Liverpool academy product once dubbed 'The next Cafu' now runs a summer camp

An ex-England international and Liverpool academy product once dubbed as 'the next Cafu' and 'the Red Cafu' now runs a summer camp.

The former full-back is none other than Jon Flanagan, who was forced to retire due to a recurring knee injury at the age of just 29.

Flanagan came through the academy at Liverpool, going on to make 51 first-team appearances and score one goal, against Tottenham in a 5-0 thrashing.

His consistent displays for the club, particularly in the 2013/14 season, drew the attention of Brazil legend Cafu.

The World Cup-winning captain spoke to LFCTV in 2014: "I first started hearing about him by watching Premier League matches and observing his performance along with other players.

"I then started seeing some news saying he is the Red Cafu! So there's nothing better than coming to the city and taking a picture with my successor.

"He is a good player; still young and developing, but already gaining recognition at Liverpool and he might even have an opportunity with the English national team. He'll be a great English player in the future.

"He has speed, strength and determination. He's an athlete who goes after it and never gives it up. That's exactly what I used to do; there were no missing chances for me, no tiredness and no being dejected.

"I see that style in him too. I hope he continues that way and achieves as many trophies as I did."

Unfortunately, despite glowing praise from Cafu, Flanagan's career was plagued by injuries, as the defender was sidelined for 18 months shortly after his gaining his only England cap.

Flanagan was unlucky with injuries throughout his career, as he was forced to retire early. Image: Getty

Flanagan later had loan spells at Burnley and Bolton, leaving his boyhood club for Rangers permanently in 2018.

The full-back would have stints in Belgium and Denmark too, but following knee surgery in 2022, he would announce his retirement.

He has since gone on to launch Jon Flanagan Elite Football Camps alongside ex-Liverpool team-mate Adam Morgan, with the football summer camp catering to kids aged four to 14.

Flanagan does have a UEFA coaching licence as well, hinting that a potential future in management is a possibility.

Topics: Cafu, Liverpool, Football, England

Joshua Nair

Freelance football writer.

@joshnair10