Philippe Coutinho has not had an easy time of it since he left Liverpool in 2018.
Even though he picked up titles at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the Brazilian star never really hit the same heights that made him a fan favourite at Anfield. By 32, he was already back playing in Brazil.
He is now 33 and has wrapped up his second spell back home. The first time he left Brazil, it was a move filled with promise and potential. This time around, the situation is much less clear-cut.
Coutinho’s return to Vasco da Gama in 2024 was supposed to be a feel-good story – the local hero coming home. Instead, it has ended with him asking to have his contract terminated.
The situation surprised outside observers, prompting HITC to ask Brazilian journalist Filipe Guedes for an inside story on the former Liverpool favourite’s struggles.
Philippe Coutinho’s second spell at Vasco ends on a sour note
Coutinho’s return to Vasco had started out full of promise, but it did not take long for things to unravel. The midfielder never quite found his rhythm, and as the team struggled, so did he.
“Coutinho returned to Vasco amid big expectations, and he could have crowned his comeback with a Copa do Brasil trophy last year,” Guedes began by saying.
“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 pressure heading into 2026.”
He added: “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.”
Philippe Coutinho’s current form and potential return to Europe
In his statement following his departure from Vasco, Coutinho spoke about the impact his return had on his mental health. Guedes believes this has added to a perception that the attacking midfielder is not as resilient as some expected.
“Coutinho’s situation at Vasco was a divisive subject among the supporters. 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.”
Coutinho has been linked with a move to LA Galaxy, but when asked if he could return to Europe instead, Guedes is not convinced.
“I don’t think he’s capable of playing in Europe, at least when it comes to the top leagues.
“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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