Picture Credit: X
Brazilian footballer Roberto Firmino has caught football buffs’ eyes again for rolling back years. This time, the 33-year-old has become a hot topic for scoring a goal with a majestic bicycle kick during the AFC Champions League Elite game between Al-Ahli and Al Sadd, played in Doha. His superb success helped Al-Ahli level the scores at 1-1, in the 10th minute. In the early stage of the contest, Al-Sadd looked to shatter Al-Ahli’s confidence, with a goal from Ikram Afif, however, the tables turned after Firmino’s excellence. This was his ninth goal at the top level.
Firmino’s performance gave confidence to former Roma defender Roger Ibanez and ex-Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, who helped Al-Ahli to score a couple of more goals and help the side finish with a 3-1 margin. Al-Ahli are table toppers in Group B, with six victories and a draw off seven games. With this convincing win, they have racked up 19 points on the points table. Al-Ahli’s extraordinary performance in the group stage has punched their tickets for the knockouts.
Roberto Firmino to continue in Saudi league until 2026
Firmino has struggled to be at his best for Al-Ahli since his exit from his previous club, Liverpool, but, this season, he has looked amazing. Smashing nine goals in the 2023/24 season, he has received appreciation for his diligence and perseverance. On the occasion of the deadline day, there was news of his exit from Al-Ahli doing rounds, however, German journalist Florian Pettenberg claimed on X that the Brazilian has no plans to leave the Saudi club and will serve his current side until 2026.
His tweet read, “Been told that Roberto Firmino has no plans to leave Al-Ahli and has not engaged in negotiations with other clubs." “The situation will be reassessed in the summer. The LFC legend’s contract in Saudi Arabia runs until 2026, and the current expectation is that he will fulfil it,” added Pettenberg.
