Football Star Firmino Ordained as Evangelical Church Pastor

Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has made a surprising career switch, trading his football boots for a pastor’s robe.

The 31-year-old Brazilian has founded an evangelical church in Maceio, Brazil, alongside his wife Larissa Pereira, and has been confirmed as a pastor.

According to Brazilian news outlet Globo, Firmino’s ordination took place on Sunday, June 30.

The former Liverpool star took to social media to share the news, stating, “Since our first encounter with Christ, a desire burned in our hearts. We want people to feel this love that reached us. Now we have another desire and responsibility: to become pastors on behalf of God.”

This is not Firmino’s first foray into religion.

He was baptized in 2020, shortly after his wife, and has been open about his faith on social media.

In 2021, he opened Manah Church in Maceio, Brazil, according to information gleaned by Diaspora Digital Media.

Firmino’s decision to become a pastor comes after a successful eight-year spell at Liverpool, where he won numerous honors, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. He left the club in June 2023 to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, where he has scored nine goals in 34 matches.

Whether he will continue to be involved in football in some capacity remains to be seen, but for now, his focus is on spreading the word of God.

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