Bobby Firmino will always be cherished by Liverpool fans who watched him shine at Anfield between 2015 and 2023, but he isn’t receiving the same level of affection at his current club.
Firmino Left Out of Al-Ahli’s League Squad
His emotional farewell to the Kop nearly two years ago highlighted the deep bond between him and Liverpool supporters.
However, despite being named captain at Al-Ahli and scoring nine goals in 25 games this season, the 33-year-old has been unexpectedly dropped from the Saudi Pro League squad by manager Matthias Jaissle.
According to *Liverpool Echo*, Jaissle has left Firmino out to accommodate new signing Galeno, as only 10 foreign players are allowed in the squad.
This decision restricts the former Liverpool striker to playing only in the AFC Champions League Elite, where he could feature in a maximum of eight matches, depending on Al-Ahli’s progress.
Firmino’s Response to His Shock Exclusion
In response to the snub, Firmino posted a cryptic message on his Instagram story, quoting a Bible verse:
*”But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”* (Matthew 5:44)
While only Firmino knows the true meaning behind his post, the timing suggests it may be linked to his unexpected omission from domestic action.
A Strange Decision by Al-Ahli
Even with the foreign player restrictions in place, Jaissle’s decision to drop Firmino seems unusual. The Brazilian is not only the club captain but also a player who has won Europe’s biggest trophies and thrived under Jürgen Klopp at one of the world’s top clubs.
Al-Ahli are already through to the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League Elite and, given their strong position, could go far in the tournament.
That may still offer Firmino a chance to make an impact, but it’s understandable if he feels disappointed by his exclusion from league action.
No matter what happens in Saudi Arabia, one thing is certain—Firmino will always be a legend in Liverpool!
