Roberto Firmino, Flamengo’s executioner in 2019, watches the match against Pyramids in Qatar

Roberto Firmino was present at Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, at Al Rayyan, at Rubro-Negro six years after scoring the title-winning goal for Liverpool in the Mundial final of

The clash earned a place in the final against Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for December 17th. Flamengo reached the semi-finals after beating Cruz Azul 2-1 in Dérbi at Américas. Já o Pyramids advanced as champions of Copa África-Asia-Pacific, overcoming teams like Auckland City and Al-Ahli.

Firmino, aged 34, left Al-Ahli for the Qatari team in July 2025. Pelo new club, he has regular participation in Qatar Stars League and Asian competitions.

Presence of Firmino in the stadium

The image of Roberto Firmino in the stands quickly circulated among Flamengo fans. The player watched the game alongside family and friends, in a VIP section of the Estádio Ahmad bin Ali. Sua presence generated comments behind the scenes, although there are no ongoing negotiations with the Rio club.

Firmino had already been speculated at Flamengo in previous transfer windows. The red-and-black scout evaluated the attacker’s profile, but the conversations never progressed to concrete proposals. Agora in Catar, he maintains a routine close to Doha, making it easier to go to the stadium.

Decisive goal of 2019

In the 2019 Mundial final of Clubes, also played in Doha, Liverpool defeated Flamengo 1-0 in extra time. Firmino scored the winning goal in the 99th minute, after an assist from Mané. Aquele Flamengo, trained by Jorge Jesus, came from an undefeated campaign at Libertadores and the Brazilian title.

The goal prevented Rubro-Negro from repeating the 1981 world title. The defeat marked the fans, who still associate Firmino with that moment. Anos later, the Brazilian expressed respect for the Rio club in interviews.

Recent trajectory of Firmino

Firmino left Liverpool in 2023 after eight winning seasons, including Champions League in 2019. Na Arábia Saudita, for Al-Ahli, played 65 games, with 21 goals and 17 assists. The transfer to Al-Sadd occurred in search of a new challenge in Asian football.

At the Qatari club, he adapts to the tactical scheme and contributes international experience. Al-Sadd competes for leading positions in the local league and continental competitions.

• Goal in extra time against Flamengo in 2019
• Title of Champions League with Liverpool
• Passage for the Brazilian team with 55 games
• Change to the Al-Ahli in 2023
• Contract with Al-Sadd until 2027

Context of Copa Intercontinental

The 2025 Copa Intercontinental replaces the old Mundial format of the annual Clubes. The tournament brings together continental champions in knockout stages in the Catar. PSG enters straight into the final as European champions.

Flamengo represents Conmebol after winning Libertadores in 2025. Pyramids arrives as the African winner, with a solid campaign in the preliminary stages.

Teams’ path to the semi-final

Flamengo started its participation by beating Cruz Azul in Dérbi of Américas. The 2-1 victory guaranteed Copa Challenger as the next step. The Rio team, led by Filipe Luís, adjusted lineups for the clash.

Pyramids beat Auckland City 3-0 and Al-Ahli 3-1 in the previous stages. The Egyptian team occupies high positions in the national championship and demonstrates tactical organization.

Details of the confrontation at Catar

The game took place at 5pm local time on Catar, equivalent to 2pm on Brasília. The Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, with a capacity for 40 thousand fans, received a mixed audience of team supporters. The match defined PSG’s opponent in the decision.

Brazilian fans present at the stadium registered the presence of Firmino. The curiosity surrounding the former rival added an extra element to the intercontinental duel.

The tournament distributes specific trophies for each phase, including Copa Challenger. The winner advances to compete for the main title against the European representative.

Repercussion among fans

The presence of Firmino generated interactions on social media from red and black fans. Muitos recalled the 2019 goal, while others highlighted their respect for the player’s career. Não there were records of incidents related to his trip to the stadium.

Flamengo maintains its focus on the competition, aiming for a new title in the new format. The semi-final represented an opportunity to advance towards the world decision.

Tournament format in 2025

FIFA structured the competition into knockout phases with representatives from all confederations. Etapas preliminaries took place in September, with games at Arábia Saudita. Final decisions focus on Catar in December.

The Copa Intercontinental champion receives recognition as the best club of the year. The annual format precedes the expanded Mundial with 32 teams in 2026.