sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Roberto Firmino played his first game for Al-Ahli and fans were stunned by the "sunday league” conditions
Home>Football>Saudi Pro League
Updated 10:08 2 Aug 2023 GMT+1Published 09:03 2 Aug 2023 GMT+1

Roberto Firmino played his first game for Al-Ahli and fans were stunned by the "sunday league” conditions

They won 18-0 in a friendly.

Chris Byfield

Chris Byfield

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Roberto Firmino’s first game for Al-Ahli has gone viral with fans marvelling at the state of the pitch.

After a hefty summer spend, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli boasts one of the most talented forward lines in world football.

Last week it was announced that Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin had signed for the club on a three-year deal, to complete a front three that also includes Riyad Mahrez and Firmino.

Al-Ahli, who are among four leading Saudi Arabian clubs to were taken over by the country's Public Investment Fund this summer, also boast Chelsea’s Champions League winning keeper Edouard Mendy in their ranks.

Advert

With a spate of Europe’s top talent having moved to the Saudi Pro League in the past six months, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, interest in the division from European audiences has grown.

And last month, as Al-Ahli were gearing up for the new season, they took on Austrian second tier side USV Stuhlfelden, where Firmino made his debut.

The Brazilian scored twice in the game as Al-Ahli claimed an 18-0 win, with footage having since emerged. Fans are now marvelling at the state of the pitch and the size of the stadium, which is the home of USV.

One fan wrote: “Played on better pitches on a Sunday morning,” while another said: “Looks like a year 11 away day pitch.”

Another wrote: “I’ve been to teams in the 10th tier with bigger grounds than that.”

Meanwhile, a fourth person said: “[He] is playing Sunday League football.”

Of course, once the season starts Al-Ahli will play their home games at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, which has a capacity of 62٬345, some 8,000 more than Anfield.

However, last season the club managed an average attendance of just 9,113, as per Transfermarkt. That should increase dramatically with the arrival of some of Europe’s brightest talent.

Featured Image Credit: @_wvxs Via Twitter

Topics: Roberto Firmino, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Fan Reactions

Chris Byfield
Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.

Recommended reads

Thierry Henry picks player who will surprise everyone at World Cup – ‘There’s a guy people don’t know about...’GettyRonnie O’Sullivan says snooker star can win 'multiple world titles' and gives update on futureGetty'The only thing he can do is now is tar his career...' - Arnold Allen gives damning verdict on Conor McGregor's comebackGetty ImagesGareth Barry on Thomas Tuchel advice, England squad picks and World Cup: 'He’ll be fighting'Getty

Advert

Choose your content:

9 mins ago
16 mins ago
an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • Getty
    9 mins ago

    'You didn't ask?' - Pep Guardiola learned one manager refused involvement in special montage video

    Man City boss Pep Guardiola assumed that the manager had not been asked by Sky Sports but he had refused.

    Football
  • Getty
    16 mins ago

    'I have to earn it...' - Former Premier League star turns down last-minute World Cup call-up

    "I didn't feel legitimate playing in this World Cup."

    Football
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    Bernardo Silva has next club lined up after leaving Man City

    The Manchester City captain has two clubs desperate to sign him on a free transfer.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    2 hours ago

    Tyson Fury preparing move to buy English football club with Zlatan Ibrahimovic

    The former boxing heavyweight champion is preparing his next big move.

    Football
  • Al Nassr announce Sadio Mane transfer with bizarre video featuring new chant in ex-Liverpool star's honour
  • Karim Benzema 'visibly uncomfortable' as Al Ittihad teammates chant his name
  • Karim Benzema scores an absolute beauty on his Al Ittihad debut, he has arrived
  • Roberto Firmino ‘in talks’ to join Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli after Liverpool departure