In a heartbreaking turn of events, José Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira, the father of former Liverpool and Brazil striker Roberto Firmino, has passed away at the age of 62 after suffering a heart attack.
The devastating news comes as a shock to the football community, casting a somber cloud over Firmino’s recent success in his new club, Al-Ahli.
Jose had been enjoying a family trip to Dubai when he fell ill. Earlier in the week, photos from the trip, including one at an amusement park, had been shared on social media by family members.
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Despite immediate efforts, Jose could not be saved, leading to family members reaching out to Brazil’s embassy in the UAE to facilitate the repatriation of his body to South America.
Roberto Firmino, who left Liverpool last summer after an illustrious eight-year stint with the club, expressed his grief in his book, ‘Si Senor – My Liverpool Years.’ In a poignant tribute, he wrote, “Not all heroes wear capes; some are called father.”
Describing his father as a childhood hero and inspiration, Firmino highlighted Jose’s generosity, honesty, and dedication to family.
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Firmino’s boyhood club, CRB, also shared a heartfelt message, expressing deep regret at the passing of José Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira.
The club acknowledged Jose’s pride in seeing his son rise through the ranks of football, unveiling his talent with the whirlpool shirt at CRB.
As Firmino continues his football journey with Al-Ahli, the news of his father’s passing adds a layer of poignancy to his recent achievements, including a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut.
The football community mourns the loss of a figure who played a crucial role in shaping the career of one of Brazil’s talented forwards.
