Thiago Alcântara is one of the most elegant midfielders ever to have worn the FC Bayern shirt. After the end of his active career, things have become quieter around the Spaniard – but in the background, the former magic foot is already working on his next big chapter
In the summer of 2024, Thiago drew a line under his extraordinary playing career. Injuries had repeatedly slowed down the 46-time Spanish international, so his retirement from professional soccer was ultimately a logical step. After four years at Liverpool FC and seven highly successful seasons at FC Bayern, a new chapter began for him
Thiago initially returned to his training club FC Barcelona, where he worked as a technical assistant in the background. A move that showed how consciously and structured the 34-year-old planned his future. It was not about quick fame on the sidelines, but about learning, observing and developing
Flick brings Thiago back onto the pitch
The next logical step followed last September when Hansi Flick, with whom Thiago had already celebrated great success at FC Bayern, brought his former key player to FC Barcelona as an assistant coach. Since then, Thiago has been a permanent member of the coaching staff and works with the team on the training pitch every day
It is hardly surprising that his name was quickly circulating on the market. As transfer expert Matteo Moretto reports, a Spanish first division club showed concrete interest in installing Thiago directly as head coach. Bottom-placed UD Levante apparently wanted to remove the former Bayern star from Flick’s shadow and give him full responsibility immediately
But Thiago waved them off, consciously deciding against a quick jump to the head coach position and staying at Barcelona. A decision that reveals a lot about his character. Thiago is not looking for a hasty career move, but rather the right moment. Other names such as Raúl are also said to have been discussed at Levante – but Thiago remains on the sidelines for the time being
His coaching career is thus beginning in the same controlled manner as his game on the pitch once was – with patience, overview and a clear plan. At FC Bayern, he was the conductor in midfield, now he is gaining experience on the touchline – and there are many indications that it is only a matter of time before Thiago Alcântara will also leave his own mark as head coach.
