Roberto Firmino
{{short description|Brazilian footballer (born 1991)}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Portuguese name|Barbosa|de Oliveira}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Roberto Firmino
| image = Roberto Firmino no Al-Ahli (cropped).png
| caption = Firmino with Al-Ahli in 2023
| full_name = Roberto Firmino Barbosa de Oliveira{{cite web |url=https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FCWC/2019/pdf/FCWC_2019_SQUADLISTS.PDF |title=FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019: List of Players: Liverpool FC |publisher=FIFA |page=7 |date=21 December 2019 |access-date=17 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117182124/https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FCWC/2019/pdf/FCWC_2019_SQUADLISTS.PDF |archive-date=17 January 2020 |url-status=dead }}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|10|2|df=y}}
| birth_place = Maceió, Brazil
| position = Forward, attacking midfielder
| currentclub = Al-Ahli
| clubnumber = 10
| youthyears1 = 2004–2008
| youthclubs1 = CRB
| youthyears2 = 2008–2009
| youthclubs2 = Figueirense
| years1 = 2009–2011
| clubs1 = Figueirense
| caps1 = 38
| goals1 = 8
| years2 = 2011–2015
| clubs2 = TSG Hoffenheim
| caps2 = 140
| goals2 = 38
| years3 = 2015–2023
| clubs3 = Liverpool
| caps3 = 256
| goals3 = 82
| years4 = 2023–
| clubs4 = Al-Ahli
| caps4 = 49
| goals4 = 14
| nationalyears1 = 2014–2021
| nationalteam1 = Brazil
| nationalcaps1 = 55
| nationalgoals1 = 17
| club-update = 17:11, 30 January 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update =
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|BRA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|Copa América}}
{{Medal|W|2019 Brazil|}}
{{Medal|RU|2021 Brazil|}}
}}
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.
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.{{Cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64771218 |title= Roberto Firmino: Liverpool's 'cult hero' who made football fun |access-date=17 June 2023 |website=BBC Sport}} 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51815586|title=The story behind Firmino's smile|work=BBC Sport |date=17 March 2020 }} 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/oct/29/roberto-firmino-teacher-coach-teammates-brazil-liverpool|title=The making of Roberto Firmino, by his earliest mentors in Brazil|newspaper=The Guardian |date=29 October 2019 |via=theguardian.com |last1=Seixas |first1=Josué }}
Club career
=Early career=
Firmino joined Figueirense's youth setup in 2008, aged 17, after starting out at CRB.{{Cite web |url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/selecao-brasileira/noticia/2015/06/de-volante-no-crb-alvo-de-ingleses-firmino-emociona-amigo-de-maceio.html |title=De volante no CRB a alvo de ingleses, Firmino emociona amigo de Maceió |date=22 June 2015 |website=Globo Esporte |language=pt |trans-title=From a defensive midfielder at CRB to English clubs' target, Firmino thrills a friend from Maceió |access-date=23 June 2015}} He was discovered by a dentist, Marcellus Portella.{{Cite news |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-new-boy-roberto-firmino-5959353 |title=Firmino was destined for top |date=28 June 2015 |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=London |access-date=29 June 2015}} With the latter, he was mainly used as a defensive midfielder.{{Cite web |url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/al/noticia/2015/06/primeiro-tecnico-de-firmino-no-crb-rasga-elogios-e-revela-era-1-volante.html |title=Primeiro técnico de Firmino no CRB rasga elogios e revela: "Era volante" |date=11 June 2015 |website=Globo Esporte |language=pt |trans-title=Firmino's first manager at CRB praises him and reveals: "He was a defensive midfielder" |access-date=23 June 2015}}
Firmino made his first-team debut on 24 October 2009, coming on as a half-time substitute in a 2–1 home loss against Ponte Preta in Série B.{{Cite web |url=http://zh.clicrbs.com.br/rs/esportes/noticia/2009/10/figueirense-perde-para-a-ponte-preta-e-ve-g-4-se-distanciar-2695928.html |title=Figueirense perde para a Ponte Preta e vê G-4 se distanciar |date=24 October 2009 |website=GZH |language=pt |trans-title=Figueirense loses to Ponte Preta and sees G-4 more distant |access-date=23 June 2015}}
Firmino scored his first goal on 8 May 2010, with the winner in an away win against São Caetano.{{Cite web |url=http://espn.uol.com.br/noticia/119888_figueirense-estreia-com-vitoria-em-cima-do-sao-caetano |title=Figueirense estreia com vitória em cima do São Caetano |date=8 May 2010 |website=ESPN Brasil |language=pt |trans-title=Figueirense debuts with victory over São Caetano |access-date=23 June 2015}} He contributed with eight goals in 36 appearances during the season, as Figueirense FC returned to Série A after a two-year absence.{{Cite news |title= Anos 20: O início da história do alvinegro |trans-title=10 years: The story continues|language=pt|website=Figueirense |url=https://figueirense.com.br/institucional/historia/ |access-date=10 June 2023}}
=TSG Hoffenheim=
File:Roberto Firmino 2014 03 08.jpg in 2014]]
Firmino signed with TSG Hoffenheim in December 2010, with the contract running until June 2015.{{Cite web |url=https://populartimelines.com/timeline/Roberto-Firmino |title=Hoffenheim in December 2010, with the contract running until June 2015 |date=11 June 2023 |website=populartimelinesl}} He formally arrived at Hoffenheim on 1 January 2011.{{fussballdaten|id=firminoroberto|name=Roberto Firmino}} Then Hoffenheim manager Ernst Tanner commented that they were "pleased to hire a Brazilian talent".{{Cite web |url=http://esportes.estadao.com.br/noticias/futebol,hoffenheim-contrata-roberto-firmino-do-figueirense,653190 |title=Hoffenheim contrata Roberto Firmino, do Figueirense |website=Esportes |publisher=Grupo Estado |trans-title=Hoffenheim sign Figueirense's Roberto Firmino |access-date=31 March 2015}} He made his debut a month after his signing in a Bundesliga defeat against Mainz 05, where he came on as a 75th-minute substitute for Sebastian Rudy. He scored his first goal for the club on 16 April, the only goal of a league victory against Eintracht Frankfurt.{{Cite web |url=https://www.esdfanalysis.com/player-analysis/roberto-firmino/ |title=75th minute. Firmino managed to get his first goal |website=esdfanalysis |date=23 April 2020 |access-date=11 June 2023 |archive-date=11 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611200857/https://www.esdfanalysis.com/player-analysis/roberto-firmino/ |url-status=dead }}
He was dropped from the first-team squad along with Chinedu Obasi at the end of November 2011 for showing up late for training, missing the league match against Bayer Leverkusen.{{Cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15965449.stm |title=Chinedu Obasi dropped from Hoffenheim squad |website=BBC Sport |date=30 November 2011}} He scored two more goals that season, against Wolfsburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach. In the 2012–13 season, Firmino made 36 appearances and scored seven goals in all competitions.
In July 2013, Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow made a €12 million bid for Firmino.{{Cite news |url=http://www.t-online.de/sport/id_64339112/tsg-1899-hoffenheim-geht-roberto-firmino-nach-russland-.html |title=1899 Hoffenheim: Geht Roberto Firmino nach Russland? |date=5 July 2013 |access-date=8 January 2018 |publisher=T-Online |language=de}} Hoffenheim captain Andreas Beck hailed Firmino's development as "outstanding" in August 2013.{{Cite web |url=https://www.kicker.de/roberto-firmino_ich-bin-wie-befreit-590936/artikel |title=Roberto Firmino: "Ich bin wie befreit" |website=Kicker |publisher=Olympia-Verlag |access-date=27 March 2015}} On 27 March 2014, Firmino extended his contract with the club, signing a three-year extension.{{Cite web |url=http://www.achtzehn99.de/roberto-firmino-verlaengert-vertrag-bis-2017/ |title=Roberto Firmino verlängert Vertrag bis 2017 |publisher=TSG 1899 Hoffenheim |date=27 March 2014 |language=de}} He finished the 2013–14 Bundesliga season tied as the fourth highest scorer with 16 goals,{{Cite web |url=https://www.topscorersfootball.com/bundesliga/season-2013/2014|title=Bundesliga Top scorers – 2013/2014 |date=10 June 2023}} and was named the league's Breakthrough Player.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/0000294339.jsp |title=Breakthrough of the season |website=bundesliga |date=23 May 2014 |access-date=11 June 2023 |archive-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621115910/https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/0000294339.jsp |url-status=dead }}
=Liverpool=
==2015–2017: Early years==
On 23 June 2015, Hoffenheim and Firmino agreed terms for him to transfer to Premier League club Liverpool for up to £29 million on conclusion of the tournament, subject to a work permit.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33250535 |title=Roberto Firmino: Liverpool agree £29m deal for Brazil striker |last=Smith |first=Ben |date=23 June 2015 |access-date=23 June 2015 |website=BBC Sport}} Liverpool confirmed the signing the following day, subject to a medical.{{Cite news |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/firmino-passes-liverpool-fc-medical-9594574 |title=Firmino Medical | date=6 July 2015 |access-date=6 July 2015 |publisher=liverpoolecho}} The deal was finalised on 4 July.{{Cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/roberto-firmino-bring-joy-liverpool-9586520 |title=Roberto Firmino will bring joy to Liverpool FC fans, says Ryan Babel |last=Jones |first=Neil |date=4 July 2015 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |access-date=4 July 2015}} Firmino made his debut on 9 August, replacing Jordon Ibe for the final 12 minutes of a 1–0 win away to Stoke City.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33750574 |title=Stoke 0–1 Liverpool |last=Hafez |first=Shamoon |date=9 August 2015 |access-date=9 August 2015 |website=BBC Sport}} On 21 November, Firmino scored his first goal for Liverpool in a 4–1 victory over Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium.{{Cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/man-city-vs-liverpool/341310 |title=Manchester City 1–4 Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp masterminds stunning win |website=Sky Sports |access-date=11 March 2016}} This came after new manager Jürgen Klopp moved Firmino to centre-forward ahead of Christian Benteke.{{cite news|last1=McNulty|first1=Phil|title=Man City 1–4 Liverpool|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34818213|accessdate=21 November 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 November 2015}} In January 2016, Firmino was described by Paul Little of the Irish Examiner as steadily improving during his first season in England,{{Cite news |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/klopp-must-counter-cultural-legacy-to-free-benteke-potential-377709.html |title=Klopp must counter cultural legacy to free Benteke potential |last=Little |first=Paul |date=22 January 2016 |newspaper=Irish Examiner |location=Cork |access-date=24 January 2016}} although an inability to combine with centre forward Christian Benteke drew criticism.{{Cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/10137092/christian-benteke-does-have-a-future-at-liverpool-jurgen-klopp-insists |title=Jurgen Klopp says Christian Benteke has Liverpool future |date=20 January 2016 |access-date=24 January 2016 |website=Sky Sports}}
However, in 2016, Firmino's form improved as Klopp played him alone up front in a false 9 role.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/37459364/roberto-firmino-fits-jurgen-klopp-system-liverpool-reaping-rewards |title=In theory, he is something of a false nine |website=www.espn.com.au |date=31 October 2016 |access-date=7 July 2018}} He scored braces against Arsenal and Norwich City that month; the latter performance, in which he also assisted in a 5–4 win, earned comparisons to Raheem Sterling and Luis Suárez.{{Cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/13452/opta/2016/01/23/19614942/is-roberto-firmino-finally-paying-off-liverpools-29m |title=Is Roberto Firmino finally paying off Liverpool's £29m investment? |last=Ankers |first=George |date=23 January 2016 |access-date=24 January 2016 |website=Goal}} With his form improved, Firmino was voted to be Liverpool's Player of the Month in January.{{Cite web |url=http://liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/197404-firmino-picks-up-first-player-of-the-month-award |title=Firmino picks up first Player of the Month award |date=4 February 2016 |access-date=12 September 2016 |archive-date=12 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312115329/http://liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/197404-firmino-picks-up-first-player-of-the-month-award |url-status=dead }} On 10 March he scored his first Europa League goal for Liverpool in a 2–0 win over rivals Manchester United at Anfield.{{cite news|last1=Taylor|first1=Daniel |title=Liverpool's Sturridge and Firmino make feeble Manchester United pay|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/10/liverpool-manchester-united-europa-league-match-report|accessdate=11 March 2016|publisher=Guardian|date=10 March 2016}} Firmino ended the season as Liverpool's league top scorer with 10 goals.{{Cite news |url=http://lfcstats.co.uk/20152016goalscorers.html |title=All Games Goalscorers 2015–2016 |website=LFC Stats |publisher=Darryl Goodchild |date=15 May 2016 |access-date=4 October 2016}}
On 23 August, Firmino scored his first goal of the 2016–17 season, scoring in a 5–0 win over Burton Albion in the second round of the EFL Cup.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37091102 |title=Burton Albion 0–5 Liverpool |date=23 August 2016 |access-date=7 July 2018 |website=BBC Sport}} Firmino scored his first league goals of the season in a 4–1 win over Leicester City, scoring a brace, on 10 September.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37263954 |title=Liverpool 4–1 Leicester City |date=10 September 2016 |access-date=7 July 2018 |website=BBC Sport}} Thus, Firmino became the first player to score in front of Anfield's new Main Stand in that game.{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37263954|last=Begley|first=Emile|title=Liverpool 4–1 Leicester City|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 September 2016|accessdate=11 September 2016}} On 29 October, Firmino scored in a 4–2 win over Crystal Palace, and on 6 November he scored in a 6–1 over Watford; the latter result saw Liverpool move to 1st position in the league table, the first time under Klopp.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37737704 |title=Crystal Palace 2–4 Liverpool |website=BBC Sport |date=29 October 2016 |access-date=7 July 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37814248 |title=Liverpool 6–1 Watford |website=BBC Sport |date=6 November 2016 |access-date=7 July 2018}} Firmino finished the season with 11 goals in 35 appearances in the Premier League, and 12 in 41 in all competitions.
==2017–18 season: Champions League runner-up==
File:Spartak Moscow- Liverpool Firmino.jpg in 2017]]
Before the start of the 2017–18 season, Firmino switched his shirt number to 9, with new signing Mohamed Salah taking his number 11.{{Cite web |url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/266618-mohamed-salah-s-lfc-squad-number-confirmed |title=Mohamed Salah's LFC squad number confirmed |date=22 June 2017 |publisher=Liverpool F.C. |access-date=7 July 2018}} Firmino scored his first goal of the new season on 12 August, scoring a penalty in a 3–3 draw with Watford.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40835424 |title=Watford 3–3 Liverpool |date=12 August 2017 |access-date=7 July 2018 |website=BBC Sport}} On 23 August, Firmino scored in a 4–2 win over his former club TSG Hoffenheim in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off, with Liverpool winning 6–3 on aggregate to qualify for the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League group stage.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40997832|title=Liverpool 4–2 1899 Hoffenheim (agg 6–3)|date=23 August 2017|website=BBC Sport|access-date=7 July 2018|language=en-GB}} On 6 December, he scored in a historic 7–0 win over Spartak Moscow in the Champions League.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42242178|title=Liverpool 7–0 Spartak Moscow|date=6 December 2017|website=BBC Sport|access-date=7 July 2018|language=en-GB}} On 17 December, he scored in a 4–0 away win over AFC Bournemouth, a result which saw Liverpool become the first team in Premier League history to win four consecutive away games by a margin of at least three goals.{{Cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/liverpool-make-history-with-away-game-goal-tally/12jskoyjq9br01o8rlni44sp02 |title=Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp's side make history with record away day goal tally after 4–0 win at Bournemouth {{!}} Goal.com |access-date=7 July 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://anfieldindex.com/31991/key-stats-bournemouth-0-4-liverpool.html |title=Key Stats From Bournemouth 0–4 Liverpool |website=Anfield Index |access-date=7 July 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/bournemouth-0-liverpool-4-philippe-coutinho-mohamed-salah-and-roberto-firmino-all-on-target-in-south-a3721626.html |title=Bournemouth 0 Liverpool 4: Reds run riot on the south coast |newspaper=Evening Standard |location=London |access-date=7 July 2018}}
On 5 January 2018, during a FA Cup match against rivals Everton,{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42508636 |title=Liverpool 2–1 Everton |year=2018 |access-date=12 August 2018 |website=BBC Sport}} Firmino was the subject of controversy following a clash with Everton defender Mason Holgate. Holgate pushed Firmino into the advertising boards, which was followed by the pair exchanging words, with Firmino seemingly insulting the player. Following the match, Holgate accused Firmino of racially abusing him, which he denied. A day later, the Football Association opened an investigation on the matter.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/06/roberto-firmino-liverpool-everton-mason-holgate |title=FA to investigate racism allegations after Firmino and Holgate flare-up |last=Hunter |first=Andy |date=6 January 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=12 August 2018}} Nearly two months later, after they had taken statements from 12 different players, several referees and consulted two Portuguese lip-readers, the Football Association cleared Firmino of any offence as a result of "insufficient evidence".{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/21/roberto-firmino-cleared-racism-allegations |title=Roberto Firmino cleared by FA over Mason Holgate racism allegations |last=Hunter |first=Andy |date=21 February 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=12 August 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-news-roberto-firmino-mason-holgate-racist-abuse-incident-breaks-silence-a8223056.html |title=Roberto Firmino breaks silence on Mason Holgate clash after being cleared of racist abuse |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |access-date=12 August 2018}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/announcements/291627-statement-from-roberto-firmino |title=Statement from Roberto Firmino |date=21 February 2018 |publisher=Liverpool F.C. |access-date=12 August 2018}}
On 14 January 2018, Firmino scored in a 4–3 home win over Manchester City, which saw Liverpool end City's unbeaten league run.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42594403 |title=Liverpool 4–3 Manchester City |year=2018 |access-date=7 July 2018 |website=BBC Sport}} On 27 January, Firmino scored and missed a penalty in a 2–3 defeat to West Bromwich Albion in the fourth round of the FA Cup.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42756218|title=Liverpool 2–3 West Bromwich Albion|date=2018|website=BBC Sport|access-date=7 July 2018|language=en-GB}} On 14 February, Firmino scored in a dominant 5–0 away win over Porto in the first leg of the Champions League round of sixteen.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2018/feb/14/porto-v-liverpool-champions-league-live|title=Porto 0–5 Liverpool: Champions League – as it happened|last=Murray|first=Scott|date=14 February 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=7 July 2018|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}} On 10 April, he scored in a 2–1 win over Manchester City in the second leg of the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, which saw Liverpool advance to the semi-finals with a 5–1 aggregate win.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43632218 |title=Manchester City 1–2 Liverpool |date=10 April 2018 |access-date=7 July 2018 |website=BBC Sport}} On 29 April, Firmino signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool.{{Cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/300082-roberto-firmino-contract-liverpool-lfc|title=Roberto Firmino agrees terms on new long-term LFC deal|work=Liverpool FC|access-date=7 July 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/roberto-firmino-signs-new-liverpool-14592339|title=Roberto Firmino kicks off Liverpool's huge week in the best way|last=Pearce|first=James|date=29 April 2018|work=liverpoolecho|access-date=7 July 2018}} Firmino started and played the whole 90 minutes in the 2018 Champions League final, with Liverpool losing 3–1 to Real Madrid.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44258022 |title=Real Madrid 3–1 Liverpool |date=26 May 2018 |access-date=7 July 2018 |website=BBC Sport}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2018/may/26/real-madrid-v-liverpool-champions-league-final-2018-live |title=Real Madrid beat Liverpool 3–1 to win Champions League final 2018 – as it happened |last=Smyth |first=Rob |date=26 May 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=7 July 2018}}
During the season, Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mané made up a prolific attacking quartet, dubbed the "Fab Four", in reference to the rock band The Beatles, also from the same city as the club.{{Cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/liverpool-team-news-fab-four-start-at-arsenal-with-oxlade/1y1n3buklwec314rcfpr0vztpg |title=Liverpool team news: Fab Four start at Arsenal with Oxlade-Chamberlain on the bench |website=Goal |access-date=7 July 2018}} Following the mid-season exit of Coutinho, the three remaining players were dubbed as the "Fab Three", with the trio having a total of 91 goals between them at the end of the season.{{Cite news |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fab-three-liverpool-better-equipped-cope-coutinho-exit-after-suarez-experience |title=The Fab Three? Liverpool better equipped to cope with Coutinho exit after Suarez experience |date=7 January 2018 |website=FourFourTwo |access-date=7 July 2018}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/fab-three-make-liverpool-dangerous-outsiders-to-win-champions-league-1.704180 |title='Fab Three' make Liverpool dangerous outsiders to win Champions League |newspaper=The National |location=Abu Dhabi |access-date=7 July 2018}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2018/02/24/5a914729268e3e9a1e8b4684.html |title=Liverpool's fab three: Only PSG's MCN have more goals than Salah, Mane and Firmino |newspaper=Marca |location=Madrid |access-date=7 July 2018}} Firmino was Liverpool's joint top goalscorer in the Champions League, together with Salah, with 11 goals.{{Cite web |url=http://www.worldfootball.com/s/7818/europe/uefa-champions-league/2017-2018/player-stats |title=UEFA Champions League {{!}} Player statistics of 2017/2018 season {{!}} Europe |website=World Football |publisher=Sports Media Group |access-date=7 July 2018 |archive-date=8 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708015815/http://www.worldfootball.com/s/7818/europe/uefa-champions-league/2017-2018/player-stats |url-status=dead }} Firmino was also included in the 2017–18 Champions League Squad of the Season.{{Cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0d8222ae4584-fc81fa8bf4d6-1000--uefa-champions-league-squad-of-the-season/ |title=UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season |date=27 May 2018 |publisher=UEFA |access-date=7 July 2018}} The 2017–18 season was Firmino's most prolific in his Liverpool career, as he scored 27 goals in all competitions.
==2018–19 season: Champions League victory==
After going goalless in all three matches played in August, Firmino scored his first goal of the season in a 2–1 Premier League win over Leicester City on 1 September.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2018/sep/01/leicester-city-v-liverpool-premier-league-live |title=Leicester City 1–2 Liverpool: Premier League – as it happened |last=Murray |first=Scott |date=1 September 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=7 September 2018}} On 15 September he scored in Liverpool's 2–1 league win over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium, a game that saw him leave the field 15 minutes before the end with an eye injury.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45456656 |title=Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 2–1 to maintain 100% Premier League start |access-date=18 September 2018 |website=BBC Sport}} He came off the bench three days later to score the stoppage time winner in Liverpool's 3–2 Champions League win against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45551722 |title=Firmino strike sees Liverpool win five-goal thriller at Anfield |access-date=18 September 2018 |website=BBC Sport}} On 29 December, Firmino scored his first Liverpool hat-trick in a 5–1 win over Arsenal, scoring two goals in three minutes and a second half penalty.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46656883 |title=Liverpool 5–1 Arsenal: Roberto Firmino hits hat-trick as Jurgen Klopp's side thrash Arsenal |date=29 December 2018 |access-date=30 December 2018 |website=BBC Sport}} On 19 January 2019, he scored Liverpool's 1,000th goal at Anfield in the Premier League era in a 4–3 win over Crystal Palace.{{Cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/11612182/the-stats-behind-mohamed-salahs-50-premier-league-goals |title=The stats behind Mohamed Salah's 50 Premier League goals |date=20 January 2019 |access-date=21 January 2019 |website=Sky Sports}}
On 1 June, Firmino started for Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur, making a comeback after missing the last few weeks of the season with injury. Firmino played for 60 minutes before being substituted as Liverpool won the match 2–0 to claim the title.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48368443 |title=Tottenham Hotspur 0–2 Liverpool |last=McNulty |first=Phil |date=1 June 2019 |access-date=1 June 2019 |website=BBC Sport}}
==2019–20 season: Premier League title==
File:Liverpool vs. Chelsea, UEFA Super Cup 2019-08-14 17.jpg]]
On 14 August 2019, Firmino came off the bench in the 2019 UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea in a match that Liverpool won 5–4 in a penalty shoot-out. The game had finished 2–2 after 120 minutes, with Firmino setting up both goals for Sadio Mané, before Firmino scored the first penalty in the shoot-out win.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49332825 |title=Adrian the hero as Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties to win Super Cup |access-date=14 August 2019 |website=BBC Sport}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0254-0d417f66c528-e5b666e344ce-1000--liverpool-beat-chelsea-on-penalties-to-win-super-cup/ |title=Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties to win Super Cup |publisher=UEFA |date=14 August 2018 |access-date=14 August 2018}} On 31 August, Firmino became the first Brazilian player to score 50 goals in the Premier League when he netted the third goal in a 3–0 win over Burnley.{{Cite news |url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/features/363179-the-media-on-burnley-0-3-lfc-firmino-the-complete-centre-forward |title=The media on Burnley 0–3 LFC: 'Firmino the complete centre-forward' |publisher=Liverpool F.C. |access-date=1 September 2019}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.caughtoffside.com/2019/08/31/best-brazilian-to-play-in-the-premier-league-liverpools-roberto-firmino-hits-50-goals-milestone/ |title=Best Brazilian to play in the Premier League |website=CaughtOffside |publisher=Rocket Sports Internet |access-date=31 August 2019}}
At the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup in December, Firmino scored the winning goal in a 2–1 semi-final win over Monterrey.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2019/dec/18/liverpool-monterrey-club-world-cup-semi-final-live |title=Monterrey 1–2 Liverpool: Club World Cup semi-final – as it happened |last=Graham |first=Bryan Armen |date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=21 December 2019}} He was named man of the match in the final three days later after scoring the winner against Flamengo as Liverpool won the competition for the first time.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50869633?isBumped=0&postFreq=0&isEmpty=0&isProfane=0&tooLong=0&charCount=0&isAwaitingProcessPreMod=0&isSubmitted=1&filter=none&initial_page_size=10&postId=137711507 |title=Firmino winner seals Club World Cup win |access-date=21 December 2019 |website=BBC Sport}} Firmino also won the 2019–20 Premier League that season.{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/13511/Roberto-Firmino/overview |title=Roberto Firmino: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=1 March 2023}}
==2020–2023: Domestic double and departure==
On 13 May 2021, he scored two goals in a 4–2 away win over Manchester United, in Liverpool's first victory at Old Trafford since March 2014.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56876294 |title=Manchester United 2–4 Liverpool |website=BBC Sport |date=13 May 2021}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-liverpool-result-score-goals-b1847274.html |title=Liverpool keep top-four hopes alive with victory over Manchester United |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=13 May 2021}} During their following match at West Bromwich Albion, Firmino captained Liverpool for the first time,{{cite news |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/roberto-firmino-liverpool-alisson-goal-20610620 |title=Roberto Firmino sends emotional message on captaincy and Alisson goal |first=Sean |last=Bradbury |date=16 May 2021 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo}} as he was the longest serving player in the team.{{cite news |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/jurgen-klopps-reason-making-roberto-24120724 |title=Klopp's reason for making Roberto Firmino captain at risk of upsetting Mo Salah |first=Chris |last=Doyle |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=London |date=16 May 2021}} Thus, Firmino became the sixteenth player to wear the armband under Jürgen Klopp, with regular captain Jordan Henderson and vice captains James Milner, Virgil van Dijk, and Georginio Wijnaldum all either injured or on the bench, leading the Reds to a 2–1 victory.{{Cite web|date=17 May 2021|title=Firmino's 'greatest feeling imaginable' as Klopp's 16th captain|url=https://www.thisisanfield.com/2021/05/roberto-firmino-shares-greatest-feeling-imaginable-as-klopps-16th-captain/|access-date=19 May 2021|website=This Is Anfield|language=en-GB}} He missed the 2022 EFL Cup final due to injury.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12551296/roberto-firmino-to-miss-liverpools-carabao-cup-final-against-chelsea-due-to-groin-injury|title=Roberto Firmino to miss Liverpool's Carabao Cup final against Chelsea due to groin injury|website=Sky Sports}} Firmino also earned a runners-up medal in the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61609200 |title=Liverpool 0–1 Real Madrid |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=28 May 2022 |access-date=28 February 2023 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606200753/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61609200 |url-status=live }} losing the final to Real Madrid. Liverpool narrowly missed out on the chance to achieve a historic quadruple, coming second in the Premier League and the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League but winning both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.{{Cite news |title= Liverpool's quadruple, treble chase is over: Reds settle for double in 2021–22 |website=Sporting News |url= https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/football/news/liverpool-quadruple-chase-2021-22-reds-man-united-treble/pmwqorelovih6pge6xnpv3av#:~:text=The%20Reds%20were%20battling%20on,making%20history%20with%20a%20quadruple. |access-date=2 June 2023}}
On 30 July 2022, Firmino started for Liverpool in the club's 3–1 win over Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at the King Power Stadium.{{cite news |title=Liverpool 3–1 Manchester City |website=BBC Sport |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62275194|access-date=25 September 2023}} Firmino scored his 100th goal for Liverpool on 27 August 2022 when he got two in the 9–0 win against AFC Bournemouth.{{cite web |url=https://theathletic.com/3543857/2022/08/29/roberto-firmino-100-liverpool-goals/ |title=Analysing Roberto Firmino's 100 Liverpool goals |date=29 August 2022 |website=The Athletic |access-date=29 August 2022}} On 5 March, Firmino scored the last of Liverpool's goals in a historic 7–0 victory against Manchester United.{{cite news |last1=McNulty |first1=Phil |title=Liverpool 7–0 Man Utd: 'Glimpse of future as Reds humiliate old rivals' |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64857544 |access-date=7 March 2023}} On 10 March 2023, Liverpool announced Firmino would leave Liverpool at the end of the 2022–23 season after he decided not to extend his contract. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said he was a "little bit surprised" by the decision but wished Firmino good luck, saying that he would "be grateful forever" for his influence and impact at Liverpool.{{Cite web |title=Liverpool FC — Jürgen Klopp on Roberto Firmino's decision to depart LFC |url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/jurgen-klopp-roberto-firminos-decision-depart-lfc |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=www.liverpoolfc.com |date=10 March 2023 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title= 'I will be grateful forever' – Jürgen Klopp reflects on Roberto Firmino's LFC career |url= https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/460786-i-will-be-grateful-forever-jurgen-klopp-reflects-on-roberto-firmino-s-lfc-career |access-date=2 June 2023 |website=www.liverpoolfc.com |date= 2 June 2023 |language=en}} Firmino later said that it was "time" to leave the club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/breaking-firmino-liverpool-exit-fans-26951353|title=Roberto Firmino on why he's leaving Liverpool as fans sent emotional message|first=Ian|last=Doyle|date=19 May 2023|website=Liverpool Echo}} Former player Danny Murphy described him as a "cult hero" who the fans adored.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64771218|title='You fantasise about being like Bobby'|work=BBC Sport |date=19 May 2023 }} Firmino scored a late equaliser against Aston Villa in his last home game for Liverpool at Anfield on 20 May 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/roberto-firmino-enjoys-dream-farewell-30031086|title=Firmino in tears as Anfield pays tribute to four departing Liverpool stars|first=Will|last=Freeman|date=20 May 2023|website=mirror}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65659669|title=Firmino's Liverpool farewell will see Reds 'rebuild'|work=BBC Sport |date=20 May 2023 }} Firmino also scored in his last ever game for Liverpool on 28 May 2023, being assisted by fellow Brazilian Fabinho.{{Cite web|url= https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/firmino-scores-farewell-liverpool-southampton-draw-thriller-2023-05-28/ |title= Firmino scores on farewell as Liverpool and Southampton draw thriller |work=Reuters}} In homage to Firmino, a mural was painted in Liverpool, which he visited before his departure.{{Cite web|url= https://www.thisisanfield.com/2023/05/roberto-firmino-visits-his-new-mural-after-arriving-on-team-bus/ |title= "So much love" – Roberto Firmino visits his new mural at Anfield |work=This Is Anfield|date= 21 May 2023 }} At the end of the season, Liverpool narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification.{{Cite news |title= Mohamed Salah 'totally devastated' Liverpool miss out on Champions League football: 'absolutely no excuse' |publisher= EuroSport |url= https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/premier-league/2022-2023/mohamed-salah-totally-devastated-liverpool-miss-out-on-champions-league-football-absolutely-no-excus_sto9623012/story.shtml |access-date= 29 May 2023 }} Firmino concluded his playing career at Liverpool as the highest-scoring Brazilian player in both the history of Liverpool{{cite web |url=https://sport.news.am/eng/news/95920/roberto-firmino-becomes-top-brazilian-scorer-in-premier-league-history.html |title=Roberto Firmino becomes top Brazilian scorer in Premier League history |access-date=30 December 2018}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.lfchistory.net/Players/Player/Profile/1288 |title=PLAYERS – ROBERTO FIRMINO |website=lfchistory |access-date=12 June 2023}} and the Premier League, with a total of 82 goals.{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/13511/Roberto-Firmino/stats |title=Roberto Firmino |date=28 May 2023 |access-date=28 May 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://tembah.net/en/news?nid=30411 |title=Firmino, The All-Time Top Scoring Brazilian In The EPL. |website=tembah |access-date=10 April 2023}}
=Al Ahli=
On 4 July 2023, Firmino joined Saudi Professional League club Al Ahli, signing a contract until 2026.{{cite web |title=Firmino joins Saudi side Al Ahli |url=https://theathletic.com/4655291/2023/07/04/roberto-firmino-al-ahli-saudi-arabia/ |website=The Athletic |date=13 July 2023 |language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66105022|title=Firmino joins Al-Ahli after leaving Liverpool|work=BBC Sport |date=4 July 2023 }} On 11 August 2023, Firmino scored a hat-trick against Al-Hazem in his first competitive game for Al-Ahli.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66479625|title=Al-Ahli 3–1 Al-Hazem|work=BBC Sport |date=11 August 2023 }}
On 3 May 2025, Firmino was a member of the Al-Ahli squad that won the 2025 AFC Champions League Elite for the first time in the club's history.{{Cite web |last=Lynch |first=Joey |date=3 May 2025 |title=Never taking their eyes off the prize, Al Ahli are champions of Asia at long last |url=https://global.espn.com/football/story/_/id/44984369/never-taking-eyes-prize-al-ahli-champions-asia-long-last |access-date=4 May 2025 |website=ESPN}}
International career
File:20141118 1838 AUTBRA 4936.jpg in 2014.]]
Firmino said that it was his "dream" to play in the national team though he had no "contact with national team manager Dunga".{{Cite web |url=https://www.kicker.de/firmino_ich-will-noch-viel-mehr-608759/artikel |title=Firmino: "Ich will noch viel mehr" |date=28 July 2014 |website=Kicker |publisher=Olympia-Verlag |access-date=27 March 2015 |language=German}} 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".{{Cite web |url=https://www.kicker.de/dunga-beruft-roberto-firmino-in-die-selec3a7ao-613976/artikel |title=Dunga beruft Roberto Firmino in die Seleçao |website=Kicker |publisher=Olympia-Verlag |access-date=27 March 2015}} He debuted in a 4–0 win over Turkey on 12 November, replacing fellow debutant Luiz Adriano for the last 17 minutes.{{Cite web |url=https://www.kicker.de/roberto-firmino-feiert-debuet-bei-neymar-show-615347/artikel |title=Roberto Firmino feiert Debüt bei Neymar-Show |website=Kicker |publisher=Olympia-Verlag |access-date=27 March 2015}} Firmino scored his first goal six days later in the latter match, a 2–1 away win.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30107820 |title=Roberto Firmino strikes late winner |website=BBC Sport |access-date=27 March 2015}}
In May 2015, Firmino was included in Brazil's 23-man squad for the 2015 Copa América to be held in Chile.{{Cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.com/copa-america/story/2445502/2015-copa-america-squad-lists |title=2015 Copa America squad lists |date=28 May 2015 |website=ESPN FC}} On 21 June, he scored in a 2–1 defeat of Venezuela to qualify the Seleção for the knockout stage as Group C winners.{{Cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/brazil-v-venezuela-2-1-win-sees-dunga-side-progress-in-copa-america-despite-neymar-absence/story-e6frf423-1227409196902 |title=Brazil v Venezuela: 2–1 win sees Dunga side progress in Copa America despite Neymar absence |date=22 June 2015 |website=Fox Sports}}
In May 2018, he was named in Brazil's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44116590 |title=World Cup: Neymar named in Brazil's 23-man squad |date=14 May 2018 |website=BBC Sport}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/player/147234/roberto-firmino |title=Roberto Firmino Player Profile |website=ESPN FC}} On 2 July, Firmino scored Brazil's second goal in a 2–0 win over Mexico in the round of 16 having come on as a late substitute.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44597762 |title=Brazil beat Mexico to reach last 8 |date=2 July 2018 |access-date=2 July 2018 |website=BBC Sport}}
In May 2019, Firmino was included in Brazil's 23-man squad for the 2019 Copa América.{{Cite web |url=https://www.football-italia.net/138152/brazil-name-copa-america-squad |title=Brazil name Copa America squad |date=17 May 2019 |website=Football Italia |publisher=Tiro Media |access-date=21 May 2019}} Firmino played all 90 minutes of the final against Peru as Brazil won 3–1 to lift their ninth Copa América title.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jul/07/copa-america-brazil-peru-final-gabriel-jesus |title=Brazil end Copa América drought with victory over Peru in final |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=7 July 2019 |access-date=21 March 2020}}
File:20180610 FIFA Friendly Match Austria vs. Brazil Roberto Firmino 850 1557.jpg in 2018]]
In June 2021, Firmino was included in Brazil's squad for the 2021 Copa América on home soil.{{cite news |url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/07/10/football/1625909312_472586.html |title=Brazil national team squad Copa America 2021: selected players, absences... |newspaper=Diario AS |location=Madrid |date=10 July 2021 |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221053154/https://en.as.com/en/2021/07/10/football/1625909312_472586.html |url-status=dead }} He made a substitute appearance in his nation's 1–0 defeat to rivals Argentina in the final on 10 July.{{cite news |last=Graham |first=Bryan Armen |title=Argentina 1–0 Brazil: Copa América final – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/jul/10/argentina-v-brazil-copa-america-final-live |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=10 July 2021 |access-date=13 July 2021}}
Firmino was controversially not included in Brazil's squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63540632 |title=Martinelli in Brazil squad but Firmino misses out |work=BBC Sport }}
Style of play
File:Russia-Brazil 2018 (11) (cropped).jpg
Regarded at his peak as one of the greatest strikers in world football, Firmino is known for his clinical finishing, proficient technical ability and impressive workrate.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/roberto-firmino-the-world-class-false-nine-who-perfectly-complements-jurgen-klopp-153181 |title=Roberto Firmino: The world class false nine who perfectly complements Jurgen Klopp's system |website=SportsJOE.ie |date=7 March 2018 |access-date=5 February 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://theathletic.com/2911770/2021/10/28/analysing-roberto-firmino-liverpools-masterful-false-nine/ |title=Analysing Roberto Firmino, Liverpool's masterful false nine |website=The Athletic |access-date=5 February 2023 |last1=O'Neill |first1=Caoimhe |last2=Carey |first2=Mark }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesnalton/2022/10/13/roberto-firmino-a-man-for-all-systems-at-liverpool/?sh=5e6452953c5f |title=Roberto Firmino: A Man For All Seasons And All Systems At Liverpool |website=Forbes |access-date=5 February 2023}}
At Hoffenheim, Firmino primarily played as an attacking midfielder, or as a second striker, but was also used as a forward, winger or central midfielder,{{Cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2174114-under-the-radar-all-stars-profiling-hoffenheims-roberto-firmino |title=Hoffenheim's Roberto Firmino |website=bleacherreport |access-date=15 August 2015}} with Firmino using his speed, close control and vision wherever he is deployed.{{Cite web |url=https://www.worldsoccer.com/features/player-profile-roberto-firmino-407583 |title=Player Profile: Roberto Firmino |last=Tremlett |first=Sam |date=15 October 2018 |website=World Soccer |access-date=19 June 2019}} After initially starting as a left winger at Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers, new manager Jürgen Klopp used Firmino more centrally, often described as a False 9.{{Cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/michael-cox-how-firminos-excellent-false-nine-display-almost-led-liverpool-victory |title=How Firmino's excellent false nine display almost led Liverpool to victory |website=FourFourTwo |date=18 January 2016 |access-date=12 February 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Bull |first1=J.J. |title=Why Roberto Firmino is so key to Liverpool's heavy metal style of play |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/08/10/roberto-firmino-key-liverpools-heavy-metal-style-play/ |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=10 August 2017 |location=London |access-date=24 January 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Lee |title=Tactical Analysis – Roberto Firmino Liverpool's master of space |url=https://anfieldindex.com/25487/tactical-analysis-roberto-firmino-liverpools-master-space.html |website=Anfield Index |date=16 November 2016 |access-date=24 January 2023}} In later seasons, especially from the 2020–21 season onward, Firmino has also often been used as a central attacking midfielder in a 4–2–3–1 formation, although tasked with significantly more pressing than a player typically does in such a position.{{cite web |last1=Stewart |first1=Alex |title=How Liverpool's front three became a front four |date=24 November 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIPFk2uNv3E |via=YouTube |publisher=Tifo Football |access-date=24 January 2023}}
Ryan Babel, a teammate of Firmino's at Hoffenheim, described him as "a tricky player", saying that "he can dribble, shoot, he has a great shot, he can play a lot of through balls and his assists are very good", while also praising a heading ability which would not be common amongst other players of Firmino's slender build and relatively small stature, a unique trait which journalist and ESPN contributor Michael Cox has also noted.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/uefa-champions-league/775/blog/post/3829553/liverpools-roberto-firmino-does-the-simple-things-right-and-thats-why-hes-so-important |title=Liverpool's Roberto Firmino does the simple things right and that's why he's so important |last=Cox |first=Michael |date=19 April 2019 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=19 June 2019}} Babel also stated that Firmino had a humble mentality and no problems with attitude. Manager Hemerson Maria also stated that he was impressed with Firmino's "strong personality and mentality".
Due to his energy and defensive workrate off the ball,{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/08/10/roberto-firmino-key-liverpools-heavy-metal-style-play/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/08/10/roberto-firmino-key-liverpools-heavy-metal-style-play/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Why Roberto Firmino is so key to Liverpool's heavy metal style of play |last=Bull |first=J. J. |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=10 August 2017}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/liverpool-hoffenheim-roberto-firmino-champions-league-latest-a7907556.html |title=Hoffenheim and the man who discovered Roberto Firmino must now try to stop him and Liverpool |last=Critchley |first=Mark |date=23 August 2017 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |access-date=16 October 2018}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.espn.com.au/football/english-premier-league/23/blog/post/3040802/premier-league-key-players-include-eden-hazard-roberto-firmino-and-christian-eriksen |title=Eden Hazard, Roberto Firmino and Christian Eriksen: The PL's key players |last=Michael Cox |date=17 January 2017 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=16 October 2018}} Klopp has referred to Firmino as the "engine" that propels the team's relentless counter-attacking system; "If he loses the ball, he fights for it back. If he loses it again, he fights for it. He looks like the engine of the team."{{Cite web |url=http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/281762-klopp-what-can-i-say-about-firmino-he-s-like-the-engine-of-the-team |title=Klopp: What can I say about Firmino? He's like the engine of the team |date=21 November 2017 |publisher=Liverpool F.C. |access-date=5 December 2017}} The suitability of Firmino's playing style to Klopp's pressing system has meant that Firmino was referred to as "Liverpool's most important player" on several occasions during the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons. Due to Firmino's wide range of skills, Thierry Henry described him as "the most complete striker in the Premier League".{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/25/liverpool-roberto-firmino-champions-league-final |title=Liverpool's Roberto Firmino: shy, strong-willed – and a complete striker |last=Hunter |first=Andy |date=25 May 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=19 June 2019}} Likewise, defender Nathan Aké identified him as his toughest opponent, as "he could do everything".{{Cite web |last=Killen |first=Stephen |date=23 March 2023 |title=Nathan Ake says toughest opponent who is leaving Liverpool 'could do everything' |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/nathan-ake-says-toughest-opponent-26544665 |access-date=27 March 2023 |website=Liverpool Echo |language=en}}
Firmino is also well known for his popular "no-look" goals.{{Cite news |url=https://www.planetfootball.com/in-depth/roberto-firminos-no-look-finishes-exactly-arrogance-football-needs/ |title=Roberto Firmino's no-look finishes are exactly the arrogance football needs |date=19 March 2018 |website=Planet Football |access-date=7 September 2018}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/roberto-firmino-liverpool-hoffenheim-brazil-made-in-bundesliga-480003.jsp |title=Roberto Firmino: Liverpool's no-look Brazilian magician, made in the Bundesliga |publisher=Bundesliga |access-date=7 September 2018 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605013111/https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/roberto-firmino-liverpool-hoffenheim-brazil-made-in-bundesliga-480003.jsp |url-status=dead }} One of his best known goal celebrations, 'the Matador', features in the FIFA 19 video game.{{cite news |url=https://talksport.com/football/418292/fifa-19-new-celebrations-cristiano-ronaldo-paul-pogba-neymar |title=UPDATED FIFA 19 new celebrations and tutorial, ft Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Neymar |publisher=Talksport |access-date=11 October 2018}}
Personal life
Firmino married Larissa Pereira in his hometown in June 2017. They have three daughters.{{cite web|title=Roberto Firmino And His Wife Larissa Pereira Are Expecting a Baby |url=https://futballnews.com/roberto-firmino-and-his-wife-larissa-pereira-are-expecting-a-baby/ |website=futballnews |date=9 February 2023 |access-date=9 February 2023}} In November 2022 the couple announced they were expecting a fourth child.{{cite web |title=Thiago thanks LeBron James as Firmino shares special news in Maldives – Reds on holiday |url=https://www.thisisanfield.com/2022/11/thiago-thanks-lebron-james-as-firmino-shares-special-news-in-maldives-reds-on-holiday/ |website=This is Anfield |date=21 November 2022 |access-date=21 November 2022}} In addition to his native Portuguese, Firmino also speaks English and German.{{cite news |last1=Squires |first1=Theo |title=Roberto Firmino explains conversations with Takumi Minamino and Liverpool goal celebrations |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-roberto-firmino-takumi-minamino-18717342 |date=5 August 2020 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |access-date=4 September 2020}} Firmino is a Christian and was baptised in 2020 in the swimming pool of Liverpool teammate Alisson.{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Alex |title=Roberto Firmino baptised as Liverpool team-mate Alisson Becker sheds tears of joy in swimming pool |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/roberto-firmino-baptism-swimming-pool-liverpool-alisson-becker-tears-of-joy-a4335471.html |newspaper=Evening Standard |location=London |date=15 January 2020 |access-date=18 May 2021}}
Firmino has been given the nickname "Bobby" by Liverpool supporters and players – a shortening of his first name "Roberto".{{Cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/246924-firmino-i-love-my-bobby-nickname |title=Firmino: I love my 'Bobby' nickname! |last=Shaw, Chris |date=16 December 2016 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |access-date=12 February 2018}}
In December 2016, Firmino was arrested for drunk driving. He was fined £20,000 and had his driving licence revoked for a year when sentenced at Liverpool Magistrates' Court in February 2017.{{Cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpool-striker-roberto-firmino-court-12538063 |title=Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino fined and banned over drink driving charge: updates |last=Thomas, Joe; Kay, Dan |date=1 February 2017 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |access-date=2 February 2017}}
In June 2024, Firmino became pastor of an evangelical church he founded in Maceio, Brazil, which he founded three years ago alongside his wife Larissa Pereira and pastors Jairo Fernandes and Keila Medeiro.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/from-football-pitch-to-pulpit-former-liverpool-star-embraces-new-calling-as-pastor-2024070704374588815|title=From Football Pitch to Pulpit: Former Liverpool star embraces new calling as Pastor|first=Pulse|last=Sports|date=7 July 2024|website=Pulse Sports Nigeria}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-roberto-firmino-new-role-29469625|title=Roberto Firmino new role confirmed as ex-Liverpool man makes huge career switch|first=Kieran|last=King|date=3 July 2024|website=Liverpool Echo}}{{Cite web |date=4 July 2024 |title=Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino starts new career away from football |url=https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/04/liverpool-firmino-new-career/ |access-date=8 July 2024 |website=CaughtOffside |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Roberto Firmino postao svećenik |url=https://www.index.hr/clanak.aspx?id=2579545 |access-date=27 July 2024 |website=www.index.hr |language=hr}} The dedication was held in his hometown of Maceio in the Manah Church.
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 3 May 2025}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes DFB-Pokal, FA Cup, King's Cup}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes Football League Cup/EFL Cup}} !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||||
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="3"|Figueirense
|2009{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/roberto-firmino-barbosa-de-oliveira/103265/ |title=Roberto Firmino: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=1 March 2023}} |2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | |||||
| 2010
|Série B |36 | 8 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 36 | 8 | |||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!38||8||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—|| || ||38||8 | ||||||||||||
| rowspan="6"|TSG Hoffenheim
|11 | 3 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 11 | 3 | |||||
| 2011–12
|Bundesliga |30 | 7 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 33 | 7 | ||||
| 2012–13
|Bundesliga |33 | 5 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2{{efn|Appearances in Bundesliga relegation play-offs}} | 2 | 36 | 7 | |||
| 2013–14
|Bundesliga |33 | 16 | 4 | 6 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 37 | 22 | ||||
| 2014–15
|Bundesliga |33 | 7 | 3 | 3 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 36 | 10 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!140||38||11||9||colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 2 | 153 | 49 | |||||||
| rowspan="9"|Liverpool
|2015–16{{soccerbase season|60464|2015|name=R Firmino|access-date=1 March 2023}} |31 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 13{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 49 | 11 | ||
| 2016–17{{soccerbase season|60464|2016|name=R Firmino|access-date=1 March 2023}}
|Premier League |35 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 41 | 12 | |||
| 2017–18{{soccerbase season|60464|2017|name=R Firmino|access-date=1 March 2023}}
|Premier League |37 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 15{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}} | 11 | colspan="2"|— | 54 | 27 | ||
| 2018–19{{soccerbase season|60464|2018|name=R Firmino|access-date=1 March 2023}}
|Premier League |34 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12{{efn|name=UCL}} | 4 | colspan="2"|— | 48 | 16 | ||
| 2019–20{{soccerbase season|60464|2019|name=R Firmino|access-date=1 March 2023}}
|Premier League |38 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8{{efn|name=UCL}} | 1 | 4{{efn|One appearance in FA Community Shield, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and two goals in FIFA Club World Cup}} | 2 | 52 | 12 | |
| 2020–21{{soccerbase season|60464|2020|name=R Firmino|access-date=1 March 2023}}
|Premier League |36 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=FACS|Appearance in FA Community Shield}} | 0 | 48 | 9 | |
| 2021–22{{soccerbase season|60464|2021|name=R Firmino|access-date=1 March 2023}}
|Premier League |20 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 7{{efn|name=UCL}} | 5 | colspan="2"|— | 35 | 11 | ||
| 2022–23{{soccerbase season|60464|2022|name=R Firmino|access-date=1 March 2023}}
|Premier League |25 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8{{efn|name=UCL}} | 2 | 1{{efn|name=FACS}} | 0 | 35 | 13 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!256||82||14||2||14||1||72||24||6||2||362||111 | ||||||||||||
| rowspan="3"|Al-Ahli
|32 | 9 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 34 | 9 | ||||
| 2024–25
|Saudi Pro League |17 | 5 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 12{{efn|Appearances in AFC Champions League Elite}} | 6 | 1{{efn|Appearance in Saudi Super Cup}} | 1 | 31 | 12 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!49||14||3||0||colspan="2"|—||12||6||1||1||65||21 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!483||142||28||11||14||1||84||30||9||5||618||189 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 10 July 2021}}{{NFT player |id=57643 |name=Roberto Firmino |access-date=2 March 2023}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="8"|Brazil
|2014 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 9 | 3 | |
| 2016 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 11 | 3 | |
| 2019 | 15 | 5 | |
| 2020 | 4 | 3 | |
| 2021 | 7 | 1 | |
| colspan="2"|Total||55||17 |
{{updated|match played 10 July 2021}}
:Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Firmino goal
Honours
Liverpool
- Premier League: 2019–20
- FA Cup: 2021–22{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61429640 |title=Chelsea 0–0 Liverpool |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=14 May 2022 |access-date=14 May 2022}}
- EFL Cup: 2021–22;{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/roberto-firmino-leave-liverpool-free-agent-eight-years-six-trophies/bltfea01279154714d8|website=Goal|title=Roberto Firmino to leave Liverpool as a free agent after eight years & seven trophies at Anfield|date=3 March 2023|accessdate=9 May 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/mar/03/roberto-firmino-liverpool-leave-free-transfer-end-of-season-jurgen-klopp|title=Roberto Firmino tells Liverpool he will leave on free transfer at end of season|website=The Guardian|date=3 March 2023|accessdate=11 April 2023}} runner-up: 2015–16{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35624164 |title=Liverpool 1–1 Manchester City |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=28 February 2016 |access-date=27 May 2018}}
- FA Community Shield: 2022{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62275194 |title=Liverpool 3–1 Manchester City |first=Shamoon |last=Hafez |website=BBC Sport |date=30 July 2022 |access-date=1 March 2023}}
- UEFA Champions League: 2018–19; runner-up: 2017–18,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44258022 |title=Real Madrid 3–1 Liverpool |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=26 May 2018 |access-date=27 May 2018}} 2021–22{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61609200 |title=Liverpool 0–1 Real Madrid |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=28 May 2022 |access-date=1 March 2023}}
- UEFA Super Cup: 2019{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49332825 |title=Liverpool 2–2 Chelsea |first=Gary |last=Rose |website=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2019 |access-date=15 August 2019}}
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2019{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50869633 |title=Liverpool 1–0 Flamengo |first=Harry |last=Poole |website=BBC Sport |date=21 December 2019 |access-date=21 December 2019}}
- UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2015–16{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36254631 |title=Liverpool 1–3 Sevilla |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=18 May 2016 |access-date=27 May 2018}}
Al-Ahli
Brazil
- Copa América: 2019;{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48897389 |title=Brazil 3–1 Peru |website=BBC Sport |date=7 July 2019 |access-date=7 July 2019}} runner-up: 2021{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57776158 |title=Argentina 1–0 Brazil |first=Chris |last=Osborne |website=BBC Sport |date=11 July 2021 |access-date=1 March 2023}}
Individual
- Bundesliga Breakthrough of the Season: 2013–14{{Cite web |url=http://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/0000294339.jsp |title=Breakthrough of the Season |date=23 May 2014 |publisher=Bundesliga |access-date=23 May 2014 |archive-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621115910/https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/0000294339.jsp |url-status=dead }}
- PFA Player of the Month: January 2016{{Cite news |url=https://www.goal.com/en-my/news/3890/england/2016/02/10/20225962/roberto-firmino-scoops-pfa-player-of-the-month-award |title=Roberto Firmino scoops PFA Player of the Month award |date=10 February 2016 |access-date=10 February 2016 |website=Goal}}
- PFA Fans' Player of the Month: January 2016{{Cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12040/10160605/anthony-martial-wins-pfa-fans-player-of-the-month-for-augustseptember |title=Roberto Firmino wins PFA Fans' Player of the Month award for January |website=Sky Sports |date=9 February 2016 |access-date=9 February 2016}}
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2017–18{{Cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0d8222ae4584-fc81fa8bf4d6-1000--uefa-champions-league-squad-of-the-season/ |title=UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season |date=27 May 2018 |publisher=UEFA |access-date=27 May 2018}}
- Samba Gold: 2018{{cite web |url=http://www.sambafoot.com/en/news/94407_roberto_firmino_wins_the_2018_samba_gold.html |title=Roberto Firmino wins the 2018 Samba Gold |publisher=Sambafoot |date=3 January 2019 |access-date=3 January 2019}}
- AFC Champions League Elite Most Valuable Player: 2024–25{{cite news |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DJM9a0Wzb0c/?igsh=MWttamxsbGp2YW5kYw==| title=Instagram }}
Records
- Highest-scoring Brazilian player in Premier League history: 82 goals{{Cite web |url=https://www.thisisanfield.com/2023/05/roberto-firminos-top-10-liverpool-goals-ranked/ |title=First Brazilian to net 50 goals in the Premier League era. |website=thisisanfield |date=25 May 2023 |access-date=25 May 2023}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Premier League player}}
- {{FIFA player}}
- {{UEFA player}}
{{Al-Ahli Saudi FC squad}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Brazil squads
| bg = #FFDF00
| fg = #008000
| bordercolor = blue
| list1 =
{{Brazil squad 2015 Copa América}}
{{Brazil squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Brazil squad 2019 Copa América}}
{{Brazil squad 2021 Copa América}}
}}
{{Samba Gold}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Firmino, Roberto}}
Category:Footballers from Maceió
Category:Brazilian men's footballers
Category:Men's association football wingers
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Figueirense FC players
Category:TSG 1899 Hoffenheim players
Category:Liverpool F.C. players
Category:Al-Ahli Saudi FC players
Category:Campeonato Brasileiro Série B players
Category:Premier League players
Category:Saudi Pro League players
Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players
Category:Brazil men's international footballers
Category:2015 Copa América players
Category:2018 FIFA World Cup players
Category:2019 Copa América players
Category:2021 Copa América players
Category:Copa América–winning players
Category:AFC Champions League Elite–winning players
Category:Brazilian expatriate men's footballers
Category:Brazilian expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Brazilian expatriate sportspeople in Germany
Category:Brazilian expatriate sportspeople in Saudi Arabia
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Germany
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Saudi Arabia