sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • 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
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • 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

David Munyua and Peter Wachiuri interview: 'We wish for major PDC players to come and visit Kenya'Getty / Instagram/@wachiuridartsMark Selby lifts lid on backstage talks over Crucible as landmark agreement reachedGettyBarry Hearn sends message to Ronnie O'Sullivan over snooker future as Crucible prediction madeGettyTyson Fury explains why his 14-year-old son Prince has “no choice” but to become a boxerGetty

Advert

Choose your content:

3 hours ago
4 hours ago
5 hours ago
  • Getty Images
    3 hours ago

    Barcelona star sets unwanted record during Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid

    Barcelona star sets an unwanted record with his sending off in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    4 hours ago

    Atletico Madrid end 20-year record with historic victory over Barcelona in Champions League

    Atletico Madrid's victory over Barcelona in the Champions League was historic for the club and Diego Simeone.

    Football
  • Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
    4 hours ago

    Liverpool make Arne Slot sack decision after PSG defeat

    The Liverpool board have made up their mind following the 2-0 defeat in the Champions League.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    5 hours ago

    Barcelona set to battle two-time Champions League winners for Premier League star

    Barcelona are set to battle Juventus and Benfica for the signing of a Premier League star.

    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