Al-Ahli Saudi FC
2023 / 2026
Roberto Firmino Barbosa de Oliveira (born 2 October 1991) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward or attacking midfielder for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, which he captains, and the Brazil national team.
After starting his career with Figueirense in 2009, Firmino spent four-and-a-half seasons at TSG Hoffenheim. His 16 goals in 33 games in the 2013–14 Bundesliga season earned him the award for the league's Breakthrough Player. In July 2015, he signed for Liverpool, where he earned plaudits for his creativity, goalscoring and workrate; manager Jürgen Klopp referred to Firmino as the "engine" that propelled the club's counter-pressing system. He formed a formidable attacking trio with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané after the departure of Philippe Coutinho. In the 2018–19 season, Firmino won the UEFA Champions League, and the following campaign claimed the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup (after scoring the winner in the final), and the 2019–20 Premier League title. He also won the FA Cup and EFL Cup with Liverpool in the 2021–22 season. Firmino is widely regarded as a cult hero in Liverpool. In 2023, Firmino decided not to extend his contract at Liverpool, and eventually left on a free transfer to Saudi club Al-Ahli, after 8 years at Liverpool.
Firmino made his international debut for Brazil in November 2014. He represented the nation at the 2015, 2019 and 2021 Copes América, as well as the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Firmino was born in the Trapiche da Barra neighbourhood of Maceió, Alagoas, growing up near the Estadio Rei Pele. He grew up in a poor family and was described as being "humble" and "football mad". His father Jose was a street vendor and his mother did not work. He has a sister. Firmino began playing for his school team, earning a trial at local club CRB. At 13, Firmino joined the youth team of CRB. He initially wore the No 5 shirt, which in Brazil is reserved for the most defensive midfielder. When required, he also played as a defender.
Firmino said that it was his "dream" to play in the national team though he had no "contact with national team manager Dunga". On 23 October 2014, Firmino received his first call up to Brazil national team for the friendly matches against Turkey and Austria. He commented, "I'm very happy about the nomination and would especially like to thank the team". He debuted in a 4–0 win over Turkey on 12 November, replacing fellow debutant Luiz Adriano for the last 17 minutes. Firmino scored his first goal six days later in the latter match, a 2–1 away win.
A verified current club link was not supplied for this player.
2023 / 2026
Permanent / 2015 / 2023
Permanent / 2011 / 2015
Permanent / 2009 / 2010
Youth / 2008 / 2009
Youth / 2004 / 2008
2024-2025 / Al-Ahli
2022 / Liverpool
2021-2022 / Liverpool
2019-2020 / Liverpool
2018-2019 / Liverpool
2019 / Liverpool
2019 / Liverpool