Philippe Coutinho’s early career at Vasco da Gama was a combination of growing talent and the inevitable challenges faced by young athletes.
Born on June 12, 1992, in Rio de Janeiro, Coutinho joined Vasco’s youth system in 1999, demonstrating early on that he was not just another player.
His abilities on the field quickly separated him from his peers, drawing the attention of scouts and leading to his inclusion in Brazil’s U14 national team.
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He was shy but Coutinho’s skill on the ball was undeniable. By age 16, he had captured the interest of Europe’s elite clubs, leading to a €4 million transfer to Inter Milan in 2008.
Hoje é aniversário de mais uma fera da nossa #BaseForte! O nosso @Phil_Coutinho completa mais um ano de vida.
Parabéns, muitas felicidades! 🎉#VascoDaGama pic.twitter.com/YC0ma2BmGE
— Vasco da Gama (@VascodaGama) June 12, 2020
However, due to FIFA regulations on international transfers for players under 18, he continued at Vasco on loan, playing a pivotal role in the team’s successes, including their Serie B championship in 2009.
His time at Vasco was not without its challenges. Being so young in a professional environment, it tested his ability to adapt. Coutinho himself noted the transition from playing among peers to competing and training with seasoned professionals, which was intimidating yet formative.
His performances at Vasco paved the way for his eventual move to Europe and his successful career at clubs like Liverpool and Barcelona, and on the international stage with Brazil.
