Bebeto

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Bebeto started his career in 1983 with Vitória. He played for Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, Cruzeiro and Botafogo in Brazil, Deportivo La Coruña and Sevilla in Spain, Toros Neza in Mexico, Kashima Antlers in Japan, and Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, finally retiring in 2002. He spent four years at Deportivo La Coruña, scoring 86 goals in 131 games, and was top scorer in La Liga in 1992–93. In 1996 he returned to Flamengo for 15 games, then played for Sevilla without scoring. In 1997 he joined Cruzeiro for one match, the Intercontinental Cup final. He later played for Vitória and Botafogo. For Brazil, he scored 39 goals in 75 caps, playing in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups, winning in 1994. He also won the 1989 Copa América and 1997 Confederations Cup, and Olympic silver (1988) and bronze (1996).

In Their Own Story

During the 1994 World Cup, Bebeto formed a formidable partnership with Romário after putting their personal differences aside. They were fierce rivals in the Spanish League; Bebeto led La Liga with 29 goals in the 1992–93 season while Romário led it with 30 goals in 1993–94. Romário had given Bebeto the nickname 'Chorao' (Crybaby) for his habit of pouting to referees and once called a news conference stating he would not sit next to Bebeto on the flight to the United States. However, by 2018, they were friends who talked often. In an interview that year, Bebeto praised their partnership: 'I played with Romario only in the national team... Do you know that Brazil have never lost a game when Bebeto and Romario played together? Not a single game! Besides, every time we played together at least one of us scored.'

Reader's Guide

Bebeto is a former forward known for his prolific goalscoring, finishing, and partnership with Romário. He was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1989. His club career spanned multiple countries, with notable success at Deportivo La Coruña. He later became a coach briefly in 2009–2010 and served as an ambassador for the 2014 World Cup and Rio 2016.

Did You Know?

• Bebeto's iconic baby-rocking goal celebration at the 1994 World Cup was inspired by the birth of his son Mattheus.
• He and Romário never lost a game when playing together for Brazil, and at least one of them scored in every match.
• Bebeto was rejected by Scottish side St Mirren in 2001 due to fitness concerns.
• He was on the cover of certain editions of FIFA 97.