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Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino lifts the AFC Champions League Elite trophy with Al-Ahli(Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Former Liverpool hero Roberto Firmino cried tears of joy after winning his first trophy since leaving Anfield in 2023.

The 33-year-old recorded two assists and earned the player of the tournament award for his contributions as Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia were crowned AFC Champions League Elite winners.

Al-Ahli were playing Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale, who had eliminated former Red Sadio Mane and Al-Nassr from the semi-finals, in Jeddah's grand final.



It marked an important opportunity for captain Firmino.

Two years ago he was not granted another Liverpool contract and will have seen from afar a number of former teammates win a second Premier League title last weekend.

The Brazilian has since endured a challenging period in Saudi Arabia, dropped from his team's domestic league squad this season and subsequently thrust into yet more transfer rumours.

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His only action available is therefore in Asia and the Middle East's continental competition, and it has clearly been Firmino's mission to excel.

Assists for fellow Brazilian Galeno and former AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie were his 12th and 13th goal contributions of this season's AFC Champions League Elite, and were pivotal in his club winning a trophy they had never before managed to in their 88-year history.

"There's no words to express what I feel inside of my heart.

Both of my hearts," the former Liverpool man said with his trademark wide grin after the final whistle.

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"They take me out of the league [squad] and of course leave me in the Champions League [squad].

He knows what plans are ahead for us.

"The great team, it is a pleasure to be a part of this big club."

When the final whistle blew, Firmino was embraced by his teammates, which included former Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney and Edouard Mendy.

The 33-year-old was caught by cameras with a twinkle in his eye, a result of happy tears for adding to the six club-level trophies he won across his eight-year spell on Merseyside.

"My thoughts come in my head.