Brazilian Soccer Star Roberto Firmino’s New Calling to Become Evangelical Pastor

BY : Milton Quintanilla Crosswalk Headlines Contributor

Former soccer star Roberto Firmino shared that he has been consecrated as a pastor of an Evangelical church in Brazil. Firmino, a former Liverpool striker, shared photos of the consecration ceremony at his founding church in Maceio on social media last month.

“This church was BORN in the heart of God and we are extremely grateful for the privilege of witnessing up close all that the Lord has done,” Firmino wrote on Instagram.

Per The Christian Post, he expressed gratitude for the ceremony, calling it “a memorable and unforgettable night.”

“The Bible says in Ephesians 3:20, ‘Now to him who is able to do infinitely more than all that we ask or think, according to his power that works within us.’ It’s all about [H]is power since in us there is no merit. It has never been our goal to open a church or hold a ministry office. God knows that very well,” he continued.

Following his “encounter with Christ,” Firmino noted a “longing” that “burns in our hearts” to let “people know this love that has reached us.”

“Now we have another craving and responsibility. Be pastors after God’s heart and who cooperate with the Kingdom,” he said, adding that he was “flabbergasted when we see the size of God’s mercy upon us.”

“He really picks the unlikely! Thank you, Jesus. Thank you [Pastor] Jairo and [Pastor] Keila for pushing us and believing in us.”

Firmino and his wife, Larissa Pereira, founded Manah Church in 2021. In 2020, he was baptized in a swimming pool at the home of his former teammate Alisson Becker, 3news.com reported.

“Jesus is love. [There is] no explanation. Just believe it. Just believe and feel the Holy Spirit,” Firmino said at the time of his baptism.

According to Premier Christian News, Firmino won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and the 2021-22 Champions League when he played for Liverpool. He also earned 55 caps for Brazil and holds the record as the highest-scoring Brazilian in Premier League history with 82 goals.

A cap is described as when a soccer player represents their home country in an international match.

Despite taking on his new pastoral role, Firmino will continue to play soccer under the Saudi Pro League team Al-Ahli for the two years remaining on his contract.