The 33-year-old won multiple trophies with Barcelona and Bayern
Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara announced his retirement from professional football on Monday at the age of 33, sharing the news through a message on his social media platforms.
“Thank you, football, and to all who accompanied me, making me a better player and person along the way,” he wrote.
Thiago’s contract with Liverpool ended at the conclusion of last season, and he departed the club. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager at the time, praised Thiago’s exceptional technical abilities, describing him as a talent capable of playing for any team in the world. Klopp acknowledged Thiago’s unfortunate struggle with injuries but highlighted his incredible performance level whenever he was fit to play.
Born in Italy while his father Mazinho, a member of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was playing for Lecce, Thiago also has a brother, Rafinha, who plays professional football for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Thiago began his senior career with FC Barcelona in 2009, achieving numerous accolades including four La Liga titles, the UEFA Champions League in 2011, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He spent seven successful years at Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga title every season, along with the UEFA Champions League in 2020 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2013. During his four-year tenure at Liverpool, he secured an FA Cup title and reached the UEFA Champions League final for the third time in his career.
Thiago represented Spain at the European Under-17 and Under-20 levels, winning titles in both categories. He earned 46 senior caps for Spain between 2011 and 2021, although he missed the Euro 2012 victory due to a back injury.
In his social media post, Thiago expressed gratitude for his football journey, stating, I will always be ready to give back what I have received, and I am thankful for the time I enjoyed.
