Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane: Former Liverpool Stars Reunite in Saudi Arabia

Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane: Former Liverpool Stars Reunite in Saudi Arabia

Hassan Abdulsalam 08:38 - 17.03.2024

During their time at Liverpool, Firmino and Mane formed a deadly attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah, propelling the Reds to Premier League and Champions League glory.

After their clubs faced off in the Saudi Pro League, former Liverpool attackers Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane shared a warm reunion, a stark contrast to their last encounter.

A Devastating Trio Torn Apart

During their time at Liverpool, Firmino and Mane formed a deadly attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah, propelling the Reds to Premier League and Champions League glory.

Firmino, Mane and Salah
Firmino and Mane formed a deadly attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah in Liverpool Firmino, Mane and Salah

Over six seasons, they played together 223 times, scoring a combined 202 goals. Their departure left Liverpool fans heartbroken, with Mane leaving for Bayern Munich in 2022 and Firmino following suit a year later, joining Al-Ahli on a free transfer.

Finding New Homes in Saudi Arabia

Both forwards have found new homes in the growing power that is the Saudi Pro League. Mane joined Al-Nassr after just one season in Germany, while Firmino remained in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.

A Battle for Champions League Qualification

In the latest round of fixtures, Firmino's Al-Ahli hosted Mane's Al-Nassr. While a battle for second place on paper (both teams trailed leaders Al-Hilal), it was a crucial match for the remaining AFC Champions League qualification spot.

Ronaldo Steals the Show, Former Teammates Reconnect

A Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the second half settled the contest, his 50th goal for the club. Both Firmino and Ronaldo had goals disallowed for offside. The ex-Reds, however, weren't focused solely on the result.

Firmino and Mane
Firmino and Mane during their time in Liverpool Firmino and Mane

Firmino and Mane shared a friendly exchange, collecting each other's match-worn shirts. This reunion was a stark contrast to their last encounter, where Mane celebrated a goal by jumping on a visibly annoyed Firmino.

After exchanging pleasantries, the players returned to their respective locker rooms, with Ronaldo also warmly greeting Mane.

Tags: