Roberto Firmino Barbosa de Oliveira was born on 2 October 1991 in Maceió, Brazil. He is a Brazilian professional midfielder performing for German club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
Firmino began his career at CR Brasil where he played until 2008. When the player was 17 he transferred to Tombense FC, before that he had performed for different youth clubs. In the latest club Roberto had played for 2 years at the amateur level, but only at Figuirense FC he finally made a name. In his first season in the second division in 2009/2010, Roberto was named the player of the year netting seven goals in 36 appearances. Thereafter, Firmino appeared in 2 matches, setting up 1 goal. In December 2010, Firmino transferred to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim from Figueirense, undersigning a contract until June 2015. On 1 January 2011, he formally signed it for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. An early transfer was indispensable since several other clubs in Europe had noted Firmino as a transfer target. In November 2011, he was turned out of the first team squad for coming up late for training. On the whole, the footballer performed in 41 games, netting 10 goals. On 26 February 2011, Firmino made his debut in Bundesliga in the 24th round in a 1-2 loss to Mainz. His first goal was netted on 16 April 2011 in the 30th round in a 1-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt. Roberto is a key player at present, and he is working his way up hard to be in the senior team squad. This is due to his good speed and ability to make assists, his ability to play up front, on the wings, as well as in the centre of midfield.
Roberto has neither performed for the national team squad, nor for U-21. It will, however, be difficult to elbow his way to the Brazilian squad in view of keen competition for the centre of midfield or up front.
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