Firmino Trades Goals for Grace: Football Star Becomes Pastor

Roberto Firmino, the renowned ex-Liverpool striker, has embarked on a spiritual journey. He has announced his new role as a pastor at an evangelical church in Brazil. On June 30th, Firmino was consecrated at Manah Church in Maceio, a congregation he and his wife, Larissa Pereira, founded three years ago.

In a heartfelt social media post, Firmino and Pereira described the consecration ceremony as “memorable and unforgettable.” The couple expressed a profound longing to share the love of Christ they experienced. “Since our encounter with Christ, a longing burns in our hearts… Let people know this love that has reached us,” Firmino declared.

A devout Christian, Firmino has been vocal about his faith. His 2020 baptism, conducted by former Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker in a swimming pool, was a public testament to his beliefs. Standing in the water, Firmino proclaimed, “Jesus is love. [There is] no explanation. Just believe it. Just believe and feel the Holy Spirit.”

Firmino won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and the 2021-22 Champions League with Liverpool during his illustrious football career. He also earned 55 caps for Brazil and became the highest-scoring Brazilian in Premier League history with 82 goals.