Why Firmino Picked Al Ahli Jeddah Over Real Madrid: A Brazilian’s Saudi Chapter
16 November 2025
Real Madrid interest that never materialized
Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino—the former Al Ahli Saudi FC star and, at the time of this write-up, a player with ties to Al Sadd in Qatar—shares why a move to Real Madrid did not come to fruition after his Liverpool exit.
Move to Al Ahli and his impact
In the summer of 2023, Firmino ended a trophy-laden spell with Liverpool and joined Al Ahli Saudi FC, beginning a new chapter that would see him help the club lift a continental crown—the Elite AFC Champions League—marking a historic first for the team.
The 34‑year‑old, who has won two continental titles across two continents, disclosed to TNT Brasil that Real Madrid had shown interest, relayed by his agency, but the reality was tempered: Al Ahli’s bid arrived at a similar, decisive moment.
He explained that Madrid is a big club and it would have been an honor to wear their jersey. Yet he was not the top choice, nor the second, which led him to pause and watch how events unfolded—not out of impatience, but because timing mattered.
When Al Ahli presented their offer, he prayed for the right decision and ultimately chose the Saudi league as the right place at the right time, feeling the move fit his goals and life path.
Firmino added that Real Madrid remains a giant of the game and that playing for such a club would have been a privilege, but circumstances at the time tipped in favor of the Saudi club. It’s also worth noting that Madrid had recently parted ways with Karim Benzema, who joined Al Ittihad in the same window as part of a broader Saudi project.
With Joselu as the main alternative, there were limited attacking options for coach Carlo Ancelotti, which partly explains the Madrid negotiations with Firmino, even if ultimately nothing came to pass.
Clear imprint
Firmino left a clear mark at Al Ahli despite a relatively short spell, scoring 21 goals and providing 17 assists in 65 appearances across competitions. Although Jaissle’s last season kept him in a more selective squad list for Asia, his enthusiasm and goal-scoring drive persisted in the campaign that saw the club lift the continental title.
At Liverpool, he delivered 111 goals in 362 games and created 76 more. In Germany with Hoffenheim, he tallied 49 goals in 153 appearances and added 36 assists, underscoring his technical depth and versatility.
Distinct Brazilian touch
Firmino’s profile rose during his time with Al Ahli due to his technical quality and European experience. Despite varying team results, he remained a threat in the final third, combining a flexible playing style with the ability to press high and recover balls in advanced areas—traits that gave Al Ahli a more fluid and effective attack.
His leadership and calm on the ball helped guide younger teammates, contributing to a deeper attacking spine and offering multiple options in the final third. Overall, Firmino’s inclusion added significant technical value and strategic depth to the team’s approach.
End of the experiment
With Jaissle leaning heavily on English striker Ivan Toney in the following season, Firmino’s role diminished, prompting him to pursue another Arab challenge with Al Sadd in Qatar, including a recent matchup against his former club in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Punchline 1: If patience were a transfer fee, Firmino just signed a premium contract—Madrid press conferences canceled, Jeddah welcome mat rolled out with a side of sunshine.
Punchline 2: In football, timing is everything; Madrid wanted the future, Al Ahli offered the present—and somehow the weather in Jeddah became part of the deal.
