'It Hurts a Lot' - Coutinho Leaves Vasco da Gama
Last update: February 19, 2026
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Coutinho announces he is stepping away from Vasco da Gama.
Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has confirmed he is stepping away from Vasco da Gama, admitting he is “tired mentally” and believes his “cycle at the club has ended” after a difficult few days.
The 33-year-old announced his decision in an emotional Instagram message following a turbulent outing in Vasco’s penalty shootout victory over Volta Redonda FC, where he was substituted at half-time and jeered by sections of the crowd.
The reaction appeared to deeply affect the player, who began his football journey at the Rio de Janeiro side.
As first reported by BBC Sport, Coutinho did not return to the bench for the second half of the match.
He later clarified that the decision was made to prioritise his mental health.
“I would never disrespect the fans, my team-mates and Vasco. I’ve never done that anywhere I’ve been. Those who know me know that," he said.
“At that moment, on the way to the locker room, I felt and realised that my cycle at the club had ended, and I didn’t come back to prioritise my mental health.
“It hurts a lot. The truth is that I’m very tired mentally. With a tight heart, I understand that now is the time to take a step back and end this cycle in Vasco.”
CBI News reports that Vasco da Gama has not yet issued an official statement regarding his departure.
Coutinho’s bond with the club runs deep.
A product of its academy, he made his professional debut there before moving to Inter Milan as a teenager.
His rise to global prominence came after joining Liverpool FC in 2013, where he scored 54 goals in 201 appearances and earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most creative midfielders.
In 2018, he secured a £142 million move to FC Barcelona, then one of the most expensive transfers in football history.
He later featured for FC Bayern Munich, Aston Villa FC and Al-Duhail SC before returning to Vasco in 2024.
During his second spell, he made 81 appearances and scored 17 goals, providing flashes of brilliance despite the team’s struggles.
Internationally, Coutinho earned 68 caps for Brazil, scoring 21 goals and representing his country at major tournaments.
Reflecting on his return to his boyhood club, he wrote: “I chose to go back to Vasco because I love this club. I love everything that Vasco represents in my life.
“I’m grateful for everything I’ve lived here. I’ll take Vasco with me forever. In the chest. In history. In life.”
