Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino Barbosa de Oliveira (born 2 October 1991) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward or attacking midfielder for Qatar Stars League club Al Sadd.

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. 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 eight years in England. With Al-Ahli, Firmino won the AFC Champions League Elite two years later.

Firmino made his international debut for Brazil in November 2014. He represented the nation at the 2015, 2019 and 2021 Copa América, where he won the 2019 edition of the tournament. He also represented the nation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Early life

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 was a housewife. He also 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.