Goodbye to Madrid: He Chose Arabia for the Money — “I Turned Down Real Madrid Twice”
Roberto Firmino explains why financial security led him to reject a move to the Bernabéu
The winter transfer window is just around the corner, and speculation is already building. At Real Madrid, there is strict silence, and it remains unclear what will happen with Xabi Alonso’s squad. What is evident is the team’s need for reinforcements, especially in defence, where injuries have severely depleted the coach’s options. Signing a midfielder is also being considered at the Santiago Bernabéu, but the name that has made headlines in recent hours is Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian forward, currently playing for Al-Sadd in Qatar, has revealed that he came very close to joining Real Madrid.
“There was interest from Real Madrid, but I wasn’t the first choice and had to wait. Then the offer from Al-Ahly arrived. I thought about whether to wait or to move, and I decided to join Al-Ahly. I believe it was the right decision,” Firmino admitted. The striker left Liverpool in 2023 to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.
Two Rejections of Real Madrid
Firmino also disclosed that Madrid tried to sign him on two separate occasions.
“I turned down Real Madrid twice: once before joining Liverpool and again before moving to Arabia,” said the forward.
Firmino spent eight seasons at Anfield and, prior to his time with the Reds, played five years in the Bundesliga. Developed at Figueirense, the Brazilian stepped away from Europe’s elite two years ago despite being only 34 years old. He left Liverpool as a free agent after failing to agree on a contract renewal.
An Established International Career
Firmino was also a full international for Brazil, featuring at the 2018 World Cup and in the Copa América tournaments of 2015, 2019, and 2021. In the 2021 edition, Brazil finished as runners-up, while in 2019 they lifted the trophy, with Firmino playing a key role—scoring two goals and providing three assists.
Firmino, a Plan B
The striker further explained why he ultimately rejected Real Madrid, particularly at the time he was leaving Liverpool.
“At that moment, they showed a lot of interest. But the fact that I wasn’t even the first or second option weighed heavily. I would have had to wait a long time. It’s not that I was impatient, but I had to wait, you know?” he said.
According to reports, Firmino may have been Carlo Ancelotti’s Plan B to strengthen the attack after Karim Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia.
Madrid’s Final Decision
In 2023, Real Madrid instead reinforced their attack with Joselu, who arrived on loan from Espanyol. More than a decade after leaving the club, Joselu returned to play a decisive role—most memorably scoring a dramatic brace against Bayern Munich (2–1) in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals at the Bernabéu.
Alongside him, Madrid invested heavily in the future with the signings of Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Fran García, shaping the squad in a different direction than the one Firmino might have taken.
