Roberto Firmino was seen in tears after delivering a historic man-of-the-match performance that led Al Ahli Saudi FC to their first-ever AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 title on Saturday.
The Brazilian forward played a key role in securing the club’s maiden continental triumph and was overwhelmed with emotion at full-time.
“I’m very happy and very proud of the team,” said Firmino. “Happy to make history here and able to repay the support of the club, family, and friends. I’m very grateful and I feel privileged to be given this talent and opportunity. I always do my best to help my teammates and my team. This title is very special because we have never won it — the chance to win and be legends.”
Firmino was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, having notched six goals and five assists before the final. He rose to the occasion once more in the title match held in Jeddah, providing a brilliant assist for Galeno, who scored a stunning top-corner goal in the 35th minute. Just seven minutes later, Firmino delivered a perfect cross for Franck Kessie to head home, sealing Al Ahli’s dominance.
Having lifted the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool in 2018/19, Firmino recognized the signs of another major triumph early on.
“For me, it was the semi-final against Al Hilal when (Kalidou) Koulibaly got sent off — I had a feeling then that we could win. We believed, and we did a great job. This title win shows us to have a monster mentality. We always believed we could be champions, and we have done it,” he said.
