Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Roberto Firmino has been crowned the Most Valuable Player of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 after playing a starring role in Al Ahli Saudi FC’s historic triumph on home soil.

The Brazilian forward delivered a masterclass in the final at King Abdullah Sports City on Saturday, setting up both goals in Al Ahli’s 2-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale to secure the club’s first-ever continental crown.

Firmino capped a remarkable campaign with six goals and six assists, including a decisive brace and assist against Al Shorta SC on Matchday Four — a turning point in his tournament form.

He also scored the opener in the semi-final win over Al Hilal SFC.

In the title clash, the 33-year-old showed his class, first teeing up Galeno with a perfectly weighted pass for the opening goal, before delivering a precise cross for Franck Kessié to head home the second.

With the MVP award, Firmino joins teammates Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy in achieving the rare feat of winning both the UEFA Champions League and the AFC Champions League Elite titles.

The victory and personal accolades reinforce Firmino’s enduring influence at the highest levels of the game — now on two continents.