Rousing The Kop exclusive.
Former Liverpool favourite Philippe Coutinho has had a rough ride since leaving the Reds in 2018.
Despite winning titles with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the ‘little magician’ has never quite recaptured his Anfield form, winding up back home in Brazil at the age of just 32.
Now 33, Coutinho‘s time in his homeland has come to an end for a second time. But while his first Brazilian exit in 2008 held the promise of an exciting career in Europe, his second – 18 years on – brings more questions than answers.
Got a horrible feeling Slot is going to keep Gakpo in the XI and drop Salah 😬 Who should be the front four vs Forest?
Liverpool predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Liverpool predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Coutinho was supposed to be the prodigal son returning when he re-joined boyhood club Vasco da Gama in 2024, but things have turned sour for the No. 10, who has requested for his contract to be torn up.
It was a surprise development for those watching on from the outside, so RTK enlisted the help of Brazilian journalist Filipe Guedes to provide the inside story on what has gone wrong for the former Liverpool favourite.
Philippe Coutinho not living up to Vasco’s expectations
Initially Coutinho’s return to Vasco had looked like being exactly what the Brazil international had needed. But as Guedes explains to RTK, things have turned sour as both player and team have failed to live up to expectations.
“Coutinho returned to Vasco amid big expectations, and he could have crowned his comeback with a Copa do Brasil trophy last year,” says the journalist. “Vasco didn’t have a good season [in 2025], but the title would have overshadowed all of that. However, they were defeated at home in the final and the mood completely shifted. Their struggles turned into heading into 2026.”
Philippe Coutinho reacts during Vasco da Gama's Serie A match against Chapecoense
Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images
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“This season, Vasco made some signings and the supporters were expecting better results, but it hasn’t happened so far.
“Coutinho’s 2025 wasn’t that bad, but – as the captain, superstar and most expensive player of the squad – he became a target, one of the most criticised players in the team, alongside coach Fernando Diniz.
“He was booed and subbed off against Volta Redonda in a regional championship match. After that, he didn’t even return to the bench for the remainder of the match and asked to leave the club a few days later.”
Anyone else getting that sinking feeling ahead of Sunday?
Why are we SO bad against Forest?
Arne Slot gestures at his watch during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Shaun Botterill).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Shaun Botterill
What level is Coutinho at and could he return to Europe?
In Coutinho’s statement upon his exit at Vasco, the former Liverpool magician highlighted the toll his return had taken on his mental health. And according to Guedes, this has led to an overarching feeling that Coutinho is not as mentally strong as he perhaps could be.
“Coutinho’s situation at Vasco was a divisive subject among the supporters,” he said. “Many wanted him to stay, but it’s fair to say that most are disappointed with him now, as they feel he gave up. He has been seen as someone mentally fragile by most Brazilian football fans.”
There have been suggestions that Coutinho could now join LA Galaxy, but asked whether he could instead make a comeback in Europe, Guedes is sceptical.
“I don’t think he’s capable of playing in Europe, at least when it comes to the top leagues,” he admits. “Coutinho was the second-biggest Brazilian star of his generation, only behind Neymar, so he was expected to have a big impact and he failed to deliver on those expectations.
“His numbers aren’t bad, but they need to be put into context: Neymar – always criticised – played less than half of Coutinho’s minutes in the entire season and recorded 15 G/A, only one fewer than the Little Magician. There have been rumours of a potential move to MLS. It seems a more realistic option for him at this stage.”
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