Romário

Striker who spent five years at Flamengo from 1995, apart from two short returns to Spain with Valencia.

Romário returned to Brazil in 1995 to play for Flamengo, spending five years with the club interspersed by two short stints in Spain. In a 1995 Supercopa Libertadores match against Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield, he kicked an opposition defender on the chest after the opponent punched his teammate Edmundo. He began the 1996–97 season with Valencia but returned to Flamengo following heated arguments with coach Luis Aragonés. After a brief return to Valencia for six league matches in the 1997–98 season, he left permanently to rejoin Flamengo.

Quick Facts

Office

Senator for Rio de Janeiro

Took office

1 February 2015

Predecessor

Francisco Dornelles

Born

29 January 1966

Birthplace

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Party

PL (2021–present)

Other party

PP (2001–2009)
PSB (2009–2017)
PODE (2017–2021)

Height

1.67 m / 5 ft 6 in

Lore & Background

Romário's second act with Flamengo began in 1995, but it was often overshadowed by his volatility. During a Supercopa Libertadores clash against Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield, tensions flared when an opponent struck Edmundo; Romário retaliated immediately by kicking the defender on the chest. His time at the club was frequently interrupted by moves to Spain. He started the 1996–97 season with Valencia but returned after clashing with Luis Aragonés. A second attempt in the 1997–98 season lasted only six league matches before coach Claudio Ranieri, citing a desire not to keep players against their will, allowed Romário to leave for good to return to Flamengo.

Reader's Guide

Romário's relationship with Flamengo between 1995 and 2000 was characterized by frequent departures and returns. While he spent five years with the club overall, two short-lasting comebacks to Spain interrupted his domestic tenure. His first return to Brazil saw him involved in a physical altercation against Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield in 1995. He then moved to Valencia for the 1996–97 season but was loaned back after conflicts with Luis Aragonés. A second move to Valencia in the 1997–98 season ended abruptly after six league games; coach Claudio Ranieri facilitated his exit, allowing Romário to return to Flamengo permanently to focus on World Cup preparation.