Firmino takes up radically different career as evangelical pastor in hometown

A former Liverpool star who won seven trophies at the club has made a radical career change by becoming an evangelical pastor.

The player, who scored 82 goals for the Reds, was consecrated as a pastor at a church he founded in his hometown of Maceio last Sunday, June 30.

In a post on Instagram with his wife, Larissa, the 32-year-old forward said it had been a ‘memorable and unforgettable’ ceremony.

They added: 'From our encounter with Christ, a longing burns in our hearts: that people may know this love that has reached us.

'Now we have another yearning and responsibility: to be pastors after God's own heart and who cooperate with the Kingdom.'

The Brazilian, who also won the Copa America in 2019, is clearly a devout Christian and also made 55 appearances for his country.

He was baptised in 2020 in the swimming pool of his former teammate and compatriot Alisson Becker.

The player in question is, of course, Roberto Firmino.

An integral part of Jurgen Klopp's rebuild at Anfield, before joining Liverpool he plied his trade for Hoffenheim where he scored 38 goals in 140 appearances.

At Liverpool his tally of 82 goals came in a little over 250 appearances across eight seasons.

During that time he formed a fierce attacking threat with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Under Klopp, Firmino won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

Firmino left the Reds at the end of the 2023 season after falling behind the likes of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez in the Anfield pecking order.

He joined Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League and has scored nine goals in 34 appearances in his new colours.

With the season finished, Firmino took it upon himself to fly back to Brazil to become a pastor back in his hometown in a touching ceremony.