Romário
Brazilian legend and 1994 World Cup winner
Romário de Souza Faria (born 29 January 1966), known simply as Romário, is a Brazilian politician and former professional footballer who is currently the Senior Senator for Rio de Janeiro and is the president of football club America-RJ. A prolific striker renowned for his clinical finishing, he is considered one of the greatest players of all time. He scored over 700 goals for his clubs and country and is one of only five players to have scored 100 goals with three different clubs. Romário starred for Brazil in their 1994 FIFA World Cup triumph, receiving the Golden Ball as player of the tournament. He was named FIFA World Player of the Year the same year. He came fifth in the FIFA Player of the Century internet poll in 1999, was elected to the FIFA World Cup Dream Team in 2002, and was named in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players in 2004. With 55 goals in 70 appearances, Romário is the fourth-highest goalscorer for the Brazil national team, behind Neymar, Pelé and Ronaldo.
- Role
- Striker
- Affiliation
- Brazil National Team
- Status
- Retired
- Major Honours
- FIFA World Cup Winner (1994), FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (1994)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Romário started his political career in 2010, when he was elected deputy for the Brazilian Socialist Party. He was then elected senator in 2014. In 2017, he switched parties for Podemos, and in 2021, he joined the Liberal Party. At club level, after developing his early career in Brazil, Romário moved to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands in 1988. During his five seasons at PSV the club became Eredivisie champions three times, and he scored a total of 165 goals in 167 games. In 1993, he moved to Barcelona and became part of Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team', forming an exceptional strike partnership with Hristo Stoichkov. He won La Liga in his first season and finished as the top goalscorer with 30 goals in 33 matches. During the second half of his career Romário played for clubs within the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. He won the Brazilian league title with Vasco da Gama in 2000 and was top scorer three times in the league. At the end of his career he also played briefly in Qatar, the United States and Australia.
In Their Own Story
The humidity of Pasadena hung heavy over the Rose Bowl in July 1994. The final was a tense affair, stretching into extra time with neither side able to break the deadlock. Amidst the chaos, Romário found space near the edge of the box. With a defender closing in and the goalkeeper advancing, he didn't hesitate. A simple, sharp touch sent the ball skimming across the grass and into the net, a moment of pure instinct that silenced the opposition and ignited the Brazilian faithful. It was not just a goal; it was the culmination of years of struggle, doubt, and relentless pursuit of perfection.
Reader's Guide
Romário is a former striker known for his clinical finishing, rapid speed over short distances, low centre of gravity, and trademark toe poke finish. He is considered a master of the confined space of the penalty area. He is the fourth-highest goalscorer for Brazil with 55 goals in 70 appearances, and is third on the all-time list of Brazilian league's top scorers with 155 goals. He is the ninth-highest goalscorer in the history of football with 784 goals in 1002 official games.
Did You Know?
- Romário scored 165 goals in 167 games for PSV Eindhoven.
- He won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1994.
- He is one of only five players to have scored 100 goals with three different clubs.
- Romário scored a hat-trick in a 5–0 win over Real Madrid in El Clásico at the Camp Nou.
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