I have a script starting qemu with these options:
qemu-system-x86_64 [...]
-net nic,model=rtl8139
-net user,hostfwd=tcp::55
After @PeterMaydell comments and a few more readings I understood how the options -device and -netdev relates in qemu.
The correct translation of the older -redir options used in my script are:
-netdev user,id=ethernet.0,hostfwd=tcp::5555-:1522,hostfwd=tcp::9999-:9,hostfwd=tcp::17010-:17010,hostfwd=tcp::17013-:17013
-device rtl8139,netdev=ethernet.0
In a -netdev user you specify all host->guest port forwards for a single virtual ethernet of the guest. The id option identify such virtual network interface (ethernet.0 in this case).
The -device argument can then define the hardware to simulate for that interface (related with netdev=ethernet.0) so that the guest see that hardware in place and open the forwarded ports.