07/03/2026
Roberto Firmino has assumed a new role outside of football, having been ordained as a pastor at the church he founded in Maceió, Brazil in 2024. The former Liverpool forward attributes this moment to his prolonged spiritual journey and a desire to support others through faith. Despite his new role as a pastor, Firmino has not retired from football and continues to pursue his playing career while also preaching at the church. Firmino is not alone in making this transition, although most players typically make the switch after retirement. Approximately half a dozen professional footballers worldwide are known to have become pastors or church leaders, demonstrating how some players transition from the dressing room to the altar after their careers.
