According to reports, Roberto Firmino, captain of Al-Ahli Saudi FC, has drawn significant attention from Brazilian media, especially after providing two decisive assists in the AFC Champions League final against Kawasaki Frontale and being named the tournament’s best player.

The Brazilian newspaper “Folha de S.Paulo” published a feature on Firmino with the sarcastic headline “Do You Remember Firmino?” highlighting the former Liverpool striker’s return to the spotlight. The outlet noted that Firmino, after nearly two years away from Brazilian media attention, has regained prominence by leading Al-Ahli to their first-ever AFC Champions League title. The article also posed the question: “Does Firmino deserve a return to the Brazilian national team?”

The newspaper “O Dia” reported that although the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has not yet begun, one team has already secured a spot in the 2029 edition: Al-Ahli. The team’s victory was largely due to the contributions of Brazilian players such as Wanderson Galeno (scorer of the first goal), Firmino (creator of two goals), as well as Roger Ibañez and Alexander Gomes (former Fluminense players). The outlet emphasized that Firmino, with six goals and seven assists, rightfully earned the title of the tournament’s best player.

The renowned newspaper “O Globo” also reported that Brazilian players paved the way for Al-Ahli’s triumph, including Galeno, who scored the opening goal, and Firmino, who assisted both goals in the final. Firmino was not only named the best player of the final but also the best player of the entire tournament, becoming the first to lift the championship trophy.

The sports daily “Lance!” headlined its report “Firmino’s Brilliance Seals Al-Ahli’s Asian Glory,” stating that Firmino was the standout player at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. According to the report, the first goal was a “Brazilian masterpiece” created by Firmino and Galeno, followed by Firmino’s precise cross headed in by Franck Kessié for the second goal in the 42nd minute.

Finally, ESPN Brazil noted that Al-Ahli defeated a team featuring Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and secured their place in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup by winning the AFC Champions League. The outlet emphasized that Al-Ahli dominated from the start against Kawasaki Frontale and deservedly claimed the title in front of a massive crowd in Jeddah.