Roberto Firmino joins Al Sadd, dashing hopes of Brazilian clubs
Roberto Firmino, a Liverpool icon and former Brazilian national team player, was announced on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, as the new signing of Al Sadd, a Qatari club, ending his two-season stint with Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The transfer, speculated for days, puts an end to rumors linking the 33-year-old striker to Brazilian teams like Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Corinthians, as well as European clubs like Real Madrid. The move comes amid a squad overhaul at Al-Ahli, which is seeking new attacking options, while Firmino embarks on a fresh challenge in Asian football. His signing by Al Sadd, a powerhouse in Qatari football, marks another chapter in the career of a player who won the Asian Champions League in 2025 and aims to maintain his prominence on the global stage.
Firmino’s time at Al-Ahli was marked by standout moments but also recent challenges. Despite impressive stats, with 21 goals and 18 assists in 65 matches, the Brazilian lost his starting spot in early 2025. His departure reflects not only tactical shifts but also Al-Ahli’s ambition to refresh its roster with global stars. At Al Sadd, Firmino will have the chance to play for a club with a history of titles in Qatar and Asia, aiming to continue showcasing his technical quality.
The decision stirred reactions among Brazilian fans, who had hoped for his return to his homeland. Clubs like Botafogo, Fluminense, and Corinthians showed interest, but negotiations stalled, largely due to the high financial demands tied to Firmino’s salary. Al Sadd, however, offered an appealing sporting project and a contract that keeps Firmino among Asia’s highest-paid players.
- Key highlights of Firmino’s career:
- UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool in 2019.
- Premier League and Club World Cup champion in 2019-20.
- Asian Champions League winner with Al-Ahli in 2025.
- 55 appearances and 17 goals for Brazil, including the 2018 World Cup.
رس ياً ✍🏼 : فير ينو ســداوي 🐺
— 🏆 #81 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) July 23, 2025
Official ✍🏼 : Firmino Saddawi
#Firmino9 | #ASadd #السد | #فير ينو_سداوي pic.twitter.com/gNZ7y8Kwp9
New chapter in Qatar
Firmino’s arrival at Al Sadd is a strategic move for the Qatari club, aiming to bolster its squad for the 2025-26 season. Al Sadd, known for dominating Qatari football with 16 league titles, is a regular contender in Asian competitions. The signing of the Brazilian is seen as a step to strengthen the attack and bring international experience to the team. With his versatility to play as a center-forward or attacking midfielder, Firmino is expected to be a key piece in the team’s tactical setup.
At Al-Ahli, Firmino struggled to maintain his starting role in 2025. Despite being the team’s captain and posting 12 goals and 10 assists in the latest season, competition with players like Riyad Mahrez and Firas Al-Braikan limited his opportunities. Al-Ahli’s overhaul, with potential signings like Lionel Messi, also influenced the decision to release the Brazilian. The move to Qatar offers Firmino a less pressured yet competitive environment to display his skills.
Al Sadd already boasts a strong squad, but Firmino’s addition raises the team’s level. The club has invested in high-profile signings in recent years, capitalizing on the visibility of Qatari football post the 2022 World Cup. Expectations are high that Firmino’s experience in top-tier competitions will help Al Sadd compete for domestic and continental titles.
Memorable stint at Al-Ahli
Firmino joined Al-Ahli in July 2023 after eight years at Liverpool, where he became one of the club’s modern legends. His arrival in Saudi Arabia was met with high expectations due to his ability to combine goals and assists. In his debut, he scored a hat-trick against Al-Hazem, signaling a strong start. Over two seasons, he played 65 matches, averaging 0.60 direct goal involvements per game, underscoring his importance to the team.
However, the 2024-25 season brought challenges. Firmino was benched in six of eight matches during a stretch in October 2024. Despite this, his role in Al-Ahli’s Asian Champions League triumph, where he was named the tournament’s best player, was a highlight of his tenure.
- Firmino’s stats at Al-Ahli:
- 65 matches played.
- 21 goals scored.
- 18 assists.
- Best player of the 2025 Asian Champions League.
Brazilian dream deferred
The prospect of Firmino returning to Brazil excited fans and club officials in recent months. Teams like Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Corinthians monitored his situation, especially as he lost prominence at Al-Ahli. However, his annual salary of 19 million euros (roughly R$119.2 million) posed a significant barrier. For comparison, his monthly earnings of R$9.9 million exceed the budget of many Brazilian clubs for an entire season.
Flamengo, in particular, was seen as a potential destination. Reports suggest the Rio-based club, under the management of Portuguese director José Boto, considered a no-cost transfer from Al-Ahli but required Firmino to take a significant pay cut. Talks did not progress, and his move to Al Sadd indicates a preference for continuing in Asian football. Other clubs like Botafogo and Fluminense also inquired but made no formal offers.
Brazilian fans, hoping to see the Maceió-born star return, expressed disappointment online. Firmino has always shown affection for Brazilian football, but financial constraints and Al Sadd’s offer shifted the narrative.
European interest falls through
In addition to Brazilian clubs, Firmino’s name was linked to European teams. Real Madrid reportedly considered him as a cost-effective option to support Kylian Mbappé in attack. However, with Xabi Alonso taking over as coach and a focus on younger players like Gonzalo Garcia, the interest faded.
Clubs like Arsenal and Fenerbahçe also surfaced as possibilities. According to journalist Jorge Nicola, Firmino’s wife expressed a desire to return to England, with Arsenal as a potential fit. Fenerbahçe, managed by José Mourinho, saw Firmino as a valuable addition for the Turkish League, but no deals materialized, and Al Sadd secured the transfer.
Salary and financial impact
Firmino’s salary at Al-Ahli was among the highest in world football. According to Capology, he earned 19 million euros annually, equating to roughly R$329,000 per day. While his Al Sadd contract details remain undisclosed, he is expected to maintain a high salary.
The transfer also has financial implications for Al-Ahli. Releasing Firmino frees up significant wage space, with the club reportedly targeting players like Lionel Messi, whose Inter Miami contract ends in December 2025. Al-Ahli’s squad, featuring stars like Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy, aims to remain competitive in Asia.
Legacy at Liverpool and Brazil
Firmino’s career is defined by remarkable achievements. At Liverpool, from 2015 to 2023, he played 362 matches, scored 111 goals, and won six major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League. His versatility as a false 9 or attacking midfielder transformed Jürgen Klopp’s system.
For Brazil, Firmino earned 55 caps and scored 17 goals, winning the 2019 Copa América. Although absent from the 2022 World Cup squad, his contributions remain notable.
- Firmino’s Liverpool titles:
- Premier League (2019-20).
- UEFA Champions League (2018-19).
- Club World Cup (2019).
- FA Cup and EFL Cup (2021-22).
Expectations at Al Sadd
At Al Sadd, Firmino will join a competitive environment, tasked with keeping the club at the forefront of Qatari and Asian football. The team, which previously featured stars like Xavi Hernández, has a history of signing experienced players to lead the squad. Fans are excited about Firmino’s arrival, and he is expected to debut soon, possibly in the next round of the Qatar Stars League.
The yet-to-be-confirmed Al Sadd coach for 2025-26 will rely on Firmino’s ability to play multiple attacking roles, bringing creativity and efficiency. The Brazilian’s experience in elite competitions is expected to aid his adaptation.
Fan reactions
Firmino’s move to Al Sadd sparked varied responses. In Brazil, fans lamented his decision to stay in Asia, while others praised his pursuit of new challenges. In Qatar, his signing is seen as a major coup, expected to elevate the league’s technical level.
On social media, messages range from support to criticism. Liverpool fans reminisced about his glory days at Anfield, while some questioned whether Qatar is the best move for a player still capable of competing in Europe.
Future in Asian football
Firmino’s choice of Al Sadd underscores the growing influence of Asian football in the transfer market. Countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia continue to attract global stars with lucrative offers and ambitious projects. For Firmino, the move is a chance to remain competitive in a new setting while maintaining his global relevance.
Known for his faith, Firmino shared messages of gratitude after the transfer, signaling his motivation for the challenge. His journey at Al Sadd will be closely followed, especially by Brazilian fans still hoping for an eventual return.
