Coutinho started playing futsal as a child before switching to football.
His parents, Ze Carlos Coutinho and Dona Esmeralda Coutinho could only give their sons, Cristiano, Leandro and Coutinho, an average life considering they are not rich.
Considering his footballing prowess, Coutinho was nicknamed O Magico or little magician.
women
Phillippe is married to Aine Coutinho whom he had dated for many years. The two are said to be childhood lovers who started dating when they were still teenagers after being introduced at a party by a mutual friend.
Although Portuguese, Aine Coutinho was born in Rio de Janiero. She became the fast-paced Brazilian star’s wife after they married in 2012. In the years that followed, they were blessed with two children, Maria Coutinho and Philippe Coutinho Jr.
Soccer career
As he was very young, the skills needed to succeed as a footballer were evident in him and this helped him to sign for youth club Vasco da Gama when he was just 7 years old. The youngster continued with the club until he was signed with Internazionale in 2008. He was then loaned out to Vasco da Gama where he remained until 2010 before being loaned out again in 2012 to Spanish.
In 2012, the attacking midfielder and winger made his big move to Premier English club Liverpool. After 5 years, 152 matches and 41 goals, he left the club for Barcelona. His departure from the club was not fully supported by club manager Jurgen Klopp who still wanted to use him. Nevertheless, after making a transfer request, the club had to let him go as they didn’t think he would play for the club again.
At the end of his first season in La Liga, Coutinho had already scored 8 goals after 18 appearances. Moreover, by the end of the season, he had already recorded a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey.
He made his first appearance for Brazil colors in 2009 when he played for the U17 national team, scoring 3 goals in 5 matches. In 2011, he started for the U20 side and scored 3 goals in 7 appearances.
Philippe Coutinho had the opportunity to fly the country’s flag with the national team when he was called up in 2010. Prior to his participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, he had already played 35 matches for the country scoring 9 goals.
As part of his accomplishments, he won the CoppaItalia and Supercoppa Italiana in 2010, South American Under-17 Football Championship in 2009, FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2011 and U-17 duo titles. La Liga and the Copa del Rey in 2018.
Body Stats
Barcelona’s attacking midfielder might not be very strong, but he has a good body and the skills to succeed as a football player. Regarding his general body stats, it reads:
- height : 171cm (5 ft. 7in)
- Weight : 68 kg (150 lbs)
- Chest – 36″ or 91.5cm
- Arms / biceps : 13.5 inches 34 cm
- Height : 30 inches (76 cm)
other facts
- He grew up as a very shy kid who at a young age was even shy to play football even though he had all the skills and talent.
- Because his wife is originally from Portugal, Coutinho had almost searched for Portuguese nationality in order to allow him to play for Barcelona. He had remarked that even if he had done so, which later turned out to be pointless, he would still remain a Brazilian player. This would have been possible because he would be a citizen of the European Union since he had been married to his wife for more than 3 years already.