About
Thiago Motta, born on August 28, 1982, in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, is a retired professional footballer and current football coach renowned for his versatility on the field. Primarily operating as a midfielder, Motta's career spanned prominent clubs across Europe and included stints with the Brazilian and Italian national teams. His approach to the game was characterized by his composure, vision, and tenacious playing style. Following his retirement from professional play, Motta transitioned into coaching, where he continues to impact the football world.
Before Fame
Motta began his professional career with Barcelona, joining the club's famous youth academy, La Masia, at an early age. He debuted for the Barcelona first team in 2001 and quickly became known for his tactical awareness and technical skills. Motta's early years at Barcelona were formative, laying the groundwork for his future success. His talent caught the eye of several top European clubs, eventually leading to moves to Atlético Madrid, Genoa, Internazionale (Inter Milan), and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Trivia
- Thiago Motta was known for his adaptability on the field, capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, or even in a more advanced role.
- During his time at Inter Milan, he was part of the historic treble-winning team in the 2009-2010 season, securing the Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League under manager José Mourinho.
- Motta won numerous domestic league titles and cups during his tenure with Paris Saint-Germain, solidifying his status as one of the club’s most influential midfielders.
- After retiring as a player, Motta made headlines for his unconventional coaching proposition, suggesting a radical 2-7-2 formation.
Family Life
Thiago Motta has Italian ancestry through his grandparents, which enabled him to gain Italian citizenship and represent Italy on an international level despite being born in Brazil. He is known to be private about his family life, maintaining a focus on his professional commitments. Motta is married to his long-time partner, and they have children together, though details about his family are often kept out of the public eye.
Associated With
Throughout his career, Thiago Motta has played alongside some of the greatest names in football. At Barcelona, he shared the field with legends such as Ronaldinho and Xavi Hernandez. During his time at PSG, Motta played alongside Zlatan Ibrahimović, Edinson Cavani, and Thiago Silva, contributing to the club's dominance in French football. As a coach, he has been influenced by and compared to tactical minds like José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. During his playing and managerial career, Motta's connections with these football greats contributed to his rich understanding of the game.
In summary, Thiago Motta's career is marked by his tactical intelligence, adaptability, and contributions to some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Now as a coach, he continues to bring his unique perspective to the beautiful game.
