Bebeto

Brazilian striker, World Cup winner, and political figure.

José Roberto Gama de Oliveira (born 16 February 1964), known as Bebeto, is a Brazilian former professional football player who played as a forward. He entered politics in the 2010 Brazilian general elections and was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro representing the Democratic Labour Party.

Quick Facts

Office: Member of the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro
Took office: 1 February 2011
Left office: 31 January 2023
Party: PODE (2017–present)
Other party: PDT (2009–13; 2016–17); SD (2013–16)
Birth name: José Roberto Gama de Oliveira
Born: 16 February 1964
Birthplace: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

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).

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.