Ex-Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara confirms return to former club in new role
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Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcântara has confirmed his return to FC Barcelona in a new coaching role, joining Hansi Flick's backroom staff. The 34-year-old Spaniard, who retired from playing in 2024 after a career affected by injuries at Liverpool, is expected to be part of the coaching team as early as September 2025.
Thiago, born in Brazil and raised at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, previously made 101 first-team appearances for the Catalan club before transferring to Bayern Munich in 2013. It was at Bayern where he enjoyed the peak of his playing career, winning seven titles including the treble under Pep Guardiola and later Hansi Flick.
He moved to Liverpool in 2020, but injuries plagued his time at Anfield, limiting him to 98 appearances across four seasons. Despite an FA Cup, League Cup, and Community Shield win with Liverpool and a Champions League runners-up medal, he retired early in 2024.
Thiago’s return to Barcelona is part of the club’s efforts to strengthen their coaching structure under Flick, leveraging his extensive playing experience at top clubs. He briefly worked under Flick in Barcelona's coaching setup in 2024 before bureaucratic issues forced a temporary return to Liverpool. Now resolved, Thiago is back and may be included in the squad traveling to Newcastle United for their Champions League group stage match on September 18, 2025.
In addition to his coaching role at Barcelona, Thiago maintains involvement in football at a grassroots level through his position on the board of lower-league side CE L'Hospitalet, alongside fellow former Barcelona player Jordi Alba.
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