Marcus Alves
Marcus Alves is a freelance journalist based in Lisbon and has written for FourFourTwo since 2012. He can also be found at BBC Sport, the Telegraph, Kicker and Yahoo. A former ESPN reporter, he covered 12 games in 15 days during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but can barely remember any of them. He blames cachaça for that.
Latest articles by Marcus Alves
What happened to Kerlon? The forgotten seal dribbler who entertained the world
By Marcus Alves last updated
Kerlon Moura Souza He began as an online sensation for his mid-match trickery, and won a high-profile move to Europe with Inter Milan. Then he disappeared. So where did the Brazilian trickster go?
The inside story of Liverpool's potential deal for Ruben Neves – and Wolves's prospective replacement
By Marcus Alves published
Ruben Neves Marcus Alves explains how super-agent Jorge Mendes works to keep clients and clubs happy – by ensuring everyone has a place at the table
Why Philippe Coutinho wants to leave Liverpool: the inside story
By Marcus Alves published
Philippe Coutinho The Brazilian is looking increasingly likely to be a Barcelona player. FFT contributor and Brazilian journalist Marcus Alves broke the story yesterday that Coutinho had asked to leave Anfield – and this is how it all went down
Why Brazilians just don’t rate Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino
By Marcus Alves published
Roberto Firmino His gifts have gradually become appreciated in England, but 'Bobby' has previously been labelled “the new Afonso Alves” in his home country. Marcus Alves explains all...
Meet Alisson Becker: Liverpool's world-record new goalkeeper "who can define an era"
By Marcus Alves published
Alisson Becker On his way to Anfield as the most expensive goalkeeper ever, Alisson elicits the highest of praise from his Brazil coaches. Marcus Alves delivers the lowdown...
Brazil versus Neymar: how a superstar lost the love of his country
By Marcus Alves last updated
Neymar Neymar may be Brazil's leading man at this World Cup, but a war is brewing between the country and its star striker, writes Marcus Alves
Philippe Coutinho: How Brazil's humble attacker became the critical piece in Tite's jigsaw
By Marcus Alves published
Philippe Coutinho Neymar gets the headlines, but Philippe Coutinho is the player Brazil can't be without. Marcus Alves digs into the roots of his relationship with Brazil manager Tite
Lucas Moura: Dribble the Brazilian way
By Marcus Alves last updated
Lucas Moura Learn to outwit defenders on the run with a carnival of samba skills, thanks to this guide from Tottenham's Brazilian magician
FourFourTwo’s 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2017: No.15, Tite
By Marcus Alves last updated
FFT 50 Managers The successful Brazilian club manager has enjoyed an instant impact with the national side, rebuilding confidence after a string of major tournament disappointments
7 things you should know about incoming Brazil boss Tite – and what’s on his plate
By Marcus Alves published
Brazil Dunga was disposed of after the Seleção’s disastrous Copa America campaign, and they’ve picked Corinthians’ current boss to replace him. Marcus Alves provides the lowdown
Meet Alex Teixeira: Shakhtar's latest brilliant Brazilian who could save Chelsea
By Marcus Alves last updated
Shakhtar Donetsk The 25-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in January. Marcus Alves introduces the prolific goal-getter who's tearing things up in Ukraine...
FourFourTwo's 100 Greatest Footballers EVER: No.16, Zico
By Marcus Alves last updated
FFT 100 Greatest Brazil’s great entertainer and goalscorer is the closest thing the nation had to a second Pele
Willian: Shake off two markers
By Marcus Alves last updated
Willian Regularly getting double-teamed? Stay on the move and look behind you, says Chelsea's Willian
The big interview: Juninho – "When I got to Boro it was so cold I put newspaper inside my boots to help warm them up"
By Marcus Alves last updated
The Big Interview Was Ronaldinho's goal against England a fluke? Was winning the League Cup better than the World Cup? And how did he play two games in one night?! Your questions answered in August 2015...
The big interview: Robinho – "I had a fight with Craig Bellamy once, but then who at City didn’t?!"
By Marcus Alves last updated
The Big Interview Was it tough being ‘the next Pele’? Why did his move to Chelsea fall through? And did he really get the bus around Manchester? Your questions answered in March 2017...
Meet Luan: The talented Brazilian with futsal feet who could rock up at Leicester
By Marcus Alves published
Talentspotter Marcus Alves explains why Gremio's exciting forward might be Brazil's next big thing, via a mooted move to the English champions
FourFourTwo's 100 Greatest Footballers EVER: No.11, Garrincha
By Marcus Alves last updated
FFT 100 Greatest Brazil’s two-time World Cup winner is remembered even more for his wonderful trickery than his many triumphs
Get the FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.