Thiago Alcântara has taken his first steps back into football after retirement and it sees him return to one of his old clubs.
The 34-year-old hung up his boots last summer following the end of his four-year spell at Liverpool. Injuries hampered his time at Anfield, but the Spaniard still managed 98 appearances under Jürgen Klopp, helping the Reds lift both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Thiago made just one outing in his final season before deciding to call time on a glittering 16-year career that also brought league titles in Spain and Germany, as well as a Champions League crown with Bayern Munich.
Now, just over a year on from leaving Liverpool, he is back at Barcelona – this time on the touchline rather than the pitch. The Catalan giants have confirmed Thiago has joined Hansi Flick’s coaching staff as a first-team assistant.
It is not the first time the pair have worked together. Flick and Thiago enjoyed success at Bayern Munich, lifting the Champions League in 2020, and briefly reunited last year when the former Reds midfielder assisted him following his arrival at the Nou Camp. That stint lasted only a month, but Flick is now counting on Thiago’s expertise again as Barca prepare to defend their La Liga crown.
Barcelona announced his appointment with a statement that read:
“First official day on the job for Thiago Alcántara as a member of the coaching staff. The former blaugrana player started work on the grass today as a member of the first team coaching staff as an assistant coach to Hansi Flick. His role will involve helping with tactical aspects and preparing training sessions, among other things, bringing his experience and vision of the game to enrich the squad’s day-to-day work.”
Thiago was spotted on the training pitch earlier this week, working closely with the Barcelona squad as preparations continue for Sunday’s clash with Valencia.
Welcome back home, Thiago! ??? pic.twitter.com/staB12diHI
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 11, 2025
For Liverpool supporters, the news raises the prospect of a reunion later this season. Should both clubs progress to the Champions League knockout stages, there is every chance Thiago could return to Anfield this time in the opposition dugout.
